Five ways to introduce Turmeric

Turmeric is one of MEDA’s hero ingredients. It is a champion anti-inflammatory and has an incredible antioxidant content. It can firm up skin, boost immunity, ease poor digestion and reduce inflammation. 

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and is responsible for the sunset yellow/orange hue of the root and powder. For centuries, Ayurvedic medicine has recommended turmeric for a variety of health conditions including chronic pain and inflammation. These days we can’t turn left or right without seeing turmeric based products, from latte mixes, to ice-cream flavours, soaps and jams

To get your daily dose of turmeric, whether it’s for colour and  flavour or a certain health benefit, check out our top five recommendations below:

MEDA’s Recover 
If you are looking for a way to harness the powerful anti-inflammatory benefits of Turmeric, without getting in the kitchen or popping a pill, check out MEDA’s recover drink.  A blend of CBD, turmeric, pineapple, orange, piperine and ginger, it is a potent anti-inflammatory blend to help the body recover post exercise or exertion. The fats from the liposomal CBD and the piperine (which comes from black pepper) helps ensure that the active component curcumin is readily absorbed. Plus it happens to taste delicious!

In Food
Studies have shown that combining turmeric with both black pepper and a fat source, such as olive or coconut oil can improve the absorption of curcumin by the body. So, when using the root or powder, ensure you add a source of fat and some black pepper into the dish. Some of our culinary suggestions: scrambled eggs with a sprinkle of turmeric and black pepper, marinated chicken with pepper, turmeric and olive oil or a turmeric, black peppercorn and chickpea curry. #noms.Warning! Using turmeric in cooking can stain your hands and clothes. Unless you want to be accused of using too much fake tan, make sure to chuck on that chefs’ apron or napkin bib at the dinner table.

Make Tea
Now that winter is upon us, we can find we are reaching for extra caffeinated drinks to help keep us warm. Turmeric tea can be a wonderful alternative that will pep you up without the added caffeine intake.  Turmeric tea is traditionally made from mixing turmeric with ginger and lemon, however you can make the tea your own. Consider adding a pinch of pepper, a touch of cayenne or a squeeze of honey to spice it up.
For Clarissa’s go to recipe, check out her Youtube recipe video here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkRAwXVKu80&t=62s

Supplement
If the taste of turmeric isn’t your bag, but you want to score the health rewards of this superstar, you could consider a supplement. The shelves are packed with different turmeric supplements — our advice would be to ensure you are choosing a supplement that includes either bromelain or piperine, two ingredients that can help with the turmeric’s absorption, and take your supplement with a meal. Turmeric is best absorbed with dietary fat and taking it at meal times can boost its efficacy. 

Face Mask
Did you know that you have a powerful anti-aging ingredient hiding in your spice cupboard? Research shows that turmeric can improve skin elasticity and can help prevent wrinkle formation and sun damage. When used topically, it may also help brighten the skin. Whip up your own DIY face mask using turmeric, honey and lemon.