Veganuary: Curry, Turmeric, and a Bowl Worth Trying
Why exploring a vegan lifestyle can support your joints, and a golden-spice turmeric quinoa bowl to spice life up.
A new year is always an opportunity for a fresh start. Growing up in a Haitian family, our meals were rich in meat, rice, dairy, plantains, pastries, and legumes. Delicious, but after seeing family members develop diabetes, I learned to pay closer attention to what I put in my body.
Some benefits of a more vegan lifestyle: lower risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease; better blood sugar control; more fiber, folate, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E; and, in some individuals, less joint pain and stiffness.
For Veganuary, I explored curry and turmeric, the 'golden spice.' Curcumin, the main active ingredient, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Turmeric may help protect against free radicals, moderate insulin levels, lower cholesterol, aid wound healing, ease psoriasis flares, reduce joint pain by fighting chronic inflammation, and support brain health.
Try a vegan turmeric quinoa power bowl: roasted potatoes and chickpeas seasoned with turmeric and paprika, quinoa cooked with turmeric, massaged kale, sliced avocado. About 30 minutes, 4 servings, ~385 kcal. Full recipe: jaroflemons.com/vegan-turmeric-quinoa-power-bowls/
Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD