Category: Food

It may seem odd to call a supplement “trendy” but turmeric is definitely having a moment right now, and we can certainly see why. This powerful powder-like spice has become a favorite among health and wellness advocates around the world and we’re here to tell you more. Here are 10 facts to know about everyone’s favorite spice (of the month, at least):

• Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant that grows wild in the forests of south and southeast Asia and is commonly used in Asian food, curry or to flavor things like mustards, butters or cheeses.

• But it’s not just turmeric’s flavor that makes it stand out, it’s its color as well. The spice contains a vibrant yellow-colored chemical called curcumin, which is also often used to color foods and cosmetics.

• Turmeric is considered auspicious and holy in India and is often used for wedding and religious ceremonies there.

• Turmeric has been found effective in treating, among other things, arthritis, heartburn, joint pain, stomach pain, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, and more. Studies on turmeric intake now also point to its potential for improving cognitive function, blood sugar balance, and kidney function, as well as lessening the degree of severity associated with certain forms of arthritis.

• You don’t need much of it to reap potential benefits – as little as 1200-1800mg per day in supplement form is beneficial and 1-3g per day of dried, powdered turmeric (the spice you commonly find at the grocery store) can work wonders!

• Dried turmeric powder should kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place. Fresh turmeric rhizome (root, now more widely available in grocery and specialty stores) should be kept in the refrigerator.

• Strength in spices! Turmeric used in combination with black pepper, which contains piperine, improves turmeric absorbability throughout the entire body.

• Tea-time is a key time! Turmeric tea has become wildly popular for its spicy, warm, earthy flavor and is often referred to as “Liquid Gold.” We like this simple recipe for a perfect cup.

• Turmeric is an excellent source of both iron and manganese. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, copper, and potassium. Phytonutrients in turmeric include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, tumerones, and tumenorols.

• The first “r” is silent so pronounce it “too-meh-rick” when you go to stock up at the store.

We are just weeks away from Halloween and since we know there are lots of sugar-filled days (and nights!) on your horizon, we thought we’d share some of our favorite healthy Halloween treats now so you can sneak some in in the meantime. Perfect for parties, after-school snacks or just a fun seasonal treat, we think you’ll find these guilt-free picks are great for you and your little ghouls:

Day of the Dead Skull Fruit Pizza – put a seasonal spin on your usual fruit salad with this Day of the Dead inspired fruit pizza. A homemade sugar cookie crust is topped with fresh, colorful fruit for a lighter spin on your usual sweet treats.

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers – turn your peppers into party-worthy pumpkins packed with shredded chicken, rice and diced tomatoes. A healthy, hearty treat to make up for all those candy bowls.

Cheese & Pretzel Broomsticks – we love these simple, protein-packed broomstick snacks made from string cheese, pretzel sticks and chives. So easy and so cute!

Frankenstein Apples – speaking of simple, these Frankenstein apples are a two-minute treat that will wow your little ones. Simply tie up some green apples in small cellophane bags, decorate the bag with a Frankenstein face and tie them up!

Halloween Yogurt Bark – yogurt bark is always a snack favorite around here and this googly-eyed twist on it is perfect for the spook-filled weeks ahead. Get your littles in the kitchen to help you decorate so they can see (no pun intended) that the holiday can be just as fun when it’s not candy-filled.