Turmeric has gained popularity in the keto world due to its health benefits and low carbohydrate content. The spice, which originated in India, has been used in medicine and cooking for over 4500 years. The primary active component is curcumin, which gives turmeric its bright yellow colour and is responsible for its vibrant colour and unique flavour. The health benefits of turmeric include supporting gut health, improving skin quality, boosting cognitive function, and reducing inflammation. While it does contain some carbohydrates, the amount is minimal and can easily fit within the daily carb limits of a typical ketogenic lifestyle.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | One teaspoon of turmeric contains approximately 1.43 grams of carbohydrates, 7.79 calories |
Carbohydrate allowance | You can still consume 5% to 10% of your carbohydrate calories, which is at least 50g of carbs each day |
Net carbs | Turmeric powder contains 4.44g of net carbs per 10g serving |
Daily net carb limit | 20g-30g |
Fats | Turmeric powder is low in fats |
Healthy fats | Virgin olive oil, grass-fed butter, and MCT oil |
Health benefits | Anti-inflammatory, improves skin quality, boosts brain function, supports gut health, boosts metabolism, improves blood sugar regulation, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer |
Use in keto diet | Can be added to shakes, smoothies, or capsule form |
What You'll Learn
Turmeric is keto-friendly due to its minimal carb content
Turmeric is a spice that has gained popularity in the keto world. It originated in India and has been used in medicine and cooking for over 4,500 years. The primary active component is curcumin, which gives turmeric its bright yellow colour.
In addition to its keto-friendliness, turmeric offers a range of health benefits. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate bloating, gas, and ulcers, as well as improve skin quality and texture. Turmeric is also beneficial for brain health, as it can boost DHA levels in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety.
When incorporating turmeric into your keto diet, you can add it to shakes or smoothies, or consume it in capsule form. It is a versatile spice that can enhance both the flavour and nutritional value of your meals.
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Turmeric is a superfood with multiple health benefits
Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It can help alleviate bloating, gas, and ulcers, as well as improve skin quality and texture and combat signs of ageing. It can also be used to treat dermatological diseases and improve skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Turmeric has been shown to have cognitive benefits, such as boosting brain function and reducing the risk of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress by boosting DHA levels in the brain.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric also give it the ability to help fight multiple diseases, including metabolic disorders like high cholesterol, digestive issues like diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease, and infections. Turmeric may even have a role in cancer prevention and treatment, as it has been shown to selectively kill cancer cells.
In addition, turmeric can aid in blood sugar regulation, helping to defend the body against diabetes. It does this by stimulating the enzyme AMPK, which signals glucose uptake from the blood into the cells.
Turmeric is also beneficial for heart health, as it helps create healthy veins and arteries, lowers LDL cholesterol, and reduces blood pressure.
Overall, turmeric is a powerful spice with a wide range of health benefits, making it a great addition to your diet and wellness routine.
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Turmeric can be consumed in powder, capsule, or tonic form
Turmeric is a spice that can be added to food or drink, or taken as a supplement. It is available in powder, capsule, or tonic form. Turmeric powder can be added to smoothies or shakes to make the famous "Golden Milk" drink. Turmeric capsules are also available for those who prefer to leave it out of food and drink. Turmeric tonic is a powerful blend of turmeric, boswellia, cinnamon, schisandra berry, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.
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Turmeric is a natural healing agent with anti-inflammatory properties
Turmeric has been used to treat wounds, infections, colds, and liver disease. It can also help to improve liver function, by protecting the liver from damage caused by toxins. This is especially beneficial for people who take strong drugs for diabetes or other conditions that may harm their liver. Turmeric is also being studied for its potential to treat irritable bowel syndrome and other gut issues.
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can also help to improve skin health. When taken orally, it can improve the texture and quality of the skin by reducing inflammation. It is also antimicrobial, which aids in repairing skin cells and healing scars and acne.
Turmeric is also known to provide cognitive benefits. It has been shown to support cognitive function and boost DHA in the brain, which can lead to reduced anxiety. Turmeric may also help to lower cholesterol and boost brain function, reducing the risk of cognitive diseases.
In addition to its health benefits, turmeric can be used as a natural colouring agent and adds a unique flavour to dishes. It is commonly used in curries and other Asian dishes, as well as in tea.
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Turmeric can be added to keto recipes, drinks, and meals
Turmeric is a versatile spice that can be seamlessly incorporated into keto recipes, drinks, and meals. It is an ancient spice that originated in India and has been used in cooking and medicine for over 4500 years. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is responsible for its vibrant yellow colour and numerous health benefits.
When following a keto diet, individuals aim to derive most of their calories from fats and proteins while minimising carbohydrate intake. This dietary approach promotes a state of ketosis, where the body utilises ketones for fuel instead of relying primarily on glucose. Turmeric, despite containing carbohydrates, is compatible with the keto diet when consumed in moderation. One teaspoon of turmeric contains approximately 1.43 grams of carbohydrates, which aligns with the typical keto guideline of limiting daily carb intake to less than 50 grams.
Turmeric can be seamlessly integrated into keto meals and recipes, enhancing both flavour and nutritional value. It is commonly used in curries and Indian cuisine. Additionally, turmeric supplements or powder can be added to shakes, smoothies, or keto-friendly drinks like golden lattes and turmeric tea. The combination of turmeric with black pepper, specifically the compound piperine, enhances its effectiveness by up to 2000%.
In addition to its culinary uses, turmeric boasts an array of health benefits that complement the keto lifestyle. Turmeric is widely recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and ulcers. It also supports skin health, improving skin texture and quality while combating signs of ageing. Moreover, turmeric has cognitive benefits, boosting brain function and reducing anxiety. The spice has also been linked to improved heart health, cancer prevention, and enhanced metabolic function.
When adding turmeric to your keto diet, it is important to be mindful of serving sizes to stay within your daily carb limits. Additionally, combining turmeric with healthy fats, such as virgin olive oil, grass-fed butter, or MCT oil, is recommended to enhance absorption and complement the high-fat nature of the keto diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, turmeric is keto-friendly. Although it contains carbohydrates, the amount is minimal and falls well within the daily carb limit of a typical keto diet.
There are approximately 1.43 grams of carbs in 1 teaspoon of turmeric. For every 10g of turmeric powder, there are 4.44g of net carbs.
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, supporting gut health, improving skin quality, boosting brain function, and aiding in cancer prevention and treatment.