Turmeric is one of those delicious, exotic spices that proves healthy food doesn’t have to be bland and boring. It has been used for thousands of years (usually in South Asian dishes), not only for flavor but also to alleviate the common joint pains and mechanical discomforts of our 50s and later years. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects are due to the active ingredient curcumin, which—get this!—has been shown to relieve joint pain as well as ibuprofen. Not a big fan of curry? Try sprinkling the spice over a casual chicken salad or hummus, or mix it into plain, non-fat Greek yogurt and add a dash of hot sauce to prepare a dip with a kick. (If you do crave curry, take a peak at my recipes for curried chicken salad with green peas and spiced yogurt dressing.)