“I’m a HUGE fan of turmeric.”
-Jennifer Brand, MPH, MS, CNS
Turmeric is a spice used in curry.
Curcumin, the active component in turmeric that provides health benefits, REALLY provides health benefits.
Curcumin, therefore turmeric, is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice. It has been scientifically studied for a variety of health conditions:
- Its anti-inflammatory properties match that of some anti-inflammatory drugs! 
- It boosts your body’s antioxidant capacity, and this can be protective against a number of conditions, including cancer. 
- Turmeric is linked to improved brain function, increased memory, and a lower risk of brain diseases (possibly even Alzheimer’s). 
- This super spice may reduce your risk for heart disease. 
- Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be helpful with arthritis and joint aches and pains. 
- There is early evidence from scientific studies that turmeric/curcumin products and supplements, both oral and topical, may provide therapeutic benefits for skin health. 
- It’s great for gut health and helps repair leaky gut. 
I make sure to include turmeric in my diet DAILY. I have achy joints, and it seriously helps. Because I use it daily, I’ve gotten creative when it comes to getting it in. Here are my current 3 favorite strategies:
- Add it to my coffee, along with cinnamon (also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) 
- Put it in my smoothies 
- Make my turmeric ‘fried’ chicken! 
Turmeric ‘Fried’ Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- Grass fed butter or ghee 
- Chicken thighs 
- Turmeric 
- Pepper (black pepper is important because its active component piperine activates curcumin) 
- Salt 
Instructions:
- Heat up a fry pan and add about 1 Tbsp of grass fed butter or ghee 
- Add in chicken thighs 
- Sprinkle with turmeric, pepper and salt 
- Cover and cook until browned on bottom 
- Flip, cover and brown on the other side (I usually don’t add more turmeric, pepper and salt but you can to taste) 
- When browned to your liking, it’s done 
- Enjoy! 
Jennifer Brand, MPH, MS, CNS is a clinical nutritionist helping children with dry, flaky, weepy, red, itchy, painful rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin and enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms.
