Why is Turmeric excellent for our gut?
Turmeric is an aromatic, golden, orange root that has been a popular item in Southeast Asia but recently became popular in the US. The use of turmeric dates back almost 4000 years to the Vedic Period in India. Turmeric can add a pop of color or a kick of spice to a dish, and some may only use it for its wonderful anti-inflammatory properties. Any way it is used, this seasoning is packed with #GoodGut benefits!
Indian, Chinese, and herbal medics traditionally use turmeric for conditions such as poor digestion, abdominal pain, and distention. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is also used to treat acid reflux, flatulence, and functional dyspepsia– as recommended by the World Health Organization. Turmeric can work as a cholagogue, which is a fancy way of saying it can stimulate bile production in the liver, aiding in the breakdown and digestion of fats in foods. Fat is essential to our bodies because it keeps our major organs healthy.
Turmeric helps inhibit enzymes in the stomach lining to boost the secretion of stomach mucus: the mucus lining our digestive tract and our stomach helps fight against damage from stomach acid (or gastric acid). Compounds contained in turmeric can potentially improve IBS symptoms, aid in acid reflux, reduce flatulence, improve digestion, and even act as an antioxidant. Only 1 tbsp of turmeric contains 2g of fiber, which is a significant amount!
Curcumin– the main component found in turmeric– helps push food through the intestines gently while preventing gas and bloating. Curcumin also encourages glands in the gut to regenerate and heal the intestinal lining when an individual is suffering from a leaky gut. Additionally, curcumin has many anti-inflammatory properties that can lead to a healthier overall gut– it is one of the major compounds that gives turmeric its anti-inflammatory reputation.
Ways to eat it
Add it into your everyday meals (add a pinch or two of ground turmeric into smoothies, acai bowls, or sprinkle it on top of vegetables)
Make curries and add it into soups
Add it to scrambled tofu for a “scrambled eggs” breakfast
Make a turmeric latte
Use high quality supplements
Recipe: Oil-Free Turmeric Dressing
Ingredients (Makes 4 Servings):
1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
1 cup hemp seeds, soaked overnight
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garlic powder
3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 lemon, juiced
filtered water, to your liking
Himalayan pink salt, to taste
Directions:
Combine all ingredients together. Blend until smooth and enjoy!
Heal With Each Meal!
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References
1MD Nutrition. (n.d.). How Turmeric Helps Heal The Gut And Your Body. 1MD.
Brazier, Y. (2017, November 22). Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Foods, Benefits, and Deficiency Symptoms. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/21954
Di Meo, F., Margarucci, S., Galderisi, U., Crispi, S., & Peluso, G. (2019). Curcumin, Gut
Microbiota, and Neuroprotection. Nutrients, 11(10), 2426. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102426
GI Society. (n.d.). Many Benefits of Turmeric. Gastrointestinal Society.
https://badgut.org/information-centre/health-nutrition/many-benefits-turmeric/
Hewlings, S., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health.
Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
Kordsmier, K. (2019, February 9). 5 Ways to Reduce Inflammation and Take Control of Your Gut
Health. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/reducing-inflammation-gut-health
Watson, K. (2017, July 12). Turmeric side effects: Health benefits and Risk. Medical News
Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318405#_noHeaderPrefixedContent