This short-stemmed tropical plant grows in warm, sunny regions with fertile soil and brightly coloured flowers. It is the rhizomes, the bright orange tuberous underground stems, which are used in cooking, either fresh or dried as a powder: the latter is one of the essential ingredients in curry. This plant is rich in curcumin, a plant active ingredient from the curcuminoid family, which gives it its superb colour. Curcumin is widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects, and is particularly recommended in cases of joint discomfort or rheumatism.
Turmeric in its powdered form is in itself a veritable treasure trove of nature, known for its many benefits, and is an ideal occasional or regular addition to a diet that combines health and pleasure. Easy to use, it is perfectly suited to helping relieve digestive problems, and on a daily basis as part of an ‘anti-inflammatory diet’ or antioxidant regimen. In cooking, it is traditionally combined with pepper or fats such as edible oil, to optimize its effects.
Yes, turmeric is a spice that can be incorporated into your daily diet.
There are no particular contraindications to consuming turmeric powder in small doses as a spice in your daily diet or occasionally in drinks such as milk. On the other hand, regular consumption of turmeric in high doses, for example if you are taking turmeric capsules, is contraindicated for people suffering from obstruction of the bile ducts (stones) or an ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, and is not recommended during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. If you suffer from liver disease or are taking anticoagulant medication, it is advisable to consult your doctor, especially if you combine high doses of turmeric with black pepper, which is known to enhance the absorption of curcumin.
Turmeric is very often combined with black pepper, one of whose active ingredients, piperine, helps to improve the bioavailability of curcumin, i.e. the proportion of the active ingredient that passes into the bloodstream and can act on the body. In cooking, it can therefore be a good idea to combine turmeric with black pepper to maximize the benefits of this spice, and this is often done in traditional spice blends. On the other hand, if you use turmeric regularly in large doses in combination with black pepper, for example by preparing capsules for a course of treatment, there are contraindications, particularly in the case of liver or gall bladder disorders or if you have any particular sensitivities.
Yes, there are no contraindications to children using this spice in cooking in current doses. However, using high doses of Turmeric on a regular basis as a cure is not suitable for children.
Properties
Why eat turmeric?
Rich in curcumin and curcuminoids, natural active ingredients with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Turmeric is an ideal part of an anti-inflammatory diet.
Rich in antioxidants, Turmeric contributes to a healthy diet that promotes well-being.
Turmeric adds a characteristic spicy, warm, slightly bitter and peppery flavour to your dishes, and gives them a superb yellow colour.
This spice promotes digestive well-being.
Some ideas for incorporating turmeric into your diet
Turmeric is a star of healthy cooking and can be used in all kinds of sweet and savory dishes, including :
To prepare the famous ‘golden milk’ with coconut oil or coconut milk
To colour rice
In Indian, Oriental, Asian and Caribbean cuisine…
To prepare spice blends such as curry, ras-el-hanout, colombo, garam masala…
In small doses in biscuits, cookies or cakes for a touch of color
Here are two quick or home recipes
Turmeric Smoothie
Ingredients
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 banana
1 apple
1 carrot
1/2 glass orange juice
1 pinch ginger powder
1/2 glass plant milk (almond or soya, for example)
3 grinds of black pepper
Preparation
1- Wash the apple and carrot and place them in the juicer. Turn on the appliance.
2- Peel and chop the banana.
3- Place all the ingredients in the blender
4- Blend everything together until smooth
5- Put the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes. Now it’s ready!
To delight your taste buds!
Fruity and exotic, this smoothie is ideal in summer, for a healthy moment of 100% pleasure!
Turmeric infusion
Ingredients
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon ginger oil
1 pinch cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure honey
250ml water
Optional: Lemon juice
Preparation
1- Place the powders in a tea ball.
2- Bring the water to the boil.
3- Leave the powders to infuse for 7-8 minutes in the hot water, then remove the tea ball.
4- Add the honey and you’re ready to enjoy!
NB: You can add a few drops of lemon juice at the end for a tangy taste!
To delight your taste buds!
This herbal tea is ideal for relaxing after a hearty meal.
Use
How to use Organic Turmeric powder?
1/2 to 1 teaspoon sprinkled over your dishes or added to your drinks.
Cooking
Sprinkle ½ to 1 teaspoon of Turmeric powder over your salads or dishes.
Smoothie and shakes
Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of Turmeric powder to your favorite smoothies and shakes
Latte
Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder to your latte.
Warning : The above properties, indications and methods of use are quoted from reference books or websites. This general information is provided for information purposes only and in no way constitutes medical information. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. If in doubt, we recommend that you consult a doctor before using essential oils.