Benefits of Turmeric

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.

http://drpuneetaggarwal.blogspot.in/2012/10/haldi-ka-doodh-turmeric-milk.html

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.