Turmeric oatmeal is an excellent way to add a powerful, healthy boost to your regular morning oats.
Turmeric has so many health benefits, it’s no wonder we keep seeing it everywhere.
But if you’ve ever tried “sneaking” it in to your favourite foods, you will find it is a pretty hard spice to hide… and honestly, it doesn’t taste that great- at least to me.
There I said it.
Turmeric tastes gross.
But the benefits of consuming it definitely outweigh its not-so-palatable flavour. So if you haven’t jumped on the turmeric bandwagon yet, here are a few key benefits from Dr. Axe that will hopefully change your mind:
1. May Slow or Prevent Blood Clots
In both lab and animal studies, the use of curcumin from turmeric greatly reduces instances of platelet aggregation and potentially reduces the risk of a clot forming. (1) (2) (3)
2. Reduces Depression Symptoms
This study provides the first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe therapy for treatment in patients with mild depression. (4)
3. Fights Inflammation
Arguably, the most powerful aspect of curcumin is its ability to control inflammation. (5)
4. Boosts skin health
Turmeric benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have proven effective in treating multiple skin conditions. (6)
5. May outperform common arthritis drug
While arthritis cannot be cured, it seems that a high dose of curcumin can be just as (or more) effective than at least the most common medication prescribed for the condition. (7)
6. Could treat or prevent certain cancers
Food-based botanicals have the potential to restore a healthier gene expression in patients but without the toxicity of certain drugs. (8)
7. May help manage diabetes
Multiple meta-analyses have confirmed that curcumin from turmeric significantly lower inflammatory markers including TNF-α and IL-6, both of which are associated with diabetes.(9) (10)
8. Combats obesity
The researchers found that the anti-inflammatory properties in curcumin were effective at suppressing the inflammatory processes of obesity, therefore helping to reduce obesity and its “adverse health effects.” (11)
9. Supports management of inflammatory bowel disease
An in-depth analysis of all the studies evaluating curcumin’s ability to manage ulcerative colitis (UC) found that turmeric benefits may include helping to maintain remission of this chronic disease. (12)
1o. May work as a natural pain reliever
In early 2014, the European Journal of Pharmacology published research that discovered curcumin naturally activates the opioid system in diabetic rats.
11. Aids in detoxification
It seems that consumption of turmeric and its active compound, curcumin, can help the liver efficiently detoxify the body and alleviate some of the effects of dangerous carcinogens. (13)
Ok, well hopefully Dr. Axe and I have convinced you that Turmeric is worth including in your diet on a regular basis. That doesn’t mean you need to run out and add it to every meal. But trying to include a little bit a couple times a week can prove to be very powerful on your overall health.
And don’t worry too much about getting the fresh vs powdered turmeric (obviously fresh is always better) but choose whatever is accessible to you and what you are actually going to use. I use the powder because it’s easier and sometimes I’m lazy. 😉
Now onto today’s recipe! I am so excited to share my turmeric oatmeal recipe with you because I figured out how to mask the bitter, turmeric flavour!!
Turns out lemon zest is the answer! Yes, I know, crazy but it works so well in this recipe.
I’ve also added some coconut oil to help with the absorption of turmeric, as well as some other anti-inflammatory spices like cinnamon and ginger.
This breakfast bowl is PACKED with antioxidants! So I hope you enjoy 🙂
Lemon-Blueberry Turmeric Oatmeal
- 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp unsweetened coconut yogurt (I use Yoso)
- 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest*
- 1-2 tsp raw, local honey or maple syrup*
- Cocoa nibs
- Shredded or flaked unsweetened coconut
- Almond butter or your favourite nut butter
- More coconut yogurt
- Cook the oats on the stove top with the water according to the directions and your desired consistency
- remove from heat and all all remaining ingredients
- Top with desired toppings
- *Add more or less of these ingredients depending on your preference
If you like this recipe, then you might like these recipes too:
Peanut Butter Banana Flaxseed Oatmeal
As always, let me know how you like this recipe by commenting below and making sure to share it with a friend 🙂
xoxo