The name turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merita (meritorious earth), referring to the color of ground turmeric, which resembles a mineral pigment. Because of its brilliant yellow color, it is also known as “Indian saffron.”
Turmeric has a VERY long history of medicinal use, going back nearly 4000 years! Southeast Asia also used it as a principal spice and in religious ceremonies.
What are the benefits of turmeric?
Curcumin (turmeric’s yellow pigment) has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties and has very powerful antioxidant effects. These antioxidant actions help protect healthy cells from free radicals which can lead to cancer. In addition to protecting against cancer, turmeric may help in the prevention of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. It also helps lower cholesterol. Much research is being done to determine the many benefits of turmeric/curcumin.
Adding Turmeric to your diet.
Turmeric can be added to many dishes such as eggs, sprinkled on roasted vegetables, added to rice, used in soups, blended into a smoothie, or made into a tea. Word of caution, if you are using fresh turmeric, and sometimes powdered, make sure you wear gloves when peeling or cutting. Otherwise, you will have nicely yellow-colored fingers! (It has been used as a dye for 100’s of years for just this reason.)
Here is a recipe that uses fresh turmeric. It is a great dish to serve with a mixed green salad. Enjoy.
What is your favorite way to add turmeric to your diet? Do you have any great recipes that include turmeric?
What you will need.
All done!
Egg roll in a bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (I used turkey this time)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or coconut oil, divided
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 Tbsp fresh turmeric, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp rosemary
- 1/4 tsp sage
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 5-6 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- Green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the coconut aminos, thyme, rosemary, sage, sea salt, turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Set aside for the flavors to blend.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil in a frying pan, add the meat, break apart and continue cooking till fully cooked.
- Remove the meat and set aside, keep warm.
- Saute the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped onions in 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. Cook till vegetables are soften. The time will depend on how crisp you would like the cabbage.
- Add the meat and sauce/spice mixture to the vegetables. Stir and continue to heat over low heat till heated through.
- Serve garnished with green onions.
- Enjoy.
Turmeric is an amazing spice with many wonderful properties. Learn all the different uses and grab some great recipes too! Click the link below for the additional recipes.
http://www.theingredientguru.com/2017/10/terrific-health-benefits-turmeric/#comment-3773
http://jenohsays.com/recipe/the-benefits-of-turmeric/#sthash.voNCpKVx.dpbs
http://www.greengutwellness.com/2013/11/08/mushroom-tomato-curry-vegan-recipe/
Murray, M. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods.
Sahdeo Prasad and Bharat B. Aggarwal.Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
www.spiceadvice.com/encyclopedia/turmeric.html
I can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing it!
Let me know how you like it. Thanks for commenting.
What a great idea. I love eggrolls but usually don’t want the fried dough. This is a great, delicious looking alternative. Thanks for sharing.
I agree on the fried dough, too. I hope you enjoy the recipe.
Hi Heather. This recipe looks delicious! Thanks for linking up to The Paleo AIP Recipe Roundtable. I hope you’ll join us again.
I love your blog. I am trying a couple of the recipes from #204 myself. I am only a few months into AIP diet. I have been able to add a few things back in. It certainly is a slow process, and your site is encouraging with all the recipes. I hope to contribute again.