Turmeric goes into
almost every curry and savoury that gets cooked in our kitchens. It helps the
process of cooking and adds nutritional value to it.

Turmeric is known to have a lot of health
benefits. (Source: Getty Images)
Over the years, turmeric has become a popular
ingredient for all those people who believe in healthy living. Though the
western world came to realise the benefits of this wonder spice comparatively late, Indian
kitchens have depended on turmeric or Haldi for centuries. It goes in almost
every curry and savoury dish that is cooked in our kitchens as it helps in the
process of cooking and also adds nutritional value to it.
Haldi
is also consumed uncooked with milk and warm water or tea, to help combat flu
or cold. It helps enhance the immunity and eliminate cold, cough and chest
congestion if any. While the powdered form has its benefits, the raw roots of
turmeric are quite helpful too. According to research published in the journal PLOS
ONE (Public Library of Science), curcumin, a compound found in
turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that help boost immunity. Turmeric,
which is antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, is also prebiotic that
promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in our gut.
“Turmeric
is a powerful herb with over 300 nutrients including beta-carotene, ascorbic
acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fibre, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc
among others. But the active compound which has caught the attention of
scientists, supplement industries and food technologists is curcumin for its
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Absorption of curcumin from
turmeric is enhanced by 2000 times by peppering, a compound present in black
pepper. Somehow our ancestors seem to have cracked this knowledge as all our
recipes have both turmeric and black pepper in combination,” says Nikhil
Chaudhary, nutritionist.
While it’s easily available in the market
there are two ways to start your day with raw turmeric.
- Add raw turmeric and boil it with one teaspoon of ghee and have it every morning. It helps improve immunity and cure dry cough.
- One can also grind raw turmeric and one teaspoon ghee and make a cold morning drink before you start your day.
Dhivya,
Senior Dietician, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore says, “Turmeric
in its raw form is packed with several health benefits including
immune-modulatory effects. Studies conducted on curcumin and other bioactive
components in turmeric reported having beneficial effects in various disease
conditions, by modulating the immune system. Raw turmeric is one of the main
ingredients in several home remedies used for various health issues. Turmeric
milk is an example in which grated raw turmeric is boiled with milk, and served
hot. It is considered as a magic elixir to ward off the common cold and
seasonal flu. Especially in children, it is associated with a reduction in
Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections. Raw turmeric concoctions/ tea taken
daily over a while may help to improve immunity”.
Here
are some of the benefits of having raw turmeric
- It helps facilitate smoother digestion through the tracts.
- Consumption of raw turmeric may also help treat stomach ulcers and irritation.
- It also helps in reducing inflammation in the body.
- All of these factors also lead to a reduction of skin impurities. Traditionally, it is also used in treating skin ailments.
- Kacchi Haldi, as it is also known, is also applied as an ointment to any kind of cuts or injuries.
- It purifies the blood, eliminating toxins from it.
- Raw turmeric has been known to regulate blood sugar levels too.
- Inflammation is an important part of the immune system to fight infections and is a short term process. When the inflammation becomes chronic it leads to various health problems including cancers. Turmeric has shown anti-inflammatory properties that could prevent chronic inflammation and therefore such diseases.
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