Turmeric, better known as ‘Haldi’ in India, has for centuries been used by us in our curries! In fact, so widespread is the use of Haldi in today’s date, that it can easily claim a lion’s share in the ‘colorful-ness’ that Indian food is so famed for along with the unique taste.
But did you know that apart from its obvious culinary uses, Haldi or turmeric has immense health benefits which makes its use in our curries that much more healthier along with tastier. Apart from obvious health benefits such as functioning as an antiseptic, which allow for its topical application on minor cuts, wounds and burns, turmeric has many other health benefits.
Following is a list of some of the many health benefits of Turmeric,
Haldi has long been renowned for its antiseptic properties, which are because of the presence of Curcumin, a polyphenol. Furthermore Turmeric has antiseptic and anti bacterial properties which make it an ideal choice for topical application on cuts, wounds and bruises as it helps to stop the bleeding, cleans out the wound and prevents any infection from occurring on the site.
Moreover Turmeric also has analgesic properties, meaning it acts as a pain killer on application.
The presence of Curcumin, a polyphenol is what makes turmeric a really healthy option. A strong case in this point would be the protection offered by turmeric against Alzheimer’s, a progressive degenerative disease.
Curcumin combines with Vitamin D to slow down the onset of Alzheimer's. Moreover research has proven that consumption of turmeric helps to fight the buildup of knots, known as amyloid plaques, which are responsible for causing Alzheimer's. Plus with Alzheimer's affecting just 1% of the population of some Indian villages, where turmeric is consumed daily simply, affirms the health benefit of turmeric.
There is an old tradition that we Indians follow, when it comes to marriage wherein the bride to be is applied a paste of turmeric mixed with water. This is done to ensure that the bride’s skin is in perfect condition on the wedding day!
Turmeric with its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties helps clear acne, spots and blemishes present on the skin. On mixing with milk or sandalwood past, it works as a face pack which clears and smoothes the skin surface. In case of chicken pox, topical application of turmeric is helpful.
Recent research has pointed towards Turmeric’s ability to prevent the development of Arthritis. Researchers believe that the anti inflammatory properties of Turmeric can help in the treatment of the inflammatory conditions or diseases such as arthritis. In fact an oil free extract of turmeric, which contains Curcumin is known to block the production of a protein NK-FB, which promotes inflammation in joints.
Once again the Curcumin present in Turmeric plays an important role when it comes to Diabetes, as it helps to reduce high blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the chances of type- 2 diabetes. Plus, research has shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric reduce the inflammation in the fat and liver tissues further helping to prevent type – 2 diabetes.
Other notable health benefits of Haldi include that it helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels or bad cholesterol levels and helps improves the liver function.
While Turmeric with its antiseptic and antibacterial properties provides for many health benefits, one should not forget that it also contains a horde of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, potassium, iron, fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, making it an excellent ‘spice’ choice to be used when cooking!
