Spices are a great addition to your meals for so many reasons. Not only do they add fantastic flavor to your food, but they can also offer up so many health benefits, from boosting your metabolism to reducing inflammation and more. And as it turns out, one of the healthiest spices out there is none other than tasty turmeric.
To learn more about the incredible benefits of this famously yellow spice, we spoke to health expert Andrew Lenau, certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist from Set For Set. He told us all about how turmeric can help detoxify your body and even aid in weight loss. Read on for all of his expert insight on this delicious ingredient.
How turmeric aids in detoxification
Lenau says that thanks to turmeric's active compound, curcumin, it offers a range of benefits that can help detoxify your body.
"Curcumin is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties," he explains. "These properties support the body's natural detoxication by neutralizing harmful free radicals and reducing inflammation."
This spice is specifically great at detoxifying your liver. This can lead to an array of benefits, from increased energy to a lower risk of disease, and even weight loss. We'll dive deeper into the weight loss-friendly benefits of turmeric below.
How turmeric aids weight loss
In addition to helping detoxify your liver, Lenau says there are several other properties of turmeric that can help you in your weight loss journey.
"Turmeric may indirectly contribute to weight loss by addressing some factors associated with weight gain," he says. "For instance, curcumin has been suggested to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance," he tells us, noting that managing your blood sugar levels is one great way to promote fast weight loss.
"It may also promote the breakdown of fats in the body and help control appetite," Lenau adds. That means turmeric is just one more appetite-suppressing spice you can incorporate into your meals!
How to incorporate turmeric into your diet
There are several ways you can work turmeric into your diet in order to reap these benefits. Lenau suggests the following:
- Turmeric Water: "Turmeric water is a popular method of incorporating turmeric into your daily routine," Lenau says. "Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water to make it and stir well. Some people also add a pinch of black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance absorption." You may also want to consider turmeric tea!
- Turmeric in Smoothies: "Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder or a small piece of fresh turmeric root to your favorite smoothie recipe. This can add vibrant color and a mild earthy flavor to your smoothie," Lenau recommends.
- Turmeric in Cooking: According to Lenau, "Turmeric is commonly used in various cuisines, especially Indian and Southeast Asian dishes. You can sprinkle turmeric powder on roasted vegetables, soups, and stews or even season meats and poultry."
- Golden Milk: "Golden milk, also known as turmeric latte, is a warm beverage that combines turmeric with milk (dairy or plant-based) and other spices like cinnamon and ginger. It's a popular choice for those seeking the benefits of turmeric in a soothing drink," Lenau tells us.
The bottom line
Ultimately, turmeric can be a great spice to add to your diet for a range of reasons, from detoxification to weight loss. However, it's important to note that, as Lenau notes, "While turmeric may offer potential health benefits, individual experiences may vary." For this reason, he says "It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any specific health conditions or concerns." Noted!
