by Elizabeth Magee, LRD
That curry dish you love so much from your fave takeout spot might provide you some health benefits. Or maybe you’re making your own curry dishes at home. Either way. Let’s break it down.
Health benefits ahead!!
Inflammation is a concern for everyone. It’s a natural response to our bodies protecting and healing ourselves. If it’s happening for other reasons, it can end up causing chronic diseases.
Turmeric has become a popular supplement in the past few years to help with the inflammation issue so many of us deal with. But it’s been around for thousands of years and can help with more than just inflammation. Studies are popping up showing that turmeric helps with depression, prevents cancer, fights free radicals, helps with memory, and the list goes on.
So far, I’m convinced.
Try adding turmeric to your favorite dishes, smoothies, or golden milk (see below). It will add a bold color (that also easily stains, so be careful), warm flavor, and those health benefits we’re all looking for. Get creative – try new recipes or add it to current favorites.
Not a fan of that curry flavor? That’s ok. You can certainly take it as a supplement. Curcumin is the magical part of turmeric. Normally, we say to get your nutrients from food, but in this case, you may get more bang for your buck by taking a supplement. In turmeric spice, there is between 2% and 9% curcumin. However, supplements can contain 95% curcumin. Honestly, I’ve never knowingly tried food with curry in it, so the jury is out on whether I like it or not. I’m thinking supplements are the way to go for me!
Try this for a little before-bed treat (or whenever):
• Golden Milk: combine 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric with 1 cup of warm milk, black pepper, cinnamon, and honey or maple syrup over low heat for about 10 minutes
As always, check with your healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you are taking other medications or supplements or have general health concerns or conditions.
Elizabeth Magee is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.
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