What Are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?
In recent years, turmeric’s popularity has skyrocketed, thanks to its touted health benefits. “Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice native to India and Southeast Asia that has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties,” says Amy Davis, RD, LDN.
This beautiful root from the Curcuma longa plant can be enjoyed ground, juiced, or in its natural root form in both sweet and savory dishes. But what does current-day research tell us about the health benefits of turmeric? And what are the best ways to use it at home? We’ve got you covered with the answers to these questions and more in this turmeric tell-all.
The Nutritional Profile of Turmeric: “Historically, turmeric has been used in traditional Indian medical systems, as a common spice, and as a food coloring,” explains Davis. But when it comes to health benefits, you won’t find significant amounts of macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, or fat in this spice. Rather, turmeric is an excellent source of micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, and this is where most of its health benefits spawn from.
Excerpted from Real Simple
