Different Forms of Turmeric

 

Turmeric is an herbal plant with a unique underground part known as a rhizome. Much like a carrot with a stalk that grows above ground, it is the rhizome that is most sought after. Also like a carrot, the rhizome is a bright orange-yellow color; although turmeric is a cousin of ginger and has little in common with carrots.

Turmeric is sought after because of the plant compound curcumin, an antioxidant linked to a number of health boosting effects. Many studies claim that curcumin does it all, from kicking your immune system into gear, keeping the heart healthy, brain thinking, gut happy, and may even help to ease feelings of depression.

So how can you potentially benefit from turmeric?

Thanks to its popularity, turmeric now grows around the world and is widely available in several convenient forms. Find it on the spice rack, in supplements, and even drinks at popular coffee and tea shops.

Here are some of the most popular forms of turmeric.

Turmeric Spice

 

Turmeric is native to India and China. It has been known as a medicinal aid for thousands of years, but these early cultures primarily used the plant for its flavor. That remains true to this day. The spread of curry around the world has helped to popularize turmeric as a staple on the spice rack.

Teas, coffee, roasted vegetables, and so many more food groups pair well with turmeric. Keep a shaker bottle in your kitchen and experiment with it in your favorite dishes.

Turmeric Extract

 

Turmeric extracts are the result of a process that separates all of the different molecules, chemical structures, and other compounds that make up turmeric into individual parts. This allows a manufacturer to pick and choose the most beneficial parts of the plant, like curcumin, and condense it into a supplement. This makes the curcumin more bioavailable, since the gut doesn’t have to digest the whole powder or rhizome before absorbing the curcumin.

Turmeric Pills and Capsules

 

Turmeric pills and capsules take turmeric powder or turmeric extracts and put them into an easy to swallow pill. For people sensitive to the spice, or who want a larger dose of turmeric without eating or drinking it, a pill or capsule is the best choice.

Turmeric Blends

Turmeric pairs well with other herbs to create a more “powerful” supplement. Black pepper, for example, is said to increase absorption of turmeric in the body. You can also find turmeric blended with holy basil, ginger, cinnamon, bromelain, fruit blends, vitamins, minerals, and many other herbs and spices. Look at the bottle or the manufacturer’s website for more information on how their turmeric blend supports your health.

Whole Turmeric Root

 

If you can grow turmeric in your garden, then you can dry and grind up your own into a powder. If turmeric doesn’t grow in your region, a local grocery store may have the whole root available.

Golden Milk

 

Golden milk is a popular way to enjoy the benefits of turmeric in a tasty and filling drink. Make golden milk with your choice (almond, coconut, etc.), turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, and a sweetener like honey or agave.

Mix in a blender then simmer over medium high heat for up to 5 minutes, then drink! If you want to follow this recipe, head over to WellnessMama.com.

Start Taking Turmeric

 

Turmeric is an amazing and versatile spice that has almost no limits. Use it on all of your food, in your drinks, and shop for a supplement and experience the potential health effects for yourself!