Good Medicine Everyday: Turmeric (with Golden Milk Recipe!)

Ahh turmeric, turmeric, turmeric. It’s been such a buzzy word that spilled over from the wellness world into the mainstream consciousness pretty quickly. Turmeric is perhaps the best example of what’s old is new again when it comes to health.

This spice has been revered for years in traditional medicine. It’s health properties are pretty impressive, so it’s a big bummer that Americans have been collectively missing out on them for decades.

So let’s get into why people are so obsessed with this yellow spice (1, 2):

• It has huge anti-inflammatory properties. This is what brought the humble spice back up. So many of us today are suffering from chronic inflammation.

• Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric, which provides the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Okay listen up because this part is important: there have been studies done that show that curcumin is JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS SOME ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS. Without the side effects like damage to the gut. I personally take a curcumin supplement if I have a headache or pain. I would strongly recommend you replace your ibuprofen or Advil with a curcumin supplement. OTC painkillers almost all have a negative impact on gut health.

• Turmeric actually helps SUPPORT gut health. Curcumin helps relax the muscles of intestines, pushing food through. It also helps alleviate gas and bloating. Curcumin encourages regeneration of the gut lining, which is helpful for a variety of digestive disorders, including leaky gut. And last but not least, curcumin supports healthy microbes in the gut and disrupts the growth of harmful organisms. Impressive, right?

• Curcumin increases levels of something called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps your neurons form new connections - meaning better brain health for you. This has several amazing implications including protection from Alzheimers and depression, which are both marked by low levels of BDNF.

• Curcumin fights cancer. Studies have shown that it can help kill off cancerous cells while also slowing the spread of cancer and growth of blood vessels in tumors. Curcumin can also be used preventatively.

• Arthritis can be treated with curcumin supplementation. One study showed it to be more effective than a drug for rheumatoid arthritis.

• Curcumin can fight depression. Did you know inflammation plays a huge role in depression? One study showed curcumin was just as effective as Prozac. Mic drop.

So turmeric has earned its reputation, yes? Curcumin is amazing, but not actually that bioavailable from just using the spice itself. There are two ways to make it more bioavailable: combine it with black pepper and/or with fat, both of which boost our absorption of curcumin. If you supplement with it, make sure there’s a black pepper extract included in the formula for maximum potency.

For more concentrated benefits you can take a supplement (ie, fighting chronic pain, depression, digestive issues). Or you can start incorporating it in everyday cooking using fresh or dried turmeric, which I would recommend even if you’re taking it in supplement form because getting nutrients from food is always preferable to supplements.

Curries are a great way to get in your turmeric since it’s one of the main components of curry powder. I also just sprinkle some turmeric in veggies while I’m sautéing them, eggs, even smoothies! Fresh turmeric is pretty widely available and you can grate that into soups, stews, dressings, smoothies, etc. Just add it whenever you think of it!

There’s also this amazing drink called Golden Milk - a traditional Ayurvedic tonic that makes it easy and delicious to reap the benefits of turmeric. Try it out!

Golden Milk

makes 2 small or 4 large cups

ingredients
4 cups non-dairy milk (preferably something with a little fat)
1 - 2 tsp dried turmeric powder
1 - 2 tsp dried ginger powder
1 - 2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
Pinch of black pepper
Honey to taste

instructions

1. Add all ingredients except honey to a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the spices. Bring to a drinkable temperature.

2. Transfer to a mug, add honey to taste and enjoy!

notes
* You can also use 1 can full fat coconut milk + 2 cups of water as your liquid for a really rich version.
* Instead of honey, you could add a date or two, transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.

Good Medicine Everyday: Winter Squash

Every year during the summer I forget entirely about winter squash existing, then I spot the first delicata (my favorite winter squash!). Then I think, oh yes, I remember now. Then I take it home and roast with oil, salt and pepper. Then I taste it and wonder how I lived without out for the last 6 or so months!?

When I say winter squash I’m talking about: butternut squash, acorn squash, delicata squash, red kuri squash, pumpkin, kabocha squash, spaghetti squash, carnival squash, etc. There are tons of different varieties!

Winter squash is sweet, creamy, super comforting and versatile. And guess what? It’s super good for you, too!

Let’s break it down (1):

• Winter squash contains notable amounts of vitamin C, perfect this time of year to give your immune system support.

• Even though winter squash is rich in carbohydrates, they’ve actually been shown to help steady the release of sugar inside our digestive tracts and support a healthy glycemic response.

• The deep orange colors of many winter squashes signifies the presence of carotenoids such as beta-carotene (like sweet potatoes and carrots). There are many different carotenoids that have been identified in winter squash, which means a large variety of antioxidant properties for you!

• Winter squash is rich in fiber, specifically pectin - which can help us feel satiated and helps to keep the glycemic impact low.

• Wide nutrient spectrum - winter squashes contains good amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K and B vitamins. If you save and roast the seeds, you get bonus vitamin E.

Winter squash can be stored for long periods of time without losing many nutrients. In fact, concentration of carotenoids can increase over time! You can chop and roast squash, blend it into soups, make purees with it, even make dessert! Stay tuned for some squash recipes from me.

Good Sips: Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

The coffee creamers in stores are pretty sad - even the supposed “healthy” brands. They almost always have some form of undesirable sugar or thickener or preservative or SOMETHING. This is so easy to make yourself, it’s a no-brainer. And it is SO good. I’ve been known to take straight sips from the jar. No judgement, okay?

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

Make approximately 2 cups

Ingredients
1 can full fat coconut milk
1 tbsp MCT oil (or other neutral tasting oil, no vegetable oil please)
3-5 dates, pitted and soaked in warm water
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1 tsp vanilla extract
dash of salt

Instructions

1.    Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend on high for 30 seconds.
2. Taste a little bit. Add 1 or 2 more dates if you prefer a sweeter creamer
3. Add to all your favorite hot bevvies!

Notes
* Don’t skip the oil - it helps emulsify the coconut milk so that it doesn’t separate and get hard in the fridge.
* Different brands of coconut milk will have different consistencies. I’ve found Whole Foods 365 brand to have the perfect consistency. Trader Joe’s was too thick. You can use whatever milk you’d like, but it might not be as creamy as the coconut.
* My favorite MCT oil