Turmeric is commonly called haldi in India. It is a prominent spice in every Indian household. These spices have essential medicinal properties. Turmeric also has a significant palace in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India.
Turmeric is the magic spice which not only has culinary uses but also has multiple health benefits because of its medicinal properties. In this article we are going to discuss this magical spice, its types, importance, health benefits, and other benefits. But before taking a detour of turmeric’s characteristics, let’s get a general overview of how turmeric came to be a prominent spice in the culinary world.
What is the history of turmeric?
- Turmeric is and was a prominent spice in India. It traveled to the world from India. Today, not only is India the largest producer of turmeric in the world but also the largest consumer and exporter as well.
- Turmeric has a long history that dates back to ancient times. It holds a special place in Ayurveda because of its multiple health benefits. Since then, every type of turmeric is used for various health benefits.
- The magical spice turmeric was exported to other countries through the famous silk route. Traders from the Middle East, Europe and other countries realized the importance of turmeric and decided to use it as an alternative to expensive saffron.
- Not only turmeric is a widely recognised spice because of its medicinal properties but it also holds cultural significance,especially in Indian culture. Turmeric or haldi is a part of Indian culture as it is a symbol of purification.
- Haldi is a ritual in Indian weddings where the to-be-groom and bride apply haldi as a pre-wedding ritual. Many cultures see turmeric dyed cloth as an auspicious cloth used in cultural rituals.
- Since turmeric has multiple health benefits, its use as a remedy for pain and injuries spread to other countries like China and Europe as well.
Why Turmeric is an Important Spice?
- Turmeric is considered an essential spice because of the following reasons:
- It is widely used in the world of culinary as a prominent spice that gives flavor and aroma to the dishes. Turmeric is used especially in South Asian and Middle East cuisine.
- Turmeric has an active compound called curcumin that gives it its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties making it an effective medicinal remedy.
- This magical spice turmeric has cultural significance as well increasing its popularity and importance as a part of culture.
- Turmeric is also a natural dye used to give clothes a yellow color. A yellow colored cloth holds significance in Hindu rituals as well.
- With anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of turmeric, it is a popular ingredient in skincare products. Turmeric has multiple skin benefits that is why many moisturizers, lotions, face masks and many more.
Types of Turmeric:
Turmeric is found in various forms and they are categorized based on their characteristics. The most common type of turmeric are:
Yellow Turmeric:
Yellow turmeric is easily found in the grocery store. It is used in the form of powder in Indian cuisine. Its scientific name is curcuma longa and is widely used in the cosmetics industry because of its medicinal properties that benefit skin health.
Wild turmeric:
Wild turmeric, mostly found in South India, is also known as kasturi manjal and has a strong aroma. It also has a different flavor than yellow turmeric. Even wild turmeric is used in the beauty and cosmetics industry.
White turmeric:
White turmeric or amba is another type of turmeric that is widely used in cuisines of Thailand and Indonesia. It has multiple health benefits and was a part of the traditional medicine system for centuries.
Mango ginger:
As the name suggests, mango ginger is named after mango because it has a mango-like aroma. It is a type of turmeric that is used in chutneys and pickles to give them a sour taste.
Black Turmeric:
Black turmeric is widely used as a part of ancient remedies because of its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Javanese Turmeric:
Javanese turmeric is scientifically known as curcuma Xanthorrhiza and is a part of Indonesian cuisine. It is also a herbal remedy widely used among the people of Indonesia.
Turmeric flower:
The flower of turmeric is also used in Indian rituals as a part of ornaments. The bright pink color with a white shade makes them a best option for ornaments.
Health Benefits of Turmeric:
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties that makes it an effective remedy. Here are a few health benefits of turmeric:
Anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric:
An active compound of turmeric called curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation can be a reason for many chronic diseases. Diseases like heart diseases, cancer and metabolic syndrome could be a result of inflammation. To reduce inflammation in the body, you should include foods with anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric.
Antioxidant properties of turmeric:
Turmeric active compound curcumin also possess antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals in the body. Consuming foods with antioxidants works better than consuming supplements. Choose foods that have antioxidative properties that can help to neutralize free radicals that do not harm your body. This is one of the reasons why turmeric is prominently used in foods. Even people in Indian households drink turmeric milk before sleeping to avail these health benefits.
Joint health improves with the consumption of turmeric:
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is responsible for various health issues, one of them is a problem in your joints. The magical spice turmeric can help to reduce the risk of factors leading to issues in your joints like arthritis. It also helps to reduce pain, stiffness and swelling in joints. A home remedy that people use to get relief from this pain is drinking warm milk with turmeric before sleeping. Adding turmeric in your dishes will also be beneficial for your overall health as well.
Turmeric’s impact on heart health:
Anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are the key to a person’s good health. Again, inflammation is responsible for bad heart health. Anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric reduce inflammation that helps to control bad cholesterol also known as LDL. consuming turmeric can be beneficial for your overall cardiovascular health.
Turmeric helps with digestive health:
Consuming turmeric can improve digestive health as well. It improves digestion and alleviates the symptoms of indigestion, bloating and gas which are all responsible for poor digestive health. By stimulating bile movement, turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties also give relief from inflammatory bowel diseases. Good digestive health means a healthy gut that will help you in digesting foods easily.
Turmeric boosts immune system:
Turmeric also helps to boost your immune system. It modulates immune responses to enhance immune cell functions. A strong immune system will help the body to fight external viruses and bacteria which will prevent you from getting coughs, colds and common fever.
Turmeric for brain health:
Turmeric also has a positive impact on brain health as it helps to improve cognitive function and memory of the brain. Such a significant impact of curcumin on brain health can prevent a person’s brain against diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Turmeric may prevent some cancers:
Curcumin is considered to possess anti-cancer properties. It means that turmeric may help in preventing cancer cell growth and its spread. Therefore turmeric can help to prevent some cancers.
Turmeric for pain relief:
Turmeric is also an antiseptic. That is why it holds a special place in ayurveda. It has been used to cure injuries and wounds because of its antiseptic properties. In India, turmeric milk is a remedy to get relief from pain. One can consume turmeric to ease the pain from injuries or due to arthritis. People even take turmeric milk if they have a headache or muscle soreness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Is it good to consume turmeric everyday?
Ans. Turmeric is generally safe and effective to use everyday, but the quantity matters. People in South Asia use turmeric in their daily life by using it as a spice in every dish that they prepare. They even drink warm milk with turmeric powder in it before going to sleep. Just a pinch of turmeric powder is sufficient to use on a daily basis.
Q. What is the bad side of turmeric?
Ans. Turmeric is safe to use but in mild quantities. Large amounts of turmeric can lead to issues like upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness and headaches.
Q. Is turmeric good for the liver?
Ans. Turmeric is good for the liver because it helps to stimulate bile production that eventually helps in the liver detoxification process and prevents fat build-up on the liver.