If I could only take one spice with me on my culinary adventures, it would undoubtedly be turmeric . Much more than just a natural coloring agent, this orange-hued root is a true treasure trove of benefits, particularly valuable when our bodies begin their transition to menopause.
🌏 Its Origin: A journey to India
Native to Southeast Asia, and more specifically India, turmeric is a plant in the same family as ginger. Used for over 4,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine, it is nicknamed "the spice of long life." Wandering through Asian markets, you'll find it everywhere: as fresh roots, in vibrant powder form, or incorporated into traditional spice blends like curry.
💡 Nutritional Properties
What makes turmeric unique is curcumin . It's its main active ingredient, a super-powerful antioxidant.
- Natural anti-inflammatory: It acts on chronic inflammation.
- Rich in iron and manganese: Essential for metabolism.
- Very low Glycemic Index (GI): Ideal for healthy cooking.
✨ General Benefits
Turmeric is first and foremost your digestive system . It aids in fat digestion by stimulating the liver and soothes bloating. It's also a cell protector that helps fight premature tissue aging.
🌸 Menopause Focus: Why You'll Love It
This is where turmeric becomes a strategic ally for us:
- Reduction of hot flashes: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to slightly regulate estrogenic activity, it can help to soothe the intensity of night sweats.
- Joint Comfort: During menopause, it's not uncommon to experience pain in the hands, knees, or hips. Turmeric helps to "lubricate" the joints by reducing inflammation.
- Mood and Serenity: Studies suggest that curcumin supports the production of serotonin and dopamine, our happiness hormones, which are often disrupted by hormonal fluctuations.
👩🍳 How to cook it? (My escape tips)
To benefit from its properties, turmeric has a little secret: it needs fats (olive oil, coconut milk) and a pinch of black pepper to be properly absorbed by your body.
- Fresh version: Grate a small piece of root into your vegetable stir-fries or pressed juices.
- The “Golden Latte”: My favorite comfort drink! Mix a teaspoon of turmeric into hot plant-based milk with a little honey and cinnamon.
- In the cooking water: Add a spoonful of powder to the water of your rice or fonio to give them a beautiful sunny color.
🔗 My Turmeric-Based Recipes
- The Golden Latte: My evening ritual for a peaceful sleep
- Seasonal vegetable curry with coconut milk
- Gluten-free muffins with turmeric and chia seeds
GlutenEvasion's little tip: Be careful with your fingers and work surfaces! Turmeric stains a lot. A little traveler's tip: if your hands are yellow after cooking with it, rub them with a cotton ball soaked in a little vegetable oil; the color will come off much more easily than with soap.
