Research suggests that taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory before you workout like ibuproprofen doesn’t help with muscle pain and could actually be harming your gut. I’ve discovered that popping a bit of raw Turmeric root into my HSM Smoothie not only eases muscle pain but according to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, may help fight infection, reduce inflammation and treat digestive problems. Enjoy! Your muscles and your tummy will thank you!

Curcumin, the orangey colored phytochemical found in turmeric has also been found to have anti-cancer and anti-dementia qualities. And get this – it even fights body fat! Um, pass the mustard please! Or the curry! Or just give me the jar and I’ll sprinkle it on everything! It works by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that feed fat tissue so that the fat tissue can’t expand – and make you expand. Take that you nasty adipose tissue! Research also has revealed that curcumin can reduce cholesterol levels. Seriously, you had me at hello.