Slightly Obsessed with Turmeric

I don't know about you - but since embarking on my PaleoPlus journey - I have become a crazy researcher and reader.  I want to know as much as I can about the benefits of clean eating.  I want to try all the recipes.  I want to explore new ingredients.

And in my research and reading (based on my health history and conditions - think HUGE family history of Alzheimer's, joint pain, tummy troubles and family history of heart disease) sometimes things just jump off the page at me.

Right now, that thing is Turmeric

I have to admit - although I've been a fan of curry for several years (superfood!), I had never purchased or used any Turmeric in my own kitchen.  Until maybe 3 weeks ago.

I saw an IG post about "Golden Milk" on one of my favorite sites and started investigating why all the crazy positive comments.  I read article after article and blog post after blog post about the benefits of turmeric.

So, on my next shopping trip, I bought some!  The first thing I made was a cup of the highly touted "Golden Milk".  It's a different taste and a different texture.  You can find several recipes online - Pinterest, Paleo and health blogs, Instagram.  I'm putting my recipe at the bottom of this post in case you don't want to have to search!

The more I read about turmeric - the more I am trying to incorporate it into my diet.  I encourage you to do your own research.  Mark's Daily Apple has a ton of information and I feel confident in his information.  But, like I said - look at the resources you trust and see for yourself. 

It's natural (from the Curcuma longa plant).  It's a powerful antioxidant.  It doesn't interfere with the normal breakdown of foods or the absorption of minerals and nutrients in your digestive system.  Helps maintain cholesterol levels. It's an anti-carcinogenic.  It improves brain function, cardiovascular health, is used in India, China and other countries to treat illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer's and arthritis.  It's an anti-inflammatory and boosts immune function.

It's not all fun and games - there are plenty of warnings of the side effects of turmeric.  While use of turmeric in cooking is considered safe and unlikely to cause side effects, taking it in large doses (because someone always has to try and turbo-charge a good thing instead of letting it work naturally) can give you a stomach ache, etc and there are warnings for people with gallstones, problems with kidney stones or acid reflux.  Do your own research or talk to your doctor before adding turmeric to your diet.  (Have I mentioned lately that I am NOT a nutritionist, physician, yogi, nurse, specialist or anyone with any degree in health - just a regular woman trying to live as her healthiest self and wanting to share my exciting discoveries.)

I did my research, I'm happy to enjoy the benefits slowly as an integral part of my diet, and I like what I'm reading.  I probably eat it or drink it 4 or 5 days a week in small quantities.  I add it to my soups and chili.  I have added it to the spice mixture I put on roasted root vegetables.  And I drink it in Golden Milk or tea. 

I love the color!  I love the flavor (but I love curries!) and I love the potential benefits.  I will keep reading up on turmeric, but I'm pretty dialed in to the Paleo, whole foods, organic world these days.  Until then, turmeric is a staple in my pantry and a frequent ingredient in my cooking!

Here's my take on Golden Milk (for 1 serving)

Start with 1 c. full-fat coconut milk, 1 T unrefined coconut oil, 1/4 t. ground ginger, 1/2 t. ground cinnamon, 1 t. turmeric.  Bring the coconut milk to a boil on the stove, then add all the spices and coconut oil and whisk or stir for a minute.  (It's important to boil the turmeric to ease the bitterness - but don't walk away - it happens really quickly!)

Remove from heat and put into a blender cup.  I add a drizzle of Organic Grade B Maple Syrup for sweetness if I'm drinking it solo.  If I'm making a double batch to use in tea, soup or in a smoothie OR I'm in the middle of a CleanLeanMean (super clean eating week, month, etc. with ZERO sugars or sweeteners), I leave the sweetener out.  Make sure you put a towel over the blender top before turning it on...hot liquid in a blender has a mind of its own!!!  Blend on high for 15-30 seconds and enjoy warm.

I grate a little fresh nutmeg on mine - because I adore the smell and it makes it festive!  Enjoy and let me know your thoughts on turmeric as a part of your healthy diet.