Let’s start off by adding a simple easily found spice into your daily meal.

I’m pretty sure you’re going to be surprised to discover that with just a quick pinch of Turmeric, an often overlooked “superfood”, it has an incredible array of health benefits that go way beyond its normal use as a natural way to color food.

This herb has been used in Eastern cuisine for centuries. Its active medicinal compound is Curcumin, that gives curry its yellowish tint and distinctive flavor.¹

One Of The Amazing Health Benefits Of Turmeric Include Fat-Reduction

Like red wine for the French (Resveratrol), olive oil in the Mediterranean (Omega-3 Fatty Acids), chili peppers in Central and South America (Capsaicin), and shellfish in Japan (Astaxanthin) – we are only just now realizing the extensive health benefits of turmeric, this East Indian spice.

Studies published in the European Journal of Nutrition focused on the effects of Turmeric on obesity and obesity-related illnesses.

The active anti-inflammatory compound in Turmeric has been found to reduce your body’s formation of fat tissue, stunting fat cell growth, and enhancing your body’s ability to make physically fit fat cells instead of the lazy couch potato kind.²

Additional health benefits of Turmeric were found to reduce internal inflammation that results from being overweight.

A pure Turmeric powder or root (not “curry powder” typically found on the spice aisle) is recommended to ensure you’re getting the total benefit of the Curcumin. It can be purchased in extract form as well, giving you a more potent version of this miracle spice.

As with most antioxidants, you can buy Turmeric as a supplement, but I hope you’ll give the natural dietary path a chance first. Your body is better able to digest Turmeric in its natural form.

It is low-cost, safe to use, and proven effective, but Turmeric cannot be your only solution to weight loss and control. It should be consumed in addition to an overall nutrition-conscious diet and regular exercise regimen.

Turmeric (part of the ginger family) is a common ingredient in East Indian and Caribbean cuisine. I add it liberally once a week to my standard egg, tuna or chicken salad to give it a more exotic flavor.

Always use a bit of freshly ground black pepper when you’re working with Turmeric to boost the overall effectiveness of its fat-fighting potential. This increases its effectiveness by 1000 times³. Stirring a teaspoon or more into chili, stews, or casseroles (according to taste) will brighten a stuck-in-a-rut meal. Try this recipe to make your own turmeric tea at home.

In addition to the amazing weight reduction properties, further studies reveal the health benefits of Turmeric include:

• Alzheimer’s disease prevention using Turmeric as a natural anti-inflammatory. Population studies have shown that elderly villagers in India have the lowest occurrence of Alzheimer’s in the world – Alzheimer’s begins with inflammation in the brain.⁴
• Protection against cancer and the growth of cancer cells.⁵ It actually kills certain cancer cells so they can’t spread.
• Prevents inflammation that leads to inflammatory bowel disease.
• Reduction of fat cells and inflammation resulting in lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

The health possibilities for this true superfood are endless. So sprinkle away because it’s also delicious! Try these 7 ways to get Turmeric in your diet today!

Article originally published on DailySuperFoodLove.com republished with permission.