Orange is the new black:

Turmeric recipes

Acurry-scented gingery powder, turmeric has been used to add spice and colour to food in South East Asian countries for thousands of years. But it’s far more than just an essential ingredient in your Friday night korma – it’s a super-food with healing properties. You need it in your diet – now! Here’s why…

Healing power

There are whole communities dedicated to the healing properties of turmeric on social media, with many people swearing that their health or that of their pet has been greatly improved by taking it regularly. It’s been used for centuries as part of Ayurvedic medicine, and it’s increasingly being used as natural relief from depression and anxiety.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antiinflammatory that builds up the immune system. It’s also a powerful antioxidant, helping the body fight infection and diseases including cancer and heart disease. It does this by boosting the body’s own enzymes and can stimulate the body’s own natural antioxidants, helping the body to heal itself. There’s some indication that it may be able to help with weight loss - Take That singer Gary Barlow revealed to his Twitter fans that he drinks a milky turmeric drink to help keep himself honed and trim. Fitness fans claim that this ‘golden milk’ burns fat when added to a diet plan.

form. If you don’t take enough, it won’t have any effect. A good way to take turmeric is to alternate the way you consume it - sometimes include it in your food and sometimes take it as a supplement - as it has to get right into your gut to have any positive benefit. Taking it with black pepper will help your body absorb it. Clinical trials have shown it to be safe, but if you are on any medication such as blood thinners, you’re pregnant or have an existing medical condition, consult your doctor first.