I had never cooked with turmeric until searching for a natural cure to help solve for the painful effects of an autoimmune disease, and now this is one that I truly cannot live without.

Its brilliant golden color is stunning, and its flavor is earthy, peppery and pungent. But its real superpower is its ability to provide an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial impact to those who consume it or apply it through a polyphenol known as curcumin.

Native to Southeast Asia, this ancient spice is used in Indian, Middle Eastern and Moroccan cuisines. And turmeric is in good company as it is in the same family as ginger (also from Asia) in which both are known to support gastrointestinal benefits.

A former dear coworker of mine was aware of the health challenges I was facing and recommended I add turmeric to my diet and even gifted me a bag. Native to India, she told me that the women in her village would make a paste with turmeric and use it to cover cuts and burns and would even apply it to their feet to protect against infections when walking barefoot. Ingenious.

If you are looking to reap all the powerful benefits that turmeric offers, check out these recipes that contain this incredible spice: Trinity Soup Simple Golden Latte Classic Frittata