Turmeric is one of those spices that have many functions to people and meals as a whole. It is believed that for a long time, the turmeric craze has been going on strong. Although it was a mystery back then, research has been conducted by scientists and nutritionists. This makes the benefits of turmeric more appealing to mankind.
Turmeric is known to be an ancient spice used in foods to add extra color and flavour. It has a bright yellow or golden color. Are you wondering why the turmeric craze is going strong? You may be confused about the truths of its benefits and the myths many people have created with it. If so, continue reading for all the answers.
What is turmeric and what are its benefits?
Turmeric is obtained from the rhizome of a plant which belongs to the ginger family. It was mostly used by Asians for cooking and fabric dyeing, and a medicinal herb in India.
A few turmeric benefits have been mentioned earlier, but keep reading to learn three reasons why the turmeric craze is going strong.
1. Turmeric has a unique color
One of the aspects of turmeric that makes it stand out is its color. It has a beautiful golden color. While turmeric is known as a herb with a great taste, it’s added to some foods for its nice color.
It’s also added as a main ingredient to curry to improve its visual strength. Turmeric color is bright enough to attract anybody’s attention to a particular food. It ranges from deep orange to bright yellow, depending on its extraction, and the quantity added to food.
2. It aids easy and quick digestion
Turmeric supports healthy digestion. Although its medicinal benefits have not been proven by research, studies have been made to show how much it affects the digestive system positively. This discovery has brought the invention of turmeric tablets.
Turmeric tablets are to be taken daily and contain other vitamins like vitamin D that support the body. Most people who are not comfortable with taking turmeric supplements add turmeric to their smoothies and other daily drinks.
3. It adds more flavor to food
For people who love to add many spices to foods for taste, turmeric helps to improve tastes in meals. According to research, many people have experienced bitter, earthy, musky, and peppery tastes, but this depends on how much or less you add to your food.
If you prefer not to overdo your spices, there are numerous ways to add turmeric to complement your meals. This is because turmeric may be a spice, but compared to other spices, it is not overpowering. For this reason, you could add a little to your meals.
Benefits of Turmeric
- Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties- Turmeric is well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation, and curcumin is responsible for the majority of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric may aid in the treatment of illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and arthritis.
- Turmeric may help prevent heart disease- Turmeric has the ability to improve endothelial function, or the health of the thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels.
- Turmeric can boost the body’s antioxidant capability– Because of its molecular composition, curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that may destroy free radicals. Curcumin may inhibit the action of free radicals and promote the action of other antioxidants, according to animal and cellular research.
- Curcumin may help with depression therapy- Turmeric has the potential to be an effective antidepressant due to its ability to increase BDNF levels.
- Curcumin may help cure rheumatoid arthritis- Curcumin has shown potential as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory illness that mostly affects the joints but can spread to the eyes, lungs, skin, heart, and blood vessels.
- Turmeric may benefit skin health- Turmeric may be a helpful treatment for a range of skin diseases, including acne, eczema, photoaging, and psoriasis, due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities.
- Turmeric guards against free radicals- Spices high in antioxidants, such as turmeric, may help protect you from free radical damage. It’s good to add it in your next food preparation.
- Turmeric may function as an Anti-Aging Supplement- According to previous studies, turmeric and curcumin may be excellent anti-aging supplements due to their capacity to fight inflammation, protect your body against free radicals, and potentially postpone brain deterioration and other age-related disorders.
- Turmeric may aid in the prevention of cancer- Curcumin has been studied as a cancer-fighting herb and has been shown to inhibit cancer growth and development.
- Curcumin may be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease- It is well recognized that inflammation and oxidative damage play a part in Alzheimer’s disease, and curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Ways to incorporate turmeric in your food or drinks
- Make some tea- To produce an earthy and warming beverage, simmer turmeric with coconut milk and honey.
- Make a smoothie out of it- While fresh turmeric root is extremely delicious in juices and smoothies, a sprinkling of ground spice is also delicious. The mildly spicy flavor is usually adequately concealed in smoothies.
- For curry sauce– Making a curry sauce is probably the most common way to use turmeric. Have a healthy meal with turmeric.
- Add to your oatmeal– For a savory twist on your morning dish of oats, add a pinch of powdered turmeric and some sliced dates.
- It’s great in soups- When a bowl of vegetable or chicken soup is colored with golden turmeric, it feels even cozier.
- Use it for Marinades- Powdered turmeric adds a vibrant hue to marinades when blended with yogurt to balance the flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Spice rubs- As a strong, spice rub for poultry or lamb, combine some complementing spices like turmeric and ginger.
- Combine it with rice- A dab of turmeric adds color and taste to plain rice or a fancy dish.
- Add to Scrambled eggs– Instead of salt and pepper, season your eggs with turmeric. A much healthier version.
- Roasted veggies- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with turmeric before tossing those bite-sized portions of broccoli, carrots, or potatoes into the oven.
- Dressing- Turmeric works extremely well in anything from a creamy tahini dressing to a sweet oil-based dressing.
- Add to your grains- When cooking grains like quinoa or rice, add a pinch of turmeric and some cashews and raisins for an Indian-inspired flavor.
- Add to your sweet treats- Turmeric can also be utilized completely in baking and sweet desserts. For a guilt-free treat don’t hesitate to add turmeric.
Interesting Facts about turmeric
- Turmeric is used to make dye and litmus paper– For centuries, it was utilized as a dye for clothing and threads in ancient India, and it is still used as a dye for clothing in numerous monasteries today.
- Has numerous names– Turmeric is recognized by many different names over the world, but in Latin it is known as Curcuma Longa.
- Turmeric is utilized in cosmetics– Turmeric has been used in cosmetics for generations, and it is still used in skin creams, soaps, and foundations to give the complexion a glow.
- Haldi ceremonies make use of this- To perfect the skin before weddings, it is a part of Hindu and South Asian Muslim wedding celebrations.
- Turmeric is beneficial to the skin- Turmeric paste combined with other natural components causes rapid wound and bruise healing and is still used to treat a variety of skin disorders. The antibacterial characteristics aid in the treatment of skin disorders and the prevention of infection spread.
- Turmeric has spiritual meaning- Turmeric, the golden spice or spice of life, was identified with the Sun in Ancient India. At the period, Sun Gods were a popular form of devotion.
- Turmeric has miraculous therapeutic qualities- Turmeric’s medicinal benefits stretch back to antiquity, when the science of medicine was passed down orally before it was written down.
Conclusion
Turmeric is more than just a vibrant, tasty spice; it also has a variety of possible health advantages. From helping in some health issues to adding it to food or drinks that can help your health. It also carries a number of hazards. Before taking it, consult with your healthcare provider.
Turmeric, and particularly its main ingredient, curcumin, has potential anti-inflammatory health benefits whether eaten as a spice added to home-cooked foods or taken as a supplement. When you in search for spices, don’t forget to add turmeric in your shopping cart for you to avail the health benefits it provides.
Nowadays, turmeric is being recommended as a dietary supplement for a wide range of ailments, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver illness, depression, and many more. But make sure to visit your doctor first before taking it as a dietary supplement.