Chronic inflammation is a major health issue that can lead to serious health disorders such as diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and dementia amongst others. A common cause of this chronic inflammation begins with inflammation in the gut caused by foods which have not been properly digested, by allergens and by parasites in the gut which have not been removed by the body’s defence systems. This can lead to auto-immunity and disruption of the immune system. Stress and ageing are also factors which increase the likelihood of inflammation in our bodies. To counter this, it is important to have good digestion and to consume foods containing anti-oxidants, which reduce inflammatory cytokines thus resolving the inflammation.
Here are some foods with anti-inflammatory properties:
Salmon, kale, blueberries, raspberries, capsicum, almond, quinoa, chia seeds, sesame seeds, fermented soy products like tempe and miso, herbs including turmeric, ginger, green tea and rosemary. The food with some of the most amazing health benefits is turmeric.
TURMERIC has been renowned as a wonder herb for centuries in India, Indonesia and China, and has been used to heal a myriad of ailments. It has a number of medicinal properties, including being an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant. It protects us from arthritis, arteriosclerosis and heart disease. It has also been implicated in lowering the risk of cancer and dementia. Curcumin, and related curcuminoids, which are the active components of turmeric, has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Recent studies are supporting the long-standing Ayurvedic and Chinese treatments using turmeric, and are showing that turmeric may be in fact more effective than many prescribed drugs.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Curcumin has been found to be as effective as potent drugs like hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone, but unlike these drugs, turmeric poses no toxicity and has no side-effects. It is effective in ulcerative colitis and other digestive disorders as well as in hayfever.
Anti-depressant activity
Research has shown that anti-depressant medications can actually make depression worse. Curcumin raises serotonin and dopamine levels. The neurotransmitter serotonin has a role in mood regulation, sleep, learning and memory. Dopamine is involved in the regulation of mood and satisfaction, memory and sleep and is released in response to pleasurable experiences. Turmeric has not been trialled for major depressive disorders so cannot be recommended as a substitute for prescribed medication in these cases. Turmeric however is a beneficial supplement in cases of stress and anxiety where inflammatory states are affecting brain function.
Anti-oxidant effects
Turmeric also has anti-oxidant properties and lowers cholesterol levels. It does this by reducing cholesterol peroxides, which are the damaging form of cholesterol, in the blood vessel wall. It is a useful supplement for preventing blood clots in those at high risk of heart attacks. Its anti-platelet and prostaglandin modulating effects are similar to aspirin. Turmeric may be incorporated into recipes for patties, vegetable pancakes and slices, stir-fries, soups, sauces and health drinks, to name but a few.
Here is a recipe featuring turmeric, which is also gluten-free, dairy-free and grain-free.
Quinoa Patties
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1½ cups vegetable stock (freshly made is best)
1 cup sweet potato peeled
1 small brown onion peeled and diced
½ cup zucchini grated
1 bunch of chives chopped
¼ cup of chia seeds
2 organic free-range eggs
2 tbspn chopped parsley
2 tspn turmeric powder
1 tspn cumin powder
1 tspn ground coriander
½ tspn sea salt
coconut flour for coating
olive oil for frying
For the sauce
2 medium carrots
1 small brown onion
1 tspn turmeric powder
1 tspn cumin powder
¼ cup organic light coconut cream
Method
Cook quinoa in vegetable stock
Meanwhile, soak chia seeds in ¼ cup water
Bake sweet potato with olive oil
Fry onion and zucchini in 2 tspn of olive oil
Add turmeric, cumin and coriander
Beat eggs
Add mashed sweet potato
Combine all ingredients together with parsley and chives
Roll into balls (makes approx. 24)
Coat with coconut flour and fry till golden brown
To make the sauce, cook the peeled chopped carrots in ½ cup water with a pinch of sea salt
Fry the diced onion with the spices
Combine carrots and onion in food processor with the coconut cream
Serve a dollop over each patty.
ENJOY and keep watching for more ways you can enjoy turmeric!
