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8 Reasons Why Turmeric (Haldi) Consumption Is A Must!

It is not your fault that all your life you have been told about the two basic uses of turmeric – either sprinkle it on a curry dish or apply it on the face before a big event to get that instant glow. However, there is much more you can do with turmeric – numerous health benefits are associated with the consumption of this golden spice.

Why Is Turmeric Consumption Essential?

Bursting with colour, nutrients and a natural flavour, turmeric is more than just an intrinsic part of beauty regimes and cooking.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. Research suggests that curcumin can help in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Did you know?

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis. source: arthritis.org
The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has been shown to improve brain function and reduce the risk of brain diseases. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Regular consumption of turmeric may help improve digestion and reduce symptoms of digestive disorders. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Turmeric consumption may help reduce the risk of age-related chronic diseases and promote healthy aging. source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Turmeric has been found to have anti-cancer properties and may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. source: cancer.gov

Here Are Eight Benefits Of Turmeric That Make It Mandatory For Daily Consumption –

1. Provides Relief From Arthritis Pain –

The anti-inflammatory properties in Haldi have been instrumental in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in Ayurveda. Antioxidants present in this spice work to destroy free radicals damaging the cells in the body. So, anyone with a chronic inflammatory disease or joint pain should consume Haldi daily – it will ease the pain and provide relief.

2. Good For The Brain –

Haldi consists of a compound known as Aromatic turmerone, which repairs damaged brain stem cells. Damage to these stem cells is responsible for several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and stroke. Daily consumption of turmeric can reduce the risk of developing these conditions and improve memory. Read more about foods that are good for brain health.

3. Helps In Digestion –

Consumption of raw turmeric can boost metabolism and help to manage digestive disorders. The compounds present in Haldi trigger the gall bladder to secrete bile produced by the liver – the bile helps in digestion more efficiently by processing fat. Haldi is also known to alleviate symptoms of gas and bloating.

4. Contains Healing Properties –

The natural anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of turmeric make it an effective disinfectant. So the next time you experience heartburn, an upset stomach or end up getting injured, try turmeric for wound healing. Just sprinkle some turmeric powder in a warm glass of milk and drink it away – this will help the wound or infection heal faster and boost immunity.

5. Good For The Liver –

Haldi increases the production of essential enzymes that help to detoxify blood in the liver by processing and reducing the toxins. Thus, turmeric is instrumental in promoting good liver health by improving the circulation of blood.

6. Helps To Combat Cancer –

Several studies have revealed that Haldi interferes with the molecular pathways involved in the progression and growth of cancer. Based on the evidence, the spice can potentially destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. For cancer patients, it complements the effects of chemotherapy.

Curcumin may be potentially helpful in depression, heart health, may slow the ageing process and improve skin health and thus a very common ingredient of Indian food.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

7. Supports A Healthy Heart –

Curcumin is one of the bioactive compounds in turmeric, it may be involved in improving the function of the tissues that line your blood vessels. Obstructions to these blood vessels are a major part of cardiovascular diseases. Proper blood circulation can also help to avoid blood pressure issues and similar conditions. Curcumin is closely related to a reduction in inflammation and oxidation (as mentioned above), these factors also contribute immensely to the heart health benefits of turmeric.

8. Make Be An Effective Antidepressant –

Curcumin makes up just 3% of turmeric by weight. Since many curcumin benefits require higher amounts than what you get by using it in regular cooking, supplements of curcumin are often used for their health benefits. And one of these benefits of turmeric may be an antidepressant effect. In some studies, curcumin supplements worked as well as depression medications and are also thought to increase the production of serotonin and dopamine.

Now that you know the benefits of turmeric, consume a few pieces of raw turmeric root every morning on an empty stomach. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some powdered Haldi on your daily meals to make the most of its health benefits.

Must Read About: 10 Health Benefits of Turmeric

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

6 Spices And Herbs You Must Eat!

Spices and herbs have innumerable health benefits. If you want to stay in peak health and enjoy your life to the fullest, then you have to make room for a few spices and herbs in your regular diet.

