Our Favorite Rhizome
Turmeric is that bright yellow powder (actually it’s a rhizome before it becomes dried and ground into a powder) in the spice cabinet that many of us aren’t sure what to do with. We may use it in curries on that rare occasion that we actually make curry at home, or it just collects dust and the brilliant bright yellow-pigmented spice starts to fade after years and years of neglect. The good news is that turmeric isn’t just for curry anymore. The bad news is that if your bottle or baggie of turmeric has been sitting in your pantry for a few years or more, you may want to splurge on some fresh spice. And, if you are fortunate to have access to a grocer that carries the fresh rhizome (that looks like a smaller, slightly more orange form of ginger root), then give that a try too. And if you've been following Healthy Skoop for a while, you'll know that one of our best selling and most love products is our Daily Detox, starring Fermented Turmeric!
What’s the big deal about such a small little “rooty” looking thing like turmeric? The big deal is that when you consume turmeric, you could improve your memory, your heart health, and decrease pain and inflammation. Curcumin, which is the active compound in turmeric, has captured the interest of science and medicine and we are beginning to see more and more solid research and studies on the healing effects of curcumin and turmeric. Other health benefits attributed to curcumin include accelerated wound healing, liver protection, anti-tumor, and use as a cancer-protective agent. It has been used to treat minor cuts, burns, and bruising. This can be accomplished simply by taking turmeric powder, adding a bit of water and stirring it into a paste and applying it to the affected area.
Turmeric is being touted as an anti-aging remedy due to its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its effects on cognition and memory. One recent study (published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition) found that adding one gram of turmeric to breakfast improved the working memory of men and women for at least 6 hours after it was consumed. And this effect may be cumulative, meaning that it adds up over time. The irony of this study is that the turmeric was given on top of a bland breakfast of (gasp) white bread and still had profound effects. Imagine adding it (like we do) to a smoothie with dark green leafy veggies, berries, and organic plant-based protein powder (we know a great source!) and perhaps a dash of cinnamon – we’re talking lights on awesomeness!
The bottom line is that it is time to make turmeric part of your routine. You may “hate” curry. We’ve heard it a thousand times. Good news is that turmeric is widely available in a variety of sources. Of course we are biased, but our Daily Detox with Fermented Turmeric is one of the best, cleanest products you are going to find. If you’re a fan of coconut, add a teaspoon or half teaspoon of turmeric to coconut milk, ½ frozen banana plus ½ cup frozen strawberries, a little almond milk and Healthy Skoop Daily Protein powder and blend it up until smooth. If you’re really into the taste of turmeric, add a little more spice like fresh ginger and cinnamon and keep some of the fruit out – maybe adding a little fresh lemon juice, cucumber and a handful of kale leaves.
Also in Blog - The Skoop
Top Tips for Getting Healthy in 2020
The Many Different Types of Antioxidant
What Defines a Superfood?
News & Updates
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …