Finding new and creative ways to whip up tasty meals with health benefits doesn’t have to be hard.
If you’re looking to kickstart metabolism and reduce inflammation in one-go, there’s a common household spice that’s a rising star in the wellness world: turmeric. Not only does turmeric pack a flavor punch, but it’s also chock-full of an active component called curcumin, which provides the bulk of its medicinal power. In fact, research has found that curcumin contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties. Furthermore, Heathline reports that a review of 21 studies in over 1,600 people linked curcumin intake to reduced weight, BMI and waist circumference!
But wait. Before you reach into your spice drawer, it’s important to remember that an effective weight loss routine involves a balanced diet coupled with exercise. According to Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, turmeric “shouldn’t be strictly relied upon for weight loss, but it CAN make an excellent addition to an existing weight loss regimen. This is primarily due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory capabilities. Reducing inflammation in the body has an almost direct impact on preventing or reducing obesity and overall body weight. By cutting down on inflammation in the body, your metabolism is better able to burn calories at an efficient rate.”
Noted! That said, turmeric is clearly still a powerhouse in the health department. Read on for a few of our favorite ways to incorporate the spice in easy-to-make dishes and drinks.
Golden milk, or turmeric milk, tops the list for a healthy, healing drink. Often used as an alternative remedy to boost immunity and stave off illness, it’s no wonder this Indian drink has been gaining popularity in Western cultures. (You may have even seen it pop up on your ‘gram feed)! Made with a mix of dairy-free milk, turmeric, pepper, cinnamon and maple syrup, it’s especially beneficial for those with autoimmune conditions.
If golden milk’s not your thing, try a cup of turmeric and ginger tea in the mornings. The drink will help rev up your metabolism, keeping you burning calories all day and ultimately allowing you to lose weight faster.
Fact: turmeric goes great with cauliflower. And cauliflower is also high in resistant starch, a unique type of fiber that boasts impressive health benefits. Resistant starch is a key player in the battle of the bulge because it resists digestion, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Not only is a roasted cauliflower and turmeric dish totally tasty – but it’s also completely guilt-free!
Did you know that you can easily whip up a home-made salad dressing that’s even more powerful than some anti-inflammatory drugs out there? The secret lies in adding plenty of black pepper. According to studies, black pepper enhances the bioavailability of curcumin by as much as 2,000 percent!
We’ll take seconds and thirds of our salad now, please and thank you.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s a total game-changer in the weight loss department, look no further than roasted butternut squash topped with smoked paprika and turmeric. The fiery seasoning is a member of the capsicum family, which contains capsaicin – a compound shown in numerous health studies to increase metabolic rate. Butternut squash is also a super-food rich in carotenoids – antioxidants that help to combat heart disease and arthritis.
What are some of your fave ways to implement turmeric? Let us know in the comments below!
