Just search the terms ‘turmeric’ and ‘health’ online and you will find a myriad of blog posts, articles, and scholarly papers touting the benefits of turmeric. From fighting cholesterol to giving skin a healthy glow, proponents of this superfood claim that it can benefit anything and everything. While turmeric, or haldi, is best known as a South Asian and Middle Eastern culinary spice, it has also been a mainstay in traditional medicine for over 6000 years. Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners used this healing herb to strengthen the body, relieve digestive disorders, and treat respiratory conditions, amongst many other maladies. As the popularity of turmeric spread throughout Asia and the Middle East, it quickly became integrated in other traditional systems of medicine. Although modern medicine has been slow to incorporate turmeric into clinical practice, present day researchers have been able to prove hundreds of its actions.

Turmeric (Latin Curcuma longa) is a close relative of the ginger root. Like ginger, it boasts an impressive number of vitamins and mineral such as vitamins C, E, and B6, potassium and iron. The primary active compound in turmeric, curcumin, exhibits 600 potential benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

The daily inclusion of turmeric can enhance wellness by:

• Improving cognitive function
• Protects brain health by targeting dissolving abnormal proteins
• Supporting muscle and joint health
• Decreases inflammation, and relieves joint and muscle pain
• Fighting systemic inflammation
• Regular consumption of turmeric can significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers
• Boosting detoxification
• Optimizes liver detoxification function
• Promoting balanced mood
• Acts as a natural and effective mood enhancer
• Promoting youthful and radiant skin
• Promotes glowing, healthy skin by counteracting fine lines and wrinkles

One of my favourite ways to get a daily dose of turmeric is to make ‘Golden Milk’. This warming beverage soothes the spirit and staves off aches and pains during the cooler seasons. While the addition of black pepper may not seem appealing, research suggests boost the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%. The following recipe truly unlocks the health potential of turmeric by combining it with black pepper and cold-pressed coconut oil. Whether you drink it in the middle of the day for a boost of energy or as part of a relaxing bedtime routine, this Golden Milk is sure to become one of your favourites too!

Golden Paste
¼ cup Organic turmeric powder
¾ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup water

Optional: For added flavor and benefits, you may add 1 teaspoon ginger powder, cardamom, or carom seeds to the paste. Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan over a medium-low heat. Stir the mixture until it becomes a thick paste. Remove the paste from heat, allow it to cool, and place in a jar. This can be stored for several days in the fridge.

Golden Milk
1-cup milk of your choice (dairy, nut milk, coconut milk)
½ teaspoon ‘Golden paste’
1-teaspoon extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil
1-teaspoon maple syrup, honey, or a sweetener of your choice

In a small saucepan, combine milk, ‘Golden paste’, and coconut oil over low heat. Heat until the desired temperature is reached and add the sweetener. Pour into your favourite mug and enjoy!

The many health benefits of turmeric elevates it from a simple culinary spice to a superfood. Whether you decide to eat it with your next curry, drink a hot mug of Golden Milk, or have it in an encapsulated form, consuming turmeric daily is one of the best things you can do to achieve long-term health and wellness.