Superfoods are a little like superheros: on their own they’re great, but when they start teaming up they can be even better. So if you're looking for some combinations that really complement one another, we’ve got just the dynamic duo for you – Cinnamon and Turmeric.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine as a one stop shop for the treatment of a whole host of ailments. Heartburn, heart disease, depression, you name it, Turmeric has been used to prevent or cure it. In its fresh form, it looks strikingly similar to ginger, but the Turmeric that we’re all familiar with is a bright yellow powder that is a staple spice across South Asia.
Rich in manganese, iron, fibre, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium, the secret of this ancient spice is curcumin – a compound that is well studied for its health benefits, including its liver cleansing potential.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the world's most popular spices, featured in everything from coffee and cookies to stir fries and smoothies.
As well as tasting delicious, Cinnamon has been prized in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia thanks to its ability to treat a whole range of health issues.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Short-term inflammation is beneficial in preventing foreign invaders from completely taking over our bodies but chronic or long-term inflammation can have a counterproductive effect.
Indeed, it’s now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's.
Both Turmeric and Cinnamon offer huge anti-inflammatory benefits that can help prevent this long-term inflammation, and decrease our susceptibility to a range of diseases.
The curcumin found in Turmeric is so strongly anti-inflammatory, targeting multiple parts of the inflammation pathway, that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
Cinnamon‘s anti-inflammatory properties come from its ability to inhibit the release of arachidonic acid which is “inflammatory fatty acid”. In the fight against inflammation, Turmeric and Cinnamon complement each other perfectly.
Powerful antioxidants
It’s believed that oxidative damage caused by free radicals is one of the primary mechanisms of many diseases. However, curcumin has the potential to be a potent antioxidant that, thanks to its chemical structure, can potentially neutralise free radicals.
And as if that weren’t enough, it also boosts the activity of the body's own antioxidant enzymes. Like Turmeric, Cinnamon contains a powerful antioxidant known as polyphenols. In fact, by weight, Cinnamon might be one of the most densely packed antioxidant superfoods that we know of.
Together, Turmeric and Cinnamon are the superfood dream team, when it comes to fighting free radicals, helping to prevent oxidative damage and keep us fighting fit.
How to enjoy
Introducing Cinnamon and Turmeric powder into your regular diet couldn’t be simpler. Not only are they both delicious in their own right, but together they give a delicious warmth to a whole load of sweet and savoury dishes like soups, smoothies and curries. Simply add a teaspoon of each to your cooking and start enjoying the benefits of this superfood A-Team!
Read here for more ideas for great ways to add superfood Turmeric to your everyday diet.
