Ingredient: Turmeric

Turmeric, a member of the ginger family native to Southeast Asia, is renowned for its culinary uses and numerous nutritional benefits. Its rhizome, or underground root, is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Its knobbly, pungent yellow flesh can be used fresh, but it is often found as a yellow powder used as a spice, which is why you frequently hear of it referred to as “golden spice.”

Turmeric adds a vibrant yellow colour to food with a warm and mildly peppery flavour and is a staple in many curry recipes. Add grated root or powdered turmeric to soups, kedgeree, or warm turmeric milk before bed. You can also add turmeric to tropical fruity ice lollies or smoothies for young children. Taking turmeric food supplements is easy if you prefer.

Beyond its culinary appeal, turmeric is well known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to reduce pain and improve function in those with arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. It may also help with acute lung injury from infection as it reduces the inflammatory cytokines.

Additionally, turmeric can help lift the mood and has been found to support a wide range of mental health challenges, from stress to anxiety as well as depression. So if you’re looking to enhance your health, turmeric is an excellent choice.