Turmeric is a plant native to South India and Indonesia. If you like curry or mustard then you have already been introduced to this unique yellow food. Turmeric or more specifically Curcumin, turmeric’s primary active ingredient, is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories known today and is a very strong antioxidant.
It has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. Athletes can especially benefit tremendously by including turmeric into the daily diet. This well known spice is not only healing but can amp up speedy muscle recovery.
How can taking turmeric benefit my workouts?
In fitness context, exercise induced stress after an intense workout causes inflammation, which impedes muscle repair. The more quickly the inflammation goes away the more quickly you recover from your workout! Turmeric reduces inflammation therefore speeding up recovery time and it keeps you healthy! Including turmeric in your daily diet will help you to train harder, more effectively and more efficiently! It will also provide protection in the case of extreme fatigue, overtraining, and illness.
More Turmeric benefits include
- blood purifier
- improves digestion
- great skin tonic
- and has been linked to cancer prevention (breast, prostate, skin, colon).
Curcumin has been shown to Improve brain function and lower the risk of brain diseases plus have beneficial effects on factors known to play a role in heart disease. Also its benefits include helping fight age related chronic diseases and relieve arthritis and joint inflammation.
How should I take turmeric?
Its best to try daily to add it into your cooking. For example sprinkle some on greens with sea salt cooked in coconut oil. You can grate or chop up turmeric into chili or taco recipes or any recipe to “spice” it up! Turmeric can also be taken as a supplement.
Or if you prefer you can buy it in extract form and drink it as tea daily. Just dissolve 1 teaspoon into your favorite tea or just mix into hot water! I keep some right by my loose teas to help me remember!
Including turmeric into your daily or even weekly diet will be beneficial to overall better health and longevity! Take care of you!
Be Well:)
Susie R
Don’t go yet! Be sure to check out my 14 Day REAL Food REAL Fitness RESET program to jump start your health and wellness journey!