Nutritionist and author of Meals That Heal Inflammation, Julie Daniluk, suffered from arthritis, bursitis and colitis: all conditions rooted in painful inflammation.
But Daniluk says she was able to push her symptoms into remission thanks to a few dietary changes. Along the way, she discovered a powerhouse spice called turmeric.
Now she sneaks it into everything from dips to smoothies.
Turmeric contains a powerful antioxidant called curcumin. The compound lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation, according to the Medical Center at the University of Maryland but that's just scratching the surface, says Daniluk.
Listen to what Daniluk has to say above about the benefits behind adding turmeric into your diet. And for more ways on how food can transform your life, check out 2 Minutes To Transform.
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15 Health Benefits Of Turmeric
Medical Uses(01 of15)
In Chinese medicine, the turmeric root or rhizome is called jiang huang and is used to promote the movement of Qi (pronounced chee), invigorate the blood, and alleviate pain. According to the Yin Yang House Acupuncture and Wellness Center, turmeric is considered related to the liver, spleen, and stomach meridians. (credit:VISHNU MULAKALA OMKARANJANEYULU via Getty Images)
And Also In Ayurveda(02 of15)
Followers of this ancient Indian health system believe that turmeric contributes to balance between the three doshas, and it is used in ayurveda in many ways, both internally and topically. Turmeric juice can be used to treat wounds, for example, and turmeric, milk, and sugar is given as a cold remedy. "Susruta’s Ayurvedic Compendium, dating back to 250 BC, recommends an ointment containing turmeric to relieve the effects of poisoned food,” the Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects notes. (credit:Tom Stoddart Archive via Getty Images)
It Has Curcumin(03 of15)
That deep yellow colour comes from the presence of curcumin, an antioxidant. In lab studies, curcumin has been linked to potential benefits including anti-inflammatory properties, Dr. Andrew Weil notes. Weil says he includes turmeric in his anti-inflammatory meal plan. (credit:bokeh105 via Getty Images)
Curcumin May Prevent Weight Gain(04 of15)
Recent research from Tufts University in Massachusetts found that curcumin suppressed the growth of fat tissue, and therefore prevented weight gain in mice. However, more research has to be done to demonstrate its effects on humans and weight loss. (credit:Steve Cole via Getty Images)
It Could Also Be Related To Alzheimer’s Prevention(05 of15)
Another study from UCLA found that rats who ate curcumin were more resistant to the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaque in their brains — an abnormality associated with Alzheimer’s in people. Elderly people in India have one of the world’s lowest rates of Alzheimer’s, according to the NCBI, and also have diets high in turmeric. But more research needs to be done to confirm a connection between curcumin and Alzheimer’s in humans. (credit:stanciuc via Getty Images)
Soothing Your Stomach(06 of15)
People in India and Pakistan usually use turmeric to relieve stomach pain, and there might be something to that. There is some research showing that taking turmeric internally (in food, tea or juice and milk) may relieve stomach upset or dyspepsia, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (credit:AndreyPopov via Getty Images)
Help With Arthritis Pain(07 of15)
There is also research showing that turmeric extracts taken either alone or with other herbs can reduce osteoarthritis-related pain, the NIH reports. This could be related to turmeric’s purported anti-inflammatory properties, according to the Arthritis Foundation, which recommends taking turmeric in a powder, capsule, or extract form. (credit:stockdevil via Getty Images)
Add It To Your Meals(08 of15)
Turmeric is an everyday ingredient in Thai and Indian cuisines, for example, and it’s what makes mustard yellow. Sometimes it’s a more subtle part of a dish, and other times it’s the star — like in this recipe for grilled turmeric chicken from She Shimmers. Either way, it’s delicious! Along with using turmeric where it’s called for in specific recipes, you can try adding a pinch to soups and sauces to add more flavour.
You Can Pickle It(09 of15)
If you can get your hands on whole turmeric root, try pickling it. This haldi achar (haldi meaning turmeric) is a type of Indian pickle often eaten with meals. It has a great burst of spicy flavour and can enhance your curry dishes. And to go all out, we highly suggest a combo of pickled turmeric and ginger from Tarla Dalal. (credit:ZenShui/Laurence Mouton via Getty Images)
Make Turmeric Milk (Or Haldi Ka Doodh)(10 of15)
Turmeric milk is exactly what it sounds like: a mixture of turmeric paste, milk, and a bit of honey for sweetness. It’s just one more way to get more turmeric in your diet, particularly if you don’t eat a lot of Thai or Indian foods. We also like this turmeric milk recipe from Allrecipes.com. (credit:AllRecipes.com)
Try A Turmeric Paste(11 of15)
This is simple to make: just mix three tablespoons of the powder with three cups of water, and boil while stirring until a thick paste is formed. Store the paste in your fridge in a glass jar — if you use plastic, the container will end up the same colour as the paste. Use the paste to apply to areas of your skin that need soothing or to add to smoothies for an extra kick. (credit:bdspn via Getty Images)
It Has Beauty Benefits(12 of15)
Mix together a teaspoon of ground turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, and a teaspoon of milk. (Adjust the milk to get a thick paste-like consistency.) Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties may be soothing for sensitive or red skin. Also, during wedding season, many Indian brides also add turmeric to their faces (and other areas of the body), to create a natural glow. For some, this is considered a part of the wedding ritual, according to Panache India. (credit:NaturalCures.com)
Drink Turmeric Tea(13 of15)
The Japanese island of Okinawa is well-known for the longevity of its residents. It’s thought that the healthy, whole-food based, soy-rich diets of Okinawans has something to do with their long and healthy lives, and that diet includes turmeric tea, says Weil. You may be able to find turmeric tea sold packaged in stores, but it’s easy to make your own: add one teaspoon of ground turmeric to four cups of boiling water, then simmer for 10 minutes before serving. Add honey or lemon to taste. (credit:Electra-K-Vasileiadou via Getty Images)
Get Well With Turmeric(14 of15)
Thai turmeric chicken soup is the perfect meal when you have a cold. If you need something a bit heartier, this turmeric-heavy stew fits the bill.
But When Should I Avoid It?(15 of15)
Turmeric is generally safe, particularly when used simply as a flavouring ingredient in food. However, some people might have side effects if they consume the spice in excess or take turmeric supplements. The NIH advises that people with gallbladder issues such as stones, bleeding disorders, gastrointestinal reflux disease, iron deficiency, hormone-sensitive conditions, and pregnancy should avoid medicinal quantities of turmeric. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. (credit:David Murray via Getty Images)