Turmeric has been a staple of East Indian cuisine for thousands of years. Also known as the golden spice, turmeric has a unique flavor and offers a plethora of health benefits. The main compound in turmeric is curcumin, which is what gives it the distinct orange color, and distinct healing properties.

You might not encounter turmeric in your everyday cooking. Here are some reasons you may want to take a second look and start adding the peppery, earthly tasting spice to your cuisine.

Anti-Inflammatory

Like ginger, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Not only does it help the immune system repair damage to the body, but it can also help lower chronic inflammation that attacks the body’s tissues.  

Clinical research has found that turmeric is so powerful that it is just as effective as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. The good news? It doesn’t come with all the harmful side-effects of NSAIDs.

Helps Brain Function

The brain is an extremely complex organ. Turmeric can form new neurotransmitters and increase their capacity in parts of the brain. One of these process drivers is a type of growth hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Alzheimer’s disease, along with other conditions, has been associated with decreased levels of this hormone.

Turmeric boosts the levels of the BDNF hormone! The increase in the hormone may help delay or reverse diseases that affect the brain.

 Depression 

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders.

Turmeric may help improve the symptoms of depression. A small study of 60 people found an improvement in people taking curcumin only supplements and even better improvement for those using Prozac and curcumin supplements together. 

Traditional treatment methods should still be used to combat depression; however, taking turmeric supplements can help manage symptoms.

You can add turmeric to any recipe, including scrambled eggs or even pancakes to get a health and flavor boost. Here’s a fast and easy recipe for turmeric chicken:

Fast and Easy Turmeric Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in about 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 1/4 Wakaya turmeric powder
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Sprinkle the turmeric, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper on the cubed chicken.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.

Add chicken and cook until cooked (about 10 to 15 min).

Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken. Serve over rice or veggies. For a vegetarian meal, substitute the chicken with your favorite veggies and tofu and enjoy!

Referenced Studies

Anti-Inflammatory

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19594223/

Brain Function

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899306027144

Depression

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23832433/