Australian Yoga Journal - May June 2017

GOLDEN

retrievers

By Sarah Macartney

INFLAMMATION AFFECTS SO MANY OF US, but

presents itself in different ways. This makes it

difficult to identify and treat. Luckily, nature has

blessed us with an exceptionally healing spice —

turmeric — which contains a powerful compound

called curcumin.

While inflammation is a natural process in the

body, and beneficial, it can easily get out of control

and lead to conditions such as asthma, arthritis,

allergies and autoimmune diseases such as

Crohn’s Disease.

Curcumin has been scientifically studied and

proven to block inflammation pathways by

preventing the protein that causes swelling and

pain. This is such a relief for many of us who

experience ongoing inflammatory symptoms or

suffer occasional ‘flare-ups’. Also, having turmeric

every day doesn’t have the nasty side effects that

synthetic steroid or pain support drugs can have.

But, hang on, before you go rushing to the spice

cupboard for a teaspoon of turmeric!

When introducing new spices to your daily

diet, try adjusting some of your recipes or

learning how to include exciting new food

and drinks to your lifestyle. Be open to

trying new flavour combinations and

mixing what you may think are

traditionally savoury and sweet

flavours together.

To ensure you’re getting

the most from your new

healing ingredients, pair

them correctly, which

means consume them with

complementary foods.

By doing so, you will help

your body receive the

anti-inflammatory and

antioxidant benefits of

the ingredients.

While turmeric is very

powerful as an anti-

inflammatory and

antioxidant, it is not

particularly healing

(or enjoyable) when

consumed alone. The

body has a hard time

absorbing turmeric’s

compound curcumin when

taken alone because turmeric

is fat-soluble, which means it

requires fat to be absorbed.

Turmeric lattes are a wonderful

way to take your turmeric because

the milk fat in the latte is an ideal

carrier for the turmeric ... and they

taste delicious.

Piperine, which puts the ‘peppiness’ in

pepper, also increases the bioavailability of

turmeric. Not all turmeric is created equal,

Turmeric is a yellow spice traditionally renowned for

its powerful healing properties and currently regaining

popularity among sufferers of inflammation and

autoimmune diseases. Adjust your diet and introduce

a daily dose to help nourish your lifestyle.

34

may/june 2017

yogajournal.com.au

PHOTO: BONNIECATON; SVETA_ZARZAMORA/ISTOCKPH

OTO.COM