Turmeric or curcumin is a wonderful spice and a common ingredient of curry powder. It is known to fight inflammation and may even aid in fighting diseases like Alzheimer’s. More and more people in the West are awakening to the numerous health benefits of turmeric. The bright yellow root herb is ideal for addition to a glass of milk as well as to many other recipes. Today we wil discuss some easy ways to add turmeric to your diet
1. Make turmeric tea
This is an easy way to add turmeric to your diet. Boil a cup of water and add grated turmeric root (or ¼ tsp of powder) to it. Also add some grated ginger. Remove from heat, let steep for a few minutes. Strain the tea and sweeten it with honey or Stevia. Add a dash of lemon and drink this delicious weight loss beverage 3-4 times a day. This is a wonderful inflammation fighting tea that is rich in antioxidants.
2. Add it to smoothies and milkshakes
Curcumin is a wonderful addition to shakes, smoothies and other beverages containing milk or yogurt. Below is a wonderful smoothie recipe with Kefir. You can replace Kefir with Greek yogurt and milk. For lactose intolerant people, you may use nondairy milk like soy or rice milk:
- 1 frozen/fresh mango cubed
- Banana-1/2 cup slices of frozen or fresh banana
- ¾ cup kefir
- ½ tsp organic turmeric
Blend all ingredients in a blender and enjoy fresh.
3. On eggs
For a healthy start to your mornings, add ¼ tsp of turmeric to any egg recipe like scrambled egg, French toast etc. You can also add a pinch of turmeric to your pancake batter. This is an easy way to use turmeric powder.
4. In soups and broths
Make any soup or broth recipe healthier by adding a dash of curcumin. Here is a simple recipe which can help you easily add turmeric to your weight loss diet plan:
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbsp of coconut oil.
- Fry 2-3 small green onions, 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch piece of grated ginger. Add a pinch of pepper flakes.
- Next, add about 1 ½ pounds of sliced carrots, salt to taste, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp Turmeric powder (or 1 inch piece of turmeric root grated). Fry for a bit, then add 4 cups water.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until carrots are soft.
- Cool a bit, and then puree the soup in a blender.
- You can serve this hot or chilled. To serve, drizzle some coconut milk or and garnish with chopped parsley.
5. Just sprinkle it on any meal
Curcumin is a tasteless spice. So you can simply add it to any meal and it won’t alter the taste of the dish at all.
6. As a dip or in salads and sandwiches
Add a beautiful yellow-golden-orange hue using the powder in salad dressing or sauces and instantly transform it into a healthy, anti-inflammatory dish. This powder is readily available in all grocery stores or you can buy it online as well. Here is an easy low calorie dip:
- 1 cup low fat mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp powder or you can use fresh grated curcumin root ½ inch
- ¼ cup dried onion
Mix all ingredients. Enjoy with fresh vegetables or in your subs and sandwiches. This is a great dip for cauliflowers, broccoli, celery and bell peppers.
7. With lentils
This spicy herb tastes fantastic in lentils and is a protein rich way of using it for weight loss. Cook lentils in a pressure cooker, mash them a bit, add butter, salt, pepper and a dash of turmeric. Serve with plain rice or drink as a soup.
8. Turmeric chicken recipe
Turmeric chicken recipes are delicious, easy and fantastic way of using turmeric for weight loss. Here is a sweet savory honey and turmeric chicken recipe:
- Mix together 2 minced garlic cloves with 1 ½ tbsp of honey, ¾ tsp turmeric and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate four deboned chicken thighs with skin intact in this mixture. In a skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked completely. You can alternatively bake the marinated chicken at 400 F for 20 minutes.
9. With sautéed cauliflower
This is a delicious and tasty way of using this antioxidant herb for pain, inflammation and anti-aging benefits. Shallow fry medium-sized cauliflower florets in a little bit of oil along with a teaspoon of turmeric for up to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add a dash of olive oil and salt and pepper.
10. With brown rice
Cook brown rice and mix it with salt, pepper, turmeric, cashew and raisins. Drizzle a little butter and enjoy warm!
11. As a bedtime drink
This beverage made using milk, honey and turmeric is ideal for fighting sore throat, coughs or colds. Take a glass of warm milk and add half a teaspoon of the golden yellow powder. Sweeten it with honey. Delicious! This is one of the easiest and tastiest of all fresh turmeric recipes.
12. Take pills
Start with a standard dose of 400 to 500 mg per day. Capsules of curcumin are readily available in most drugs stores or you can buy them online.