Wednesday's Super Food: Turmeric!

Interesting superfood fact - In India, where the healing properties of turmeric have been long understood and accepted, you can buy Band aids saturated with the spice!



The Latin name for turmeric, Curcuma longa was derived from the Sanskrit word for "yellow"......and yellow it is!

Though turmeric is packed with vitamins and minerals, it is the intense yellow pigment, curcumin, that contains the greatest health benefits.

Curcumin

powerful antioxidant

reduces inflammation (inflammation has been linked to many chronic disorders: arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer)

Cancer fighting properties (slows tumor growth)

Reduces cholesterol build-up, thus preventing the hardening of arteries

May also reduce plaque formation in the brain....reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease

Though turmeric can be used in a number of different dishes, my all time favorite is curry! There is an amazing deli in Kingston that makes the best curried chicken salad and, last night, I decided to try to replicate it for us at home.

Jill's Curried Chicken Salad



Leftover chopped chicken
Plain yogurt (I use the Mediterranean full fat stuff!)
Chopped green/red apple
Chopped green/red grapes
Heaping tablespoon of Patak's curry paste (to taste)

Note: I mix up the yogurt and curry paste before tossing it with the rest of the ingredients to prevent someone from biting into a big clump of super spicy curry paste!

You can serve it on bread or in a wrap. I decided to "summer-ize" it by serving with lightly dressed salad greens. Delish.

Happy Wednesday!