The wonders of turmeric!
I am sure you have all heard the buzz about turmeric, Starbucks sell turmeric lattes, lots of places are becoming aware of how important turmeric is to us.
What isn’t explained is turmeric is not very well absorbed unless you have a potentiator.
WHAT?
A spice can be powerful, but to increase its bio-availability into our body you need what is called a potentiator. A potentiator is a chemical, herb, or other drug that is used to increase the effects of a substance.
There you have it!
For example black pepper increases turmeric absorption. Even just a little pinch of pepper, even 1/20th of a teaspoon of it can significantly boost levels of this spices benefits.
Black pepper contains a compound called piperine, which inhibits the metabolic breakdown of turmeric compounds in the gut and the liver.
Our liver is actively trying to get rid of the spice so what if the process is suppressed by taking just a quarter teaspoon’s worth of black pepper? Then you see curcumin levels shoot up.
Taking black pepper with turmeric allows higher levels of turmeric compounds to remain in the body, it increases its bioavailability, which is what increases the effects of turmeric as an anti-inflammatory spice.
Did You know?
5% of the spice turmeric is composed of an active compound called curcumin.
Curcumin is responsible for the yellow colour of turmeric.
How can I use it?
Turmeric protein balls as snacks are easy and great for all the family.
Turmeric globes
Made for people suffering any types of inflammation in the body.
Ingredients
2tsp turmeric powder
One scoop pea protein powder
Three tbsp Manuka honey
Black pepper (I used 1/4 tsp )
Water to make them stick use as much as needed
2oo g almond flour
2 tbsp nut butter (I used almond)
Mix together and form into little bombs and freeze for two hours:) I keep in the freezer though as we like them
Cold:)
Great snacks 
What else can you do with turmeric?
What about a healthy Latte?
Oat milk 300ml organic
1tbsp turmeric
1/4 tsp black pepper
2tbsp Manuka honey/ carob/ agave (use what you prefer)
Pinch of cinnamon and ginger if you like the kick from ginger
😀
Do not over boil but heat so it’s warm enough to drink slowly:)
A few other health benefits of this wonderful spice.
1/Anti -Inflammatory, this means it can help with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
2/A natural painkiller, yes it really does work as a pain killer, it inhibits one of the enzymes that promote inflammation, pain and fever. It is a cox-2 inhibitor (Cyclooxygenase)
It is packed with antioxidants which make this a must in your diet. We need antioxidants, they help prevent or stop cell damage caused by oxidants.
Oxidants are free radicals in the body that cause oxidative stress.
How do you know if you have oxidative stress?
Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Fatigue (unusual)
- Memory loss and/or brain fog
- Muscle and/or joint pain
- Wrinkles and grey hair prematurely
- Decreased eye sight
- Headaches and sensitivity to noise
- Susceptibility to infections, colds and so on.
Most importantly you should aim to have a balanced healthy diet 80% of the time.
Exercise and fluids and plenty of sleep.
Meditation and yoga are great for winding down.
Who shouldn’t have turmeric?
People with biliary tract obstruction should be careful about consuming curcumin.
Not recommended for people with a tendency to form kidney stones.
Please check with your Gp if you are unsure.
For a detailed food plan and advice please email maria1tait@gmail.com
Have a great day
x
