What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family that has a distinct flavor and bright, golden-orange appearance to it. This spice has a powerful, earthy, and peppery taste often used in Indian Cuisine and is one of the main ingredients in curry powder. Many people pair turmeric with other spices and herbs, such as cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger due to the complementary flavor profiles. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what foods are right for you and fit with your lifestyle and health condition(s).

Where Can I Buy Turmeric?

Turmeric can be purchased at your local grocery store, pharmacy, or online:

• If you’re looking to purchase it in a powdered/spice form for cooking, take a stroll down the spice aisle in the grocery store.
• If you are looking for turmeric in supplement or pill form, look on the vitamin/supplement aisle in your local grocery store or pharmacy.

So, What Are People Saying About Turmeric?

Turmeric is often promoted as a dietary supplement for health conditions such as arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, and more. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that there isn’t an extensive amount of research directly related to turmeric and health benefits, although many people believe the following:

• Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties. In 2016, a study was conducted that determined turmeric can aid in reducing inflammation and even bone breakdown in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Read more about this on the Arthritis Foundation’s website.

• Turmeric can aid in pain relief. Studies also seem to support turmeric for pain relief, with one study noting that it seemed to work as well as ibuprofen (Advil) in people with arthritis in their knees.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, one tablespoon (tbsp) of turmeric powder contains:

• 29 calories
• 0.91 grams of protein
• 0.31 grams of fat
• 6.31 grams of carbohydrates
• 2.1 grams of fiber
• 0.3 grams of sugar

That same 1-tbsp serving provides:

• 26 percent of daily manganese needs
• 16 percent of daily iron
• 5 percent of daily potassium
• 3 percent of daily vitamin C

What other benefits does turmeric offer you? How do you incorporate turmeric into your meal routine? We want to hear from you! Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.

The Paragon Pantry is all about sharing fun recipes, dinner ideas, and kitchen tips that encourage living a healthy and balanced life. For more information about The Paragon Pantry, visit https://paragonhealthcare.com/the-paragon-pantry/