Turmeric has long been touted as a super food; thanks to its compound curcumin that is known to have health promoting properties. Turmeric is used in dried or fresh form in cooking, cosmetics and traditional medicines. It has numerous bioactive compounds that endow several medicinal benefits to this spice. Other compounds that are present in turmeric are volatile oils, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, linolenic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, fibres, et al, which provide this spice with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-microbial and thermogenic properties. Not only does this spice help in keeping your body healthy, and achieving a flat tummy, it also helps in losing weight.
A. Turmeric Tea: Turmeric tea is one popular form of consuming turmeric. It has a unique but subtle flavor.
Ingredients:
- Turmeric paste
- Ginger paste
- Water
Method: Pour some water in a saucepan. Add both ginger and turmeric pastes and let the water come to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, immediately turn off the heat and let it cool at room temperature. Strain it before drinking. Go on and drink turmeric tea for that flat tummy and weight loss along with exercises and a healthy and a balanced diet.
B. Turmeric/Golden Milk: If you are hoping for a more delicious way to take turmeric, then Turmeric Milk is the answer. Traditionally known as ‘Haldi Doodh’, Turmeric Milk which is a known home remedy in India.
This is a delicious recipe and if you like, you can make and keep turmeric paste mixture for a month in the fridge.
Ingredients:
- Tumeric
- Water
- Non-dairy Milk (Soy, Rice or Almond Milk)
Method: So, to make the turmeric paste, take good quality (organic) turmeric powder ¼ cup and add ½ cup of pure water. Combine both and keep over a medium flame for a minimum of 7 minutes until thick paste forms. If the mixture gets too dry, add a little more water. Take this mixture off the fire and allow it to cool before putting in a glass container and storing in the fridge.
C. Turmeric/Golden Paste: Curcumin found in turmeric is poorly absorbed in the body. One agent that can improve turmeric’s absorption is piperine, the compound that imparts pungent taste to black pepper.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup turmeric powder (125 ml)
- 1 cup water (250 ml)
- 1/2 cup water extra, if needed (125 ml)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper (7.5 ml)
- 70 ml cold pressed Olive or Coconut oil – Adding fats is another way to increase the absorption of turmeric in body. Chose healthy oils such as virgin coconut to virgin olive oil.
Method: It is extremely easy and quick. Add turmeric to water in a pan. Heat gently along with stirring. Do this till you get a thick paste which can take anything from 6 to 10 mins. If you feel your paste is watery, add some more turmeric if you feel it has become too thick, add some water. At the end — add the pepper and oil. Keep stirring to ensure that all ingredients are mixed properly. Allow it to cool. One great thing about this paste is you can keep it in a jar and refrigerate it. This will ensure you can make it once and use for a few days. Opinions vary on how long we can keep the jar, preferably, 1-2 weeks is okay. Not more than that. I must warn you that you may not like the taste of golden paste (many do not) but do not worry. It can be taken in various ways such as – adding to curries, salads, veggies just to name a few.
D. Smoothies: Blend into a smoothie as it is especially great in juices and smoothies. The slightly pungent flavor is usually well masked in smoothies.
Ingredients:
- 1 large handful roughly chopped kale, spinach, collards, or a combination
- 1 frozen peeled banana, cut into several pieces
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut water
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon flax oil
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method: Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until completely uniform in color and all the bits of green are pulverized. Serve immediately.
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