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be used fresh; peeled, then sliced or grated, much as you would use ginger root. However, it is the dried, powdered spice that is most frequently used in this country.
In Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Asian households alike, turmeric is regarded as nothing less than a wonder herb. Anti-in- ammatory, antiseptic and detoxifying, it is commonly used as a remedy for a wide range of ailments including colds, sore throats, indigestion, skin conditions and even parasites. ough Ayurvedic
Fresh turmeric can be used in any recipe calling for the herb; a good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of fresh turmeric for 1 teaspoon of dried.
practices have long been highly respected by many, they are an- ecdotal and based on traditional wisdom. However, scienti c re- search now supports that turmeric, and especially curcumin, is a potent force against many disease factors. ese include cancer, Al- zheimer’s disease and Type 2 diabetes. Most signi cantly, curcumin seems to reduce C-reactive protein levels, which is the in amma- tory marker in humans. is is important because in ammation is a precursor to many disease systems.
Perhaps the most signi cant research statistics focus on curcum- in and Alzheimer’s disease. In India the prevalence of AD among adults is 4.4 times less than in the United States. In fact, India has the lowest rate reported in the world. ough the World Health Organization recognizes this trend, they do not associate it with turmeric. is is interesting since there are many studies indicat- ing that curcumin, which crosses the blood brain barrier, provides a preventative e ect on the degenerative processes associated with AD. With turmeric a key element of their cuisine, the people of In- dia thus reap these preventative health bene ts each and every day.
Food Grade vs. Supplements
e largest market for turmeric and curcumin supplements is North
America, where sales exceeded $20 million in 2014. Yet despite the plethora of studies that support the bene cial e ects of turmeric, there are no clear guidelines on dosage. And although isolated cur- cumin is frequently studied for health e ects, whole turmeric has hundreds of other molecules, each of which contribute to a syner- gistic e ect. If you’d like to add turmeric to your diet, there are two ways you can help your body reap the bene ts.
Add Black Pepper
Turmeric is poorly absorbed by the body, however consuming it along with black pepper increases absorption up to 2000%. So al- ways add a few generous twists (1/4 teaspoon is optimum) from your pepper grinder to whatever you are preparing!
Less Is More
Studies show that low doses of curcumin over longer periods of time, rather than high doses, are more e ective at combating de- generative disease processes. is makes a solid case for eschewing supplements and sticking with food grade turmeric.
You can easily, and deliciously, get your daily dose.
Powdered Spice vs. Fresh
Why choose? e powdered spice is available everywhere, and easy to use in a wide variety of dishes. Adopt the habit of adding a hefty sprinkle to your egg and chicken dishes, which readily take on the earthy avor and sa ron-hued color. You can also create your own custom spice mix of turmeric, salt and pepper, along with your choice of coriander or cumin, and keep the shaker handy to add avor and nutritional value to your food. Sprinkle liberally on vegetables, potatoes and rice. Turmeric is not just for curry anymore.
Using fresh turmeric requires more energy than opening a jar, but the fresh herbs’ jolt is well worth the e ort. If you can’t nd it at your local grocery, try an Asian market. You need to peel the rhizome, then slice or grate it prior to use. (Gloves are an excellent idea because the bright yellow pigment stains anything it touches!) Fresh turmeric can be used in any recipe calling for the herb; a good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of fresh turmeric for 1 teaspoon of dried.
Golden Milk is a soothing Ayurvedic brew that will hook you with its creamy warmth. You can drink it as a morning tonic, after-
16 Endless Summer 2017
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