Great Ways to Incorporate Turmeric into your Diet

Turmeric has been a lifesaver for me and my joints for a few years, but specifically as I’ve ramped up my workout frequency. I don’t really have leeway in my workout schedule, since I run 5 times a week and do yoga 4 times a week. Although yoga may seem relaxing, my joints do not always agree.

There are numerous benefits to taking Turmeric Curcumin whether you exercise or not. 

Incorporating Curcumin

Turmeric Curcumin contains Bioactive Compounds with powerful medicinal properties also known as curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. Unfortunately, the curcumin content in turmeric is not very high. It is important to take a supplement that contains significant amounts of curcumin.

Nutrachamps makes a great Turmeric Curcumin supplement that has 95% Curcuminoids, making this one of the strongest supplements out there for pain-reduction and joint mobility. The addition of black pepper extract is important, as this makes the curcumin more bio-available, meaning your body can absorb and use it more efficiently!

But What Does Curcumin Do?

Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound, meaning it combats chronic, not acute, short-term inflammation. It’s the chronic inflammation that can lead to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other degenerative conditions. It’s part of the reason that Curcumin works to increase brain function and lower your risk of Brain diseases! Curcumin can aid in increasing the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a type of growth hormone that functions in your brain. This delays, and sometimes even reverses many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function! Inflammation does not only affect your joints but your brain as well. So not only does t improve your memory, but it can also make you smarter.

Add Turmeric Curcumin to Your Foods!

Curcumin is fat-soluble, so it may be a good idea to take it with a fatty meal. There are thousands of different ways to add turmeric to a meal. If you want to make a soup, try a Turmeric Broth Detox soup or a warming Turmeric, Carrot, and Ginger soup. You can add it to your roasted vegetables, a frittata, a rice pilaf, or a veggie curry. If you decide to supplement with our NutraChamps Turmeric Curcumin, ensure you take it with some fat, whether that comes from a meal, a drink, or some Omega-3 Fish Oil. 

If you’re anything like me, you’ll like a fatty smoothie. I know it sounds gross, but hear me out. I throw an avocado (half if you don’t want that much fat) into all my smoothies to keep me satiated. This fat from the avocado helps to absorb the curcumin, whether it is in a loose powder form or capsule. I swear by adding Ginger and Turmeric Curcumin into my smoothies for the immune-boosting effects!

Starting the Day off Right

Last but not least, I like to start my day and end my day with Turmeric. Although Turmeric does not necessarily give you a boost of energy, it does increase serotonin and dopamine receptors in your brain. These can help you fall asleep and wake up naturally without that groggy feeling all day. It will also be helpful in the winter for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

The Golden Milk Latte

In the morning I like to make a Golden Milk latte. I mix 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 3 cups coconut milk, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Then I shake it up with enough honey to suit my taste. Golden milk is best consumed within 24 hours for maximum antioxidant benefits. You can add a shot of espresso or a chai tea bag if you want some caffeine in this as well! At night, I like to settle into my couch with a mug of fresh Turmeric-Ginger tea. I simply grate some ginger and turmeric into a strainer or tea bag and then pour hot water over top. It’s a great way to settle your tummy after a big meal or before bed. Many companies make a dry version of this tea if you do not want to deal with turmeric stains!

Let me know if you decide to add turmeric to some of your meals. I personally enjoy it better in a drink or a capsule. It’s also great to mix it up and add some spice into your meals every once in a while! Keep in mind, turmeric curcumin easily stains. Make sure you are not cutting it on a white countertop and wipe it up immediately. I can’t wait for you to start feeling the amazing benefits of turmeric!