Is turmeric really a sensitive skin saviour?

Turmeric isn’t something that springs to mind when thinking about skin soothing foods – I might reach for it when I’m making a curry, but not when my urticaria flares up!

But according to the in-the-know foodies, we should be having a lot more of this brightly coloured plant root in our diets.

Why?

It’s all about curcumin, the primary ingredient in turmeric that’s responsible for its golden colour and has amazing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing properties.

Turmeric also protects the liver from toxins, reduces cholesterol and can even help soothe an upset or irritable stomach by aiding digestion. It has been used in Indian and Chinese medicine for thousands of years to help treat Diabetes Arthritis, Eczema, Acne and Psoriasis, Alzheimer’s and Depression, and now the rest of the world is catching on too.

I try to incorporate as many anti-inflammatory and alkaline-based foods into my diet as possible, as they can be really beneficial for unpredictable skin like mine.

Skin conditions like Urticaria, Eczema, Acne and Psoriasis are all inflammatory skin conditions, so by ingesting more anti-inflammatory foods you can reduce inflammation in the body, helping to keep skin calm and healthy.

Still not convinced?

The ‘turmeric trend’ has been on the rise for the last couple of years, with Selfridges noting that their sales of the spice have gone up 15% in only one year. It’s cropping up in all sorts of places – with chefs, food bloggers and brands getting in on the action.

The brilliant juice and cleanse brand, Plenish, have just released their newest almond milk drink which is, you guessed it, flavoured with turmeric!

How can I have it?

If possible, you should really try to get your hands on fresh turmeric as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits are significantly reduced when it’s dried.

A turmeric latte, while delicious, won’t exactly give you enough of the herb for you to feel the benefits – one ounce of turmeric gives you 26% of your manganese daily needs and 16% of your recommended iron needs.

There are lots of different ways to enjoy it – add to smoothies, soups and stews, but the most popular (and easiest) way to enjoy it is in tea.

Chefs and Vogue writers, HEMSLEY + HEMSLEY swear by their ‘Pep-up Turmeric Tea’ which contains ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, lemon and honey. It’s bright, packs a punch and is well worth trying!

Will you be giving it a go? Or are you already a turmeric devotee?