Why it Works: Tumeric and ginger have been used for centuries as a painkillers in eastern medicine. Curcumin, the active ingredient in both roots, was shown in a 2011 study by University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science to suppress a sub-cellular switch that triggers an inflammatory response. "Two days prior to the 2007 Hardrock 100 I badly sprained my ankle,” says famed ultrarunner, Scott Jurek. "Turmeric and ginger worked wonders in getting me to the starting line and racing hard. The natural anti-inflammatory benefits are longer lasting, do not delay the inflammatory process, and have no side effects so you can recover faster and keep the body in balance.”  For a recovery meal, Jurek, who’s memoir Eat & Run comes out June 5, adds the roots to tofu to make sure he’s not sore after 100 mile runs.

The Recipe: Scott Jurek’s Tofu Scramble
Ingredients
2 teaspoons coconut oil
1/2 cup onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ginger root, minced or 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
2 tablespoons turmeric root, minced or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup mushrooms, finely diced
1/2 cup zucchini, finely diced
1/2 cup carrots, finely grated
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
1 1/2 cups spinach, kale or other winter green, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
16 oz package firm tofu
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon paprika
*Optional (for spicy version): 1/2 small jalapeño or 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
Cooked whole grains or whole grain bread
Flora Udo's Oil 3-6-9 Blend

Directions
In a medium skillet sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper in oil over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes.  While the first few ingredients are sautéing, chop the veggies.  Add the veggies and sauté for 5 minutes.  Crumble the tofu and add to veggies along with remaining ingredients.  Saute for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add more salt and black pepper to taste.  Serve over a cooked whole grain, corn tortillas or whole grain toast (my favorite is Ezekiel 4:9). Sprinkle Udo's Oil on toast or grains for buttery flavor and extra anti-inflammatory benefit via Omega-3 fatty acids.