Turmeric, curcumin, curcuma longa, haldi is a herb with its distinctive golden colour. It is the root of turmeric plant. It is widely used in Indian food and this spice is part of most of the curries which gives curry its yellow colour.
It is know for its distinctive taste and it is being used both for flavour and its medicinal property. It is very good immunity booster.
Turmeric is sometimes referred to as 'Immune Saffron' or 'Golden Spice'.
Turmeric has been used widespread in East due to its medicinal properties. However in recent years due to numerous studies it has been found to contain Curcumin. Curcumin has long been used in Asian medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. Now some research suggests that Curcumin may help prevent or treat cancer hence Turmeric has gained a lot of popularity in West too. Some of the benefits of turmeric are:
antioxidant - Curcumin found in turmeric has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralizes free radicals on its own.
anti-inflammatory - Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound as well.
cardiovascular diseases - Curcumin plays an important role in eliminating risk of heart diseases
arthritis - Curcumin also helps to treat symptoms of arthritis.
anti-aging - It helps to delay ageing.
immunity booster - Helps to boot immunity by fighting off infections
antiseptic - Has healing property
digestion - Helps in digestion reducing symptoms of bloating and gas
brain Power - Good for your brain
detox - Improves liver function and helps to detox your liver
Turmeric Dosage - As per recent studies typically use doses of 500–2,000 mg of turmeric supplements per day is recommended. However since these supplements contain turmeric in concentrated form, you should take caution and avoid these supplements if you have any of the following conditions:
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Gall bladder Diseases
Kidney Stones
Bleeding Disorders
Diabetes
Iron Deficiency
Always consult your nutritionist before starting any supplements.
Turmeric powder or raw turmeric can be included in diet in moderate amount.
We have listed some of the recipes ideas where turmeric can be used. These recipes are incredibly simple and they can add a healthy twist to your everyday cooking.
turmeric latte - a popular drink in most cafes where you add pinch of turmeric powder to hot milk while boiling it.
turmeric smoothie
turmeric water (golden water) - Add pinch of powder to hot water. Can be taken once/twice a day
turmeric rice - Add pinch to water while boiling rice
turmeric in veggies or curries - Brings warm flavours to any curry/stew. Saute the vegetables in oil and add 1 teaspoon of ground powder
turmeric in soups - Add 1-2 teaspoons to any soup recipe, adds a deep golden hue
turmeric in lentil - Cook lentils or legumes with onions, tomato, olive oil and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Most of the recipes use turmeric in powder form. You can also use raw turmeric which is a root just like ginger but has a deep golden colour.
Check this quite simple but very powerful immunity boosting recipe for 'Turmeric Halwa' using raw turmeric to make a very nice desert:
This is a real immunity booster dish. However please note this desert should be consumed in moderation and in cold climate only.
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