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What is Turmeric and Its Importance

Source shutterstock.com i Turmeric Powder

Turmeric is a common spice which is commonly found in all Indian houses. It is used as a main spice in curries. Turmeric has a warm and a bitter taste to it which provides a distinct flavor to the food it is added to. It also gives a brilliant colour to the dishes. Turmeric comes from a plant and it contains curcumin which is a yellow coloured chemical and it makes turmeric a miracle spice. Turmeric is not only used in foods for flavor and colour but it is also used in the production of medicines and cosmetics.

Due to its medicinal properties it is used in treating pain and inflammation, hay fever, depression, managing cholesterol, different types of liver diseases, etc. It is also used for heartburn, memory skills and other stress related issues. It is also used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines to treat wounds, skin diseases and digestive problems in your body.

Different Ways of Using Turmeric

Source shutterstock.com l Different Ways of Using Turmeric

Add it to Scrambles and Frittatas.

Source shutterstock.com l Turmeric Scramble

Eggs are probably the most healthy breakfast you can have each day and if you add a little turmeric to it, it can provide you an even healthier version of the breakfast. While making scrambled eggs, frittatas or tofu scramble, simply add a pinch of turmeric to it. It will give your dish a beautiful yellow colour and a subtle flavor.

Make Turmeric Tea

Source shutterstock.com l Turmeric tea

It is a common practice in India to drink turmeric (haldi) and milk before going to bed, but now you can make turmeric tea and gain a lot of health benefits from it. It is very easy to make and keeps you feeling fresh during the day and brings peaceful sleep at night. Add tea leaves in water and mix in 1 tsp of turmeric to it. Let it boil and leave it for 5-10 minutes. You can also add some honey, lemon or ginger to it to enhance its flavor. People in South East Asia also use coconut milk, turmeric and honey as a health drink.

Use It in Your Soups

Source shutterstock.com l Soup with turmeric

Winter is around the corner and a lot of you must be looking forward to making delicious healthy soups at home for your family. If you want a soup with a little rustic flavor you can add 1 tsp of turmeric powder in it. Since turmeric is a warm spice is adds an extra warmth to your soup and keeps you feeling cosy. Make sure to fry the turmeric in a pan with some oil before adding it to the soup to bring out its flavor.

Use It in Your Dips and Spreads

Source shutterstock.com l Turmeric dip

If you like to entertain people at home and make delicious dips and spreads to serve them with sweet potato or hummus then you can try adding a little turmeric in it. Turmeric enhances the flavors in vegan cheese style spreads and the bright yellow colour makes it look extremely delicious and healthy.

Use It in Stir-Fries and Curries

Source shutterstoxk.com l Stir dry vegetable with turmeric

Stir fries are a great way to turn your vegetables into a delicious meal and if you want to add in some texture, colour and a little more nutrition in it you can try adding 1 tsp turmeric to it. Heat some oil in a pan and let the turmeric powder fry in it for a few seconds and then add it to your stir fry. It will offset oxidation from the heat and bring out the volatile properties in the turmeric.

Of course, you will need to add turmeric as an essential ingredient if you are cooking Indian food. Turmeric is an essential spice that is used in a majority of Indian dishes, so you will need to keep it handy.

Use It with Honey for Cold

Source shutterstock com l Turmeric and honey

Cold and flu are a common ailment and most of you try and avoid using antibiotics each time. Since turmeric is loaded with medicinal properties you can add 1 part powdered turmeric to 3 parts of raw honey and eat a teaspoon of it every two hours. This will boost your immunity and lower the inflammation. It will also make you feel a lot better.

Use It in Your Smoothie

Source shutterstock.com l Turmeric smoothie

Everybody loves smoothies. They are delicious and healthy and very easy to make. Making a smoothie for your kids is a great way to provide a good amount of nutrients to them. You can add fresh turmeric root in juices and smoothies. You can also add a pinch of grounded turmeric if you like. It will give your smoothie a slightly pungent flavor and add a beautiful colour to it.

Use It as a Face Mask

Source shutterstock.com l Turmeric face mask

Turmeric works wonders on your skin. If you have skin problems or want to add a glow to your skin you can make a turmeric face mask and use it every day. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric keep your skin healthy and glowing. It also fights the signs of ageing. You can mix turmeric with raw honey, curd, gram flour, oats to make effective face masks at home and revive your skin.

5 Health Benefits of Using Turmeric

Source shutterstock.com l Health Benefits of Using Turmeric

If you are not sure about using turmeric in your diet daily then here are some health benefits you can gain from it. These points will encourage you to use turmeric for yourself and your family:

  • Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which are great in treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It destroys the free radicals which damage your cells. If you take in turmeric daily it will give you relief from mild joint pains and inflammation.

  • Curcumin found in turmeric is a powerful compound and it is found to heal the stem cells of the brain. It also helps people suffering from Alzheimer's by improving their memory.

  • Since Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory it can be used in place of ibuprofen and aspirin. It helps in treating inflammatory bowel diseases and pancreatitis.

  • Turmeric also helps in depression which is associated with lower levels of BDNF. Turmeric can help in boosting your BDNF levels and works as an anti-depressant.

  • It also helps in increasing the antioxidant capacity of the body. Ageing is caused by oxidative damage which is the cause of free radicals. These free radicals react with organic substances like fatty acids, proteins or DNA. Antioxidants are believed to protect your body from these free radicals. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant with neutralises the free radicals and blocks them.

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From our editorial team

Turmeric – A Truly Miracle Spice

As would have been evident by now turmeric is truly a miracle spice with diverse benefits and the faster you make it a part of your daily routine the more beneficial it will be for you and your family's health. We hope you would have loved this BP Guide and gained more insight into turmeric and its role in promoting good health and wellness. Stay connected with us for more such engaging content.