Turmeric or Haldi is a spice that belongs to the ginger family. It is most commonly used, in Indian and Asian cuisine and gives curry its yellow color. Lately, science has started to support and accept the beneficiary compounds active in the spice. The most important and beneficial compound in turmeric is curcumin. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Benefits of Haldi or turmeric:
· Relief from arthritis pain: The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric help in reducing inflammation. It can reduce the aggravation caused due to arthritis. This works as a pain reliever as well. Anyone suffering from this condition should consume Haldi daily to get relief from mild pains and inflammation, but it cannot substitute medicine.
· Good for brain: Another powerful compound present in turmeric is turmerone, which promotes repair in the stem cells of the brain. These stem cells help in recovering from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Curcumin helps in improving memory in Alzheimer’s patients.
· Aids digestion: Besides adding flavor and color to the food, the important constituents of the spice promote the production of bile in the gallbladder which improves the digestive system. The spice also has the potential to reduce the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
· Medicinal properties: Turmeric works as a disinfectant due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is very common in Indian households and is used to treat any wound, burns, or infection as an external solution.
· Reduces the chances of diabetes: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in turmeric aids in delaying the inception of type 2 diabetes. It also helps in reducing insulin levels, thus, promoting the effects of diabetic medicines. However, consult the doctor before starting the consumption of Haldi for diabetic treatment.
· Detoxifies the Liver: Turmeric increases the production of essential enzymes. These enzymes break down in the liver and reduce the toxic substances, hence detoxify the blood.
· Strengthens immunity: The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties present in turmeric help in boosting immunity. One tablespoon of Haldi can be consumed every day in warm milk or even in warm water.
Apart from using turmeric in our daily food, another most useful way of adding the turmeric in our diets is by consuming it with warm milk. Just add a pinch of turmeric in milk and boil. You can also add cinnamon to enhance the taste.
Benefits of Haldi milk:
Also known as “The golden milk,” there are numerous benefits of turmeric milk. Always keep in mind to not go over the board while using raw turmeric. One must use the correct amount for optimal benefits. Adding some other things like cinnamon, jaggery instead of sugar, black pepper, etc. can enhance the taste of the turmeric milk.
· The best time to consume the Haldi milk is before going to bed as it promotes good sleep.
· Having milk with turmeric aids bone and joint-related issues such as arthritis.
· Turmeric milk also helps in recovering from injury. It also fastens the healing -process.
· It is also helpful for irregular periods as Haldi milk every night improves hormonal balance. It also soothes the cramps.
To top it all, since turmeric boosts immunity; so when teamed with milk and by adding a pinch of black pepper, it provides the best remedy against infection and cough and flu. So, do not forget to add Haldi on your list when next time you go for grocery shopping.
