Turmeric is definitely one of my favorite herbs not only because it adds delicious, aromatic flavor to a meal or drink but also because it has improved my skin condition. A while ago I looked for some superfood that could reduce chronic inflammation in my body and boost my immune system. What was my surprise when I found some scientific articles about the health benefits of turmeric and its healing compound called curcumin.

Golden Spice

According to the scientific studies, turmeric (Curcuma longa) which grows in Southeast Asian countries is claimed to be the most powerful herb on a planet which can not only improve your health but even reverse a serious illness. And let me tell you, if you do a quick research you will find many examples of miraculous properties of this ancient Indian spice which is used in traditional medicine from ages as a natural remedy for various disease and from a couple of years is gaining popularity in the Western world.  

So, I thought I should give it a try because I had nothing to lose. In the worst case scenario I would spend a small amount of money for “the golden spice” which then I could use in my food recipes, but if this superfood really works it could improve my health conditions. I guess it’s worth a try. What I’ve noticed after a couple of days of incorporating turmeric into my diet was an increase in energy and better skin condition. Maybe it was only a placebo effect but I personally believe that this “miraculous spice” makes wonders to your health. I would recommend it to everyone. For me, after a couple of month turmeric is my “drug of choice”  🙂

Some proven health benefits of turmeric:

1. Natural anti-inflammatory (most of the diseases are caused by inflammation)
2. Natural Antibiotic
3. Natural painkiller
4. Potent antioxidant
5. Helps in heavy metal detoxification (especially Aluminium or Mercury poisoning)
6. Blood purifier
7. Lowers blood pressure
8. Reduces depression symptoms
9. Helps prevent/fights cancer (kills cancer cells) and diabetes (improves blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity)
10. Protects from a heart attack
11. Reduces symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease
12. Helps healing wounds
13. Lowers cholesterol levels
14. Improves digestion
15. Improves skin condition

My favorite recipes for Golden latte & Golden tea

Turmeric latte / Golden latte – gluten free/dairy free/vegan (if without honey)

Ingredients: (1 cup)

• 1 cup of unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey (or 1 teaspoon of organic maple syrup or 1 teaspoon of coconut sugar)
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (or 5-inch cinnamon stick)
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (some more for topping)
• ½ pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin coconut oil

If you want to spice it up you can also add:

• ½ teaspoon of powdered ashwagandha
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 star anise
• 1-2 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
• pinch of cloves
• pinch of ground black pepper
• pinch of Himalayan salt

Directions:

1. In a medium pot add almond or coconut milk
2. Add all ingredients and stir until milk is hot and all ingredients are well combined  
3. Serve warm with cinnamon topping

Turmeric detox tea

• 2 cups of purified warm water (you can also use green tea leaves)
• ¼ teaspoon  of turmeric
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ginger
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey (or maple syrup)
• ½ lemon

Directions:

1. Boil water (green tea leaves in water) in the saucepan or pot for 5 minutes (you can leave it to cool down for about 10 minutes)
2. Add all ingredients and stir until the mixture is well combined
3. Drink warm (I like to add a mint leaf)

Enjoy!

Stay positive

Be mindful

xx Kate