Find out why cooking turmeric is far superior to stirring turmeric into a drink if you’re hoping to gain health benefits from the spice.
Turmeric, renowned for its anti-inflammatory compound curcumin, is widely acknowledged as a natural medicinal ingredient. But simply stirring it in water or blending it in smoothies won't give you the full suite of health benefits the golden spice has to offer. Let's explore why cooking turmeric is essential for unlocking its unique polyphenols and ensuring the body absorbs the maximum amount of curcumin when consumed.
Bioavailability Challenge:
Eating turmeric raw or stirring it into a drink doesn't ensure curcumin absorption. The body struggles to metabolise it efficiently, leading to minimal therapeutic effects. To truly benefit, turmeric needs to be prepared correctly using heat, water and healthy fats.
Unlocking Polyphenols through Cooking:
Turmeric's active polyphenols, especially curcuminoids, require heat to break down their cellular structure. This makes them more accessible and readily absorbed by the body, providing the desired anti-inflammatory effects.
Distinguishing Curcuminoids from Water-Soluble Nutrients:
Unlike water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C and magnesium, curcuminoids won't give you the health benefits you're hoping for when in a simple liquid form. Blending turmeric into a drink won't deliver the desired effects, as curcuminoids must be heated to be activated and consumed within a fat or oil to carry them into the body. No fat = passes straight through.
Golden Paste Optimal Turmeric Benefits:
Golden Paste, made by boiling high potency turmeric powder with water, healthy fats and freshly cracked black pepper once cooled, is the best way to gain the health benefits of turmeric. Black pepper enhances curcumin bioavailability, and the paste can be taken in small servings or integrated into various dishes, offering a delicious and effective way to unlock turmeric's potential.
Find Dr Doug’s Golden Paste Recipe here.
Alternatively if you’re looking for a simpler option to get the full effects of turmeric, try Dr Doug’s Golden Paste Recipe in Bar and Bite form with our collection of whole foods - all containing bioavailable curcumin with 4 doses per bar, or one dose per bite.
SHOP TURMERIC WHOLE FOODS HERE
Do You Prefer To Drink Turmeric? Try This Recipe
Find Dr Doug’s Golden Tea recipe here.
About Dr Doug English
Dr Doug English, an Australian vet and founder of Turmeric Life, developed Golden Paste, a recipe blending tradition with modern cooking. In 2012, he founded the Turmeric User Group on Facebook to collect anecdotal reports on turmeric benefits. After a decade of recommending Golden Paste, Dr. Doug witnessed reduced pathology in chronic inflammation-related diseases, such as arthritis, supported by positive reports from group members over the next six years.
Have a Question for Dr Doug?
Contact Turmeric Life today via our chat feature or email us at support@turmericlife.com.au.
