Have You Ever Thought of Adding Turmeric to Your Breakfast
The spectacular health benefits of turmeric are clear for all to see. This ancient root has been well researched and it is universally recognized that turmeric is something we should be trying to add to our diet on a daily basis. However, if like me, you get forgetful when it comes to taking supplements or you just don’t enjoy popping pills on a daily basis, even if they are the good kind, then you might find the following information helpful.
I am sure many of you have been throwing a pinch or two into your daily smoothies or adding it to a chickpea dish, maybe you eat a curry once a week or sprinkle it on your salmon or fresh tuna but have you ever thought about adding turmeric to your breakfast? In fact the best way to get the health and especially anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin, the powerful compound that is found in turmeric, is by consuming it in food with fat and pepper.
Before I give you some breakfast ideas lets dissect what turmeric is and why it is so good for you.
Turmeric is an underground root stem known as a rhizome of the leafy Curcuma Longa plant. It is often referred to as Indian saffron and has been used in Indian cooking and medicines for thousands of years.
It is said to:-
- help support a healthy inflammatory response
- to treat infections due to its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties
- to maintain healthy joint mobility and help alleviate arthritis symptoms
- to provide relief to nasal and throat congestion
- to ensure your digestive and cardiovascular system functions optimally
What makes turmeric such a powerhouse amongst the superfoods is that it is the only readily available edible source of curcumin. Curcumin is a compound that has off the chart antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that literally has the ability to protect every single organ in the body. It contains minerals such as potassium, B6, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. It also assists in blood purification and acts as an antioxidant.
To get the best absorption into the body you should try and combine it with a bit of fat and ginger or black pepper.
So now to those breakfasts, because let’s face it, you need to be adding this wonder spice/herb to every meal you can!
Scrambled Eggs Tumeric Style
Add your turmeric to a spoon of ghee, melt it gently in the pan you use to cook your eggs. Once melted add your eggs and scramble as normal. Just before serving add freshly ground black pepper and you have all the elements for maximum absorption; fat, turmeric and black pepper.
Quesadilla
A quesadilla with spinach, onions, peppers and tomatoes is a great way to start your day but before you add the cheese, mix it with some turmeric and black pepper and this breakfast favorite is taken to a new dimension.
Oatmeal
No matter which way you take your oatmeal, soaked overnight or made fresh in the morning with honey, berries and cinnamon, add some turmeric to the milk of your choice. For that extra punch maybe add a little ginger, delicious!
Pancakes
Add a little sprinkle of ginger and turmeric to your favorite pancake mix.
Tea
Try it, you might be surprised, but adding turmeric with a splash of milk to your morning tea is actually more enjoyable than you might imagine. If you love fresh ginger boiled in water then add turmeric and you really are getting a healthy and warming drink.
Smoothie
If smoothies are your thing in the morning then always add a chunk of fresh turmeric, for added benefit fresh ginger will certainly take your healthful smoothie to another level.
Yoghurt
I love Greek yoghurt and berries in the morning so a sprinkling of turmeric certainly adds more punch to this breakfast favorite.