Benefits of Turmeric
Starting
with an information series. I googled and researched about the benefits of this
versatile ingredient in our kitchen. It was earlier used as a dye, when people
started realising its medicinal properties. Haldi (in hindi) or turmeric is an integral part
of every Indian kitchen used in almost every recipe.
The active
ingredient in turmeric is curcumin.
Following are
its benefits:
1.Reduces skin
Pigmentation
Since ages
it is established that turmeric can help out your skin tone and colour. apply a little turmeric mixed
with cucumber juice or lemon or yoghurt to
the affected area. Leave on for fifteen minutes or more, and wash off. Do this
everyday, and gradually you will notice your skin colour returning to
normal. Some bathing soaps are available in markets claiming haldi and
chandan as main ingredients. Uptan (a home face pack) is frequently made from
gram flour, haldi and curd.
2. It is a
natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and
burns. Haldi ka doodh (recipe in my blog itself) is used as a medicinal remedy
for burns.
3. Is a
natural liver detoxifier. It enhances metabolism.
4. May
prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Researches have shown that
daily consumption of small quantity of turmeric strengthens memory.
5. It is a
potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory
drugs but without the side effects. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2
inhibitor.
6. Dieticians
often recommend early morning consumption of 1tsf turmeric with warm water as
it may aid in fat metabolism and helps in weight management.
7. Has long
been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
8. Because
of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis.
9. Speeds up
wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
10. Strengthens
Bones : Women especially should drink this with lukewarm water every night, as
it strengthens bones and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Turmeric can
be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health
food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.
Once you
start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in
recipes. My favorite way to use it is to prepare haldi ka salan. I use raw
turmeric to prepare salan.
