Lovin' Spoonful

Turmeric is the superhero spice that’s popping up on trendy menus everywhere – golden latte, anyone? But its real secret power is that it cuts the production of cancer-causing chemicals when barbecuing. Our resident nutritionist dishes on its benefits.

- Meghan Telpner

HERE’S WHAT YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW ABOUT turmeric: It’s a popular root in curries and has gained significant claims to fame as the shining star in a hot elixir known as the “golden milk latte.” Its glowing yellow-orange colour enhances any dish and potentially stains your blender, counter, hands and clothing (all washable, except for your white T-shirt).

Here’s what you may not know: As part of the same family of healing roots as ginger, turmeric is coveted for its phytonutrient curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory, which has been shown to be just as effective as – and in some cases, more effective than – non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). FYI, you’d have to take it in supplement form to reap those benefits.