If you Are tapped into the health news stream, are a regular at your local farmers market or frequent vegan hangouts then we are betting that you’ve come across a whole lot of turmeric root lately. Turmeric is one of the super stars of the health world, being spun into drink concoctions, mixed into raw entrees, and blended into tonifying elixirs everywhere lately.
A traditional spice widely used in Indian cuisine, turmeric’s intrigue comes from its compound called curcumin. It is this compound that has been proven in countless research studies to provide extraordinary benefits to the functioning of the body. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may prevent Alzheimer’s disease and alleviate symptoms of arthritis. Evidence is also mounting – with 200 citations for turmeric and cancer and more than 700 for curcumin and cancer – that turmeric may be comparable to pharmaceuticals for its effectiveness against cancers, specifically of the colon, breast, esophagus, oral cavity, prostate and liver. It’s no wonder we are so eager to get it into our daily wellness routines!
The one thing to be aware of is that not all turmeric is created equal. Turmeric is a finicky spice, meaning how we consume it is vitally important. This spice does not have a high bioavailability rate, it is easily damaged by air and light, and it needs fat or heat to be properly absorbed. The good news is that we have scanned the market for the best turmeric – the highest quality and most therapeutic – and figured out the best ways to consume it. Now all you have to do is try it. Take a pick from one of our favorite turmeric sources – it might just become your new superfood obsession, and inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
High: Curcumin 500 with Bioperine by Pure Encapsulations
If you are serious about spice therapy, then try this turmeric (curcumin) supplement by Pure Encapsulations. This product was designed to improve your physiology – reducing inflammation, protecting cells from damage, and supporting the detoxification processes. It has been proven effective in scientific investigations, and shows promise it its ability to protect the brain while also improving the immune response. To add to its value, this supplement also contains bioperine, which is black pepper extract. The addition of bioperine is key, since it is needed to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin in the body. This ultimately differentiates it between something that spices up your dish, and something that helps you to reach your health goals. Definitely worth the price.
Midpoint: Fresh Turmeric Root / Juiced Turmeric Root
An important thing to know about turmeric is that its therapeutic value begins to diminish once it is ground. Turmeric’s compounds are damaged by air and light, so it is vital that you grind it fresh each time you use it. That means that the turmeric powder sitting on your spice rack is not going to be the best way to receive its benefits, so choose a whole turmeric root instead. While whole turmeric root is not cheap, it does last a long time, and can easily be found at your local farmers market or health food store.
One simple way to get fresh turmeric root into your system is by juicing it. Pressed Juicery’s seasonal Navel Orange Turmeric Apple Lemon juice is the perfect way to get a giant dose of this powerful spice along with a little fruit to temper the flavor. Turmeric doesn’t get much more delicious.
Low: Turmeric Ginger Tea by Rishi
For all of you tea lovers out there, this one is for you. Turmeric can easily be consumed as a tea, and this blend by Rishi is one of our favorites. It is not only delicious – think curry in a cup – but it is also the most cost-effective option. This tea blend also contains ginger, which is very important for turmeric’s absorption. Ginger, just like black pepper, helps to increase the digestive fire, improving the absorption of the turmeric. Plus, since the turmeric is heated by the brewing of the tea, the healing properties are activated, making tea an ideal delivery system.
