This week we caught up with the health & lifestyle experts at KIKI Health to discover nature's golden wonder spice Turmeric, which has notorious anti-inflammatory & detoxifying properties. About Turmeric Turmeric originates from India and the Middle East. India is considered to be the best in the world market because of its high curcumin content. Turmeric is a perennial, herbaceous plant of the ginger family. It is native to the tropical lands of India and attains a growth rate of 60-90cm in height and has a short stem and tufted leaves. It is the roots and the rhizomes of the Curcuma Longa plant that are consumed, and they give turmeric its characteristic bright yellow/orange colour and strong peppery taste. What makes Turmeric so special? In a word, Curcumin. Curcumin is a natural chemical compound that lends the bright stunning yellow colour to Turmeric. Curcumin is predominantly what gives Turmeric all it’s valuable health benefits. It must be said that Turmeric varies in Curcumin content, ranging from around 2-6% Curcumin. The typical Turmeric spice used in curries and bought from your local supermarket will certainly have a relatively lower, if any, Curcumin concentration than a premium pure Turmeric powder found in your health store. They are indeed not the same! Benefits of Turmeric Traditionally Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda medicine for its health benefiting and therapeutic properties for thousands of years, for nearly every health condition known – from smallpox to stomach problems. There are 1000’s of studies referencing the benefits of Curcumin and Turmeric from around the world, and with good reason. Among the most commonly discussed and researched are: Anti-oxidant Anti-inflammatory Diseases Aids digestion Helpful for arthritis Protects the heart Brain Boosting May be helpful as a Cancer preventative External usage Turmeric has a wealth of benefits externally too. For centuries, it has been used as a rub for chest pain, insect bites, burns, skin disorders and one of our all time favourites – a teeth whitener and gum soother/ anti-septic. For skin, mix with aloe vera gel or coconut oil to form a paste. For teeth and gums, mix 1:1 with coconut oil to form a paste and brush teeth for 2 mins. Follow up with your normal toothpaste. How to eat Turmeric Turmeric is best consumed unheated so as to not destroy any of the health giving properties. Add over food, such as soups, curries and roasted veggies. Add to smoothies & smoothie bowls or create a warm or cold Turmeric Latte Turmeric latte recipe 1 cup of coconut, almond or soya milk 1 teaspoon KIKI Health Organic Turmeric Powder ½ teaspoon raw honey ½ teaspoon cinnamon Blend all ingredients (except the Turmeric Powder) in a blender until smooth Pour into a small saucepan over medium heat until warm (not boiling) Remove from heat Add KIKI Health Organic Turmeric Powder and mix until smooth. Turmeric smoothie recipe 1 banana, sliced 1 cup pineapple, chopped ½ tsp ginger, peeled 1 teaspoon KIKI Health Organic Turmeric Powder 1 cup water 1 teaspoon black pepper Topping (Optional) - Frozen raspberries, Frozen Blueberries, Chia Seeds Add all ingredients to a blender and blitz until smooth. Top with fruit of choice. Shop here for Kiki Health