A list of Spices you should consume –

Turmeric (Haldi)

We will kick off our list with turmeric, which is one of the most versatile spices out there. It is extensively used all over India and is a necessary component of curries.

This yellow spice is as valuable as gold when it comes to your health. Here are some benefits of turmeric:

Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that protect you from chronic or acute inflammation.
It will stop your immunity from mistakenly attacking the healthy cells.
Turmeric can boost your immunity and help you fight off aggressive foreign particles that intend to harm you.
It can repair damaged tissues and muscles.
It strengthens your cognitive abilities and can combat dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Turmeric is high in antioxidants and therefore beneficial for heart health.
Curcumin present in turmeric can prevent unnatural cell growth and in effect stop cancer from taking root.

You possibly use turmeric in cooking. You may also take a small quantity of it early in the morning with some warm water.

Cinnamon (Dalcheeni)

Yet another regular ingredient of Indian cuisine, cinnamon too, is extremely vital for promoting good health. Some of the ways it can help you are-

Use cinnamon instead of sugar to flavour your tea and avoid all the harmful effects of sugar.
This spice can suppress pain, especially the kind originating from painful joints.
Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory compounds..
It can prevent cancer and help with muscle repair.
Cinnamon can reduce high blood pressure.
It prevents the fluctuation of sugar levels.

Cinnamon adds great flavour to desserts, so feel free to add decent amounts whenever you feel like baking or preparing something sweet.

Spices and herbs can be naturally or accidentally contaminated with pathogens or foreign matter. The latter, such as certain unauthorised colorants, confirm that they are of good quality before using.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Black Pepper (Kaali Mirch)

A gently spicy flavour that goes with most Indian dishes, black pepper is packed with goodness-

Black pepper contains antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals that would otherwise harm your heart.
Its anti-inflammatory properties can prevent heart disorders, arthritis, cancer and diabetes.
It can improve your brain function.
Black pepper helps your body absorb other nutrients better.
It is also a natural pain-killer.

Black pepper can be sprinkled onto any food.

Turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin, may have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and other benefits. Its been studied extensively and found that it has great effects in mainly arthritis. Since the absorption of curcurmin is poor, consuming turmeric with black pepper which contains piperine enhances the absorption of curcurmin by over 2000 times.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Also Read: Serrano Peppers: Unraveling the Research-Based Health Benefits

Peppermint (Pudina)

Peppermint is a wonder herb. Here are a few reasons you should buy a few sprigs of peppermint right away-

It improves your digestion, so chew on a few peppermint leaves if you feel that your meal is taking too long to be digested.
It boosts your mood by triggering the secretion of endorphins.
It is an effective remedy against nausea, morning sickness and motion sickness.

If you don’t like peppermint in your food, you can brew yourself some peppermint tea instead.

Also Read: White Pepper: Exploring Its Health Benefits and Culinary Uses

Basil (Tulsi)

You will find a basil plant in quite a lot of Indian households. The health virtues of its leaves have been chronicled in the ancient texts and science too has proven that basil offers the following benefits-

It fights off the common cough and cold.
Basil is effective against bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory problems.
It can lower high blood pressure.
It can safeguard the health of your heart.
Basil can ease headaches and earaches.

Tulsi leaves are aromatic and delicious. You can simply pluck a few leaves and chew them.

Read More on 11 Health Benefits of Tulsi

Fenugreek (Methi)

Fenugreek is also widely used in preparing Indian cuisine. It is extremely beneficial for your health-

Fenugreek boosts the health of your heart by curbing bad cholesterol.
It can stabilize blood pressure.
Fenugreek in your diet can help you lose weight.
It can soothe pain in your muscles.
It can improve your digestion.

Roast fenugreek seeds and use them for cooking. You may soak these seeds overnight and drink the water the next morning.

Indian spices and herbs are chock-a-block with nutritional benefits. Try incorporating the spices and herbs we mentioned in your diet to stay happy and healthy.

Also Read: 10 Incredible Health Benefits of Cinnamon