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.

Haldi ka doodh (Turmeric milk)

It’s been a fortnight I had an accident and damaged the shoulder.  I am succumbed to bed and mercy of lord. Though my kind and lovely friends are there, all the time to look after me. Yes am blessed with good friends. Some make me laugh, some keep me distracted from pain, few keep worrying about my health and there is one who doesn’t hesitate to apply his medicinal knowledge on me. These days, every morning am being fed with haldi wala doodh (turmeric milk). I googled the properties and medicinal benefits of turmeric in healing.Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

I was having doubts about the recipe of turmeric milk i was given. I inquired with a colleague working in ayurveda section of my hospital. He told me there are various ways to make haldi ka doodh.Here is the recipe he told me for my healing:In a pan take 2tsf of desi ghee (pure ghee), heat it. Add 2tsf of turmeric powder. After 30 sec add 200ml of milk and sugar(as per your taste). Boil and serve.You can add ginger bud in ghee for sore throat.Add cardamom or saffron for flavourAdd ajwain for gastric problems.