Story of Haldi (Turmeric)

The very ubiquitous and cherished cousin of ginger, Turmeric or Haldi, is a root that finds excessive usage in our kitchens and lives. This powerful immunity booster has a bright-yellow color with an earthy taste and a heady fragrance.

Turmeric is an age-old staple in Indian cooking, and its primary ingredient curcumin is responsible for infusing the dishes with that lovely yellow hue, which often turns against us with its staining quality. Haldi has been the go-to fix for a wide range of health problems and is also well-known for its beautifying properties. Its multi-faceted list of healing qualities includes antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and a healthy immunity booster.

The use of Haldi has been traced back to a thousand years in India and China. It is surprising that some records suggest its usage to about ten thousand years back in the age of epics. Turmeric is essentially embedded in the ancient texts of Ayurvedic practice and has been cited to aid in the holistic health development of the body. Over the past few years, turmeric is right up the trendiest foods around the globe now due to its inherent healing properties.

The many uses of the magic spice-Turmeric

Diverse health benefits of Turmeric

 

• Helps in providing relief from Arthritic pain

  Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory property has been exploited in treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The antioxidant also destroys the free radicals in the body that are responsible for damaging the cells. Daily intake of turmeric in any form helps in relieving mild joint pains and inflammation. However, it must be remembered that it just provides relief to arthritic pain, and cannot be used as a substitute for medication.

 

• Good for the brain

  Apart from curcumin, there is another powerful compound found in turmeric that often goes unnoticed- aromatic turmerone or ar-turmerone. Recent research has proved that aromatic turmerone has a positive effect in promoting the repair of stem cells of your brain that help in the recovery from neurodegenerative diseases like stroke and Alzheimer’s. The western adaptation of the immune-boosting turmeric drink as a Turmeric latte has helped reach its global status.

 

• Improves digestion

  If you are suffering from digestive problems, consuming raw turmeric can do wonders for alleviating the condition. The major components of this magic spice induce the gallbladder to release bile, which instantly turns the digestive system more efficient. It also helps in managing bloating and acidity.

 

• Remedy to boost immunity

  Lipopolysaccharide present in Haldi has anti-bacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents that strengthen the immune system in humans. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and consume it regularly and you will be amazed to find yourself resisting the flu without much effort. The turmeric immunity booster has garnered mass popularity especially amidst the times of the pandemic.

 

• Turmeric and diabetes

  The innate curcumin with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties has been found to delay the onset of Type-2 diabetes in patients with pre-diabetes. It also helps in moderating insulin levels in the blood and boosts the effect of medications that treat diabetes. But, its intake must be coupled with proper consultation by a health professional before combining it with regular medication.

 

• Healing properties

  Turmeric’s natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties make it a good disinfectant. That is the reason why it has been passed on to us by generations from our grandmothers who would refer to Haldi to treat any wound. Turmeric powder may be sprinkled on the area of the wound to accelerate the healing process. Do try this next time when you face a stomach burn or heartburn instead of turning to any pill.

 

Apart from its myriad health benefits, Indian kitchens have found countless ways and means to use turmeric in their delicacies. It can be added to a variety of food items in order to keep improving their healthy ratio. You may add turmeric to curries, warm milk, salads, stir-fried dishes, and in no fixed way. While marketing has attempted in its makeover to help attain its global charm, raw turmeric is considered to be the most effective in terms of quality. If you are purchasing turmeric, make sure that it is of pure organic quality and store it in an airtight container.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. What is Haldi (Turmeric)?

A. Turmeric or Haldi is a root that finds excessive usage in our kitchens and lives. This powerful immunity booster has a bright-yellow color with an earthy taste and a heady fragrance.

Q. What are the characteristics of Haldi?

A. Haldi has been the go-to fix for a wide range of health problems and is also known for its beautifying properties. Its list of healing qualities includes antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and a healthy immunity booster.

Q. What are the health benefits of Haldi (Turmeric)?

A. The many health benefits of turmeric are:
1. It helps in providing relief from Arthritic pain
2. It is good for your brain
3. It improves digestion
4. It is a great remedy to boost immunity
5. It also helps with diabetes
6. It is also useful for its various healing properties

Q. How can turmeric be useful for patients with diabetes?

A. The innate curcumin with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties has been found to delay the onset of Type-2 diabetes in patients with pre-diabetes. It also helps in moderating insulin levels in the blood and boosts the effect of medications that treat diabetes.