Health Benefits of Turmeric (Haldi) : Know how benefical turmeric is for you

Tough brown skin, deep-orange-yellow in colour, Turmeric belongs to the ginger family. Slightly bitter-pungent in taste, it is a common kitchen spice used in almost all households in southern Asia.

It plays a dominant role in Indian cuisine and is commonly known as Haldi. Apart from imparting colour and fragrance to food, turmeric has numerous health benefits. The main component in turmeric is curcumin that has healing properties. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda and Unani medicine for resolving a number of ailments.

Health Benefits of Turmeric:

Relieves Arthritis- Turmeric is a strong antioxidant and it destroys the free radicals in the body that damage cells. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in treating Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. This has been affirmed by researchers in Nottingham and Munich in 2011. Curcumin can be employed to suppress biological mechanisms that ignite inflammation.

Fights Cancer - Curcumin has anti-carcinogenic properties and slows down the growth and development of different types of cancer including prostate cancer. In the early stages, it aids in fighting cancer as well as boosts the effects of chemotherapy. Laboratory research conducted in the year 2009 in Ireland found curcumin potent in killing off oesophageal cancer cells. The destruction process started within 24 hours where the cells were seen undergoing the process of self-digestion.

Treats Diabetes - Turmeric helps in the treatment of diabetes by moderating insulin level in the blood. It improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications to treat diabetes. Turmeric helps to reduce insulin resistance, thereby minimising the chances of Type-2 diabetes. According to a 2012 study conducted in Thailand, a daily dose of a supplement containing curcumin taken over a period of 9 months can prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes in some people.

Protects Brain - Ar-tumerone is another vital compound present in turmeric that promotes repair in the brain stem cells. These stem cells in turn help in the recovery from neurodegenerative diseases like Stroke and Alzheimer's disease. In the year 2008, a research conducted by Indian scientists suggested that curcuminhas the power to prevent the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are responsible for Alzheimer's disease. Hence, curcumin protects the brain from Alzheimer's and dementia.

Prevents Liver Damage - Turmeric increases the production of enzymes which breakdown and reduce toxins in the body. The liver performs the same function, hence by accelerating the rate of enzyme secretion, turmeric acts as a natural detoxifier. Turmeric also helps to boost blood circulation thus improving liver health. Researchers are of the opinion that curcumin helps in the fight against liver damage. Research conducted in the year 2010 by Austria and the US suggests that curcumin delays the onset of Cirrhosis. This study is based on previous research that indicated that the compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to combat diseases.

Heals Wounds - A natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, turmeric has been used as an effective disinfectant since old times across the South Asian continent. Sprinkling turmeric powder or applying the paste on a burn or cut heals and relieves the affected area. Turmeric also repairs damaged skin and hence, can be used to treat Psoriasis and other skin inflammatory diseases.

Boosts Immunity - Lipopolysaccharide, a substance with anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties is found in turmeric. It imparts turmeric the quality to act as an excellent immune booster.

Prepare your own Immunity Booster Drink:

Turmeric milk or Golden milk as the Orientals call it has a number of health benefits associated with it. From boosting overall immunity to helping in losing weight, turmeric milk does it all.

1. Take an inch long turmeric stick and grind it in a mortar and pestle. This will ensure the quality and efficacy of the turmeric used in the drink.

2. Crush a few white peppercorns and mix it with the freshly ground turmeric powder.

3. Take a cup of milk and a cup of water, mix them together.

4. Add the powdered turmeric and crushed peppercorns to the milk and bring it to a boil.

5. Simmer for 20 minutes till the milk is reduced to half.

6. Add a teaspoon of honey to it and stir.

Your turmeric milk is ready to drink now. Drink it while it’s warm and feel the positive changes in your health. This drink can be taken at night before going to bed on a regular basis.