Although ancient Chinese and Indian herbal medical traditions have relied on turmeric for centuries, the Western world is only beginning to uncover the benefits of this colorful relative of the ginger plant.
Here are our favorite fast facts and potent benefits related to this long-revered spice:
1. Turmeric contains the compound curcumin, which has been studied for its ability to support the body’s fight against inflammation
In a 2005 study, all Crohn’s patients who were treated with curcumin had lowered SED rates, a common marker of inflammation.[1] Research by Nita Chainani-Wu, DMD, MPH, MS, at the University of California, San Francisco, suggests curcumin may inhibit various types of molecules responsible for promoting inflammation.[2]
2. Turmeric becomes even more effective when combined with other foods
Whether you are using turmeric as a culinary seasoning or brewing up an anti-inflammatory tea, add some black pepper to boost the benefits. According to Sigrid A. Rajasekaran of the Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research, curcumin has low water solubility and bioavailability.[3] Fortunately, additional research has found that piperine, an active compound which exists naturally in black pepper, increases the absorption rate.
3. Turmeric + Goat’s Milk Yogurt = Happiness
In the early days after diagnosis, we reached for a simple go-to formula whenever cramping intensified: ½ cup of goat’s milk yogurt with a teaspoon of turmeric. We found this ancient ayurvedic formula to be calming (important note: always check with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement – curcumin is not recommended for those suffering from intestinal bleeding and other conditions).
4. Turmeric can be used to make a delicious tea
Combine turmeric, cayenne, black pepper, fresh or ground ginger, and hot almond milk. Sweeten with a bit of honey or stevia. This sweet and spicy elixir relaxes and invigorates while flooding the body with powerful agents (bonus: this is also my go-to drink for soothing respiratory inflammation).
5. Turmeric adds intense color and refreshing flavor to everyday meals a key ingredient in North African, Middle Eastern, and Indian cooking
Frustrated by sugary gluten-free or chemical-laden “health” food versions of the foods you used to eat? Forget about fake pizza and try something new! There are traditional health-supporting whole-foods recipes from all over the world that can support your well-being (without modifications or substitutions) — even if you have Crohn’s disease! My favorite: chicken tagine with preserved lemon served over quinoa instead of the traditional couscous.
6. Turmeric can thin the blood
While traditional foods have included turmeric since ancient times and it’s generally recognized to be safe to eat, turmeric can thin the blood. Remember to consult your doctor before adding turmeric to your diet.
[1] Peter R. Holt MD, Seymour Katz MD, Robert Kirshoff, “Curcumin Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Study,” Digestive Diseases and Sciences,November 2005, Volume 50, Issue 11, pp 2191-2193
[2] Nita Chainani-Wu. “Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcumin: A Component of Tumeric (Curcuma longa),” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, February 2003, 9(1): 161-168
[3] Sigrid A Rajasekaran, “Therapeutic potential of curcumin in gastrointestinal diseases,” World J Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, 2011 February 15; 2(1): 1-14.
“Indian Spices in Spoons” by artur84 courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net