*Origin of Turmeric
*Health Benefits of Turmeric
*Turmeric Latte –Make your own Immunity Booster Drink
Deep-orange-yellow in colour, Turmeric is a product of the Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family. A common kitchen spice used in almost all households in southern Asia it is slightly bitter in taste. It plays a dominant role in Indian cuisine and is commonly known as Haldi. The word turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merita (meritorious earth), referring to the color of ground turmeric, which resembles a mineral pigment. It is also referred to as yellow root in some countries.
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:
Boosts Immunity – Lipopolysaccharide, a substance with anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties is found in turmeric. It imparts turmeric the quality to act as an excellent immune booster.
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.
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. A laboratory research conducted in the year 2009 in Ireland found curcumin potent in killing off oesophageal cancer cells.
Helps in control of Diabetes – It helps in glucose control and increases the effect of medications to treat diabetes. Turmeric helps to reduce insulin resistance, thereby minimizing the chances of Type-2 diabetes. According to a 2012 study conducted in Thailand, a daily dose of supplement containing curcumin taken over a period of 9 months can prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes in some people.
A natural antiseptic: An antibacterial agent, turmeric has been used as an effective disinfectant since old times across the South Asian continent. Sprinkling turmeric powder or applying 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.
Turmeric adds to the natural glow: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory characteristics may provide glow and luster to the skin. Turmeric may also revive your skin by bringing out its natural glow.
Turmeric is used in many herbal cosmetics and creams. A simple home made mask – You can mix small amounts of Greek yogurt, honey, and turmeric together and apply to your face. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes and then wash off with water.
Turmeric and Ayurveda: The Indian system of holistic medicine Ayurveda uses mainly plant-based drugs or formulations to treat various ailments, including cancer. Turmeric is a plant that has a very long history of medicinal use, dating back nearly 4000 years.
Turmeric Latte – 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.
- 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.
- Crush a few white peppercorns and mix it with the freshly ground turmeric powder.
- Take a cup of milk and a cup of water, mix them together.
- Add the powdered turmeric and crushed peppercorns to the milk and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer for 20 minutes till the milk is reduced to half.
