There’s newly uncovered and scientifically proven benefits of the mustard-yellow spice that sits on our shelves every day.

Hold On To That Haldi: The Desi Super Food Going Global

Amba haldi, kachi haldi, and Kasturi haldi are all types of turmeric used globally for health benefits. Haldi powder is used in desi foods for color and flavor.

Overview

<p>Turmeric, or haldi as it is called locally, is the spice that add a pop of mustard-yellow colour and a slightly peppery flavour and aromatic fragrance to Pakistani curries. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. It is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound. Turmeric also increases the flow of bile, which is key to digesting fats. Research also shows that turmeric may alleviate <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/alzheimers-disease">symptoms of Alzheimer&rsquo;s</a> disease.</p>

<p>It&rsquo;s extensively used in South Asian cuisine. It&rsquo;s used in pretty much everything from aaloo ki bhujiya (potato curry) to the various forms of daal (lentils) made locally to popular favourites such as the biryani (spicy rice with a protein such as chicken, beef or mutton).&nbsp;<br />
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<p>Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, with a distinct flavour similar to saffron or mustard seeds. It can be purchased as a ground powder &mdash; which gives off more of its aroma than unground turmeric &mdash; or in fresh form (the latter being preferable if you&rsquo;re using it often, but it&rsquo;s only available in the right season).</p>

<p>The humble haldi is undergoing a resurgence of popularity around the world. Turmeric also been used medicinally for thousands of years. Ayurvedic medicine considers turmeric an anti-inflammatory that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, turmeric has been known to have antioxidant properties (and therefore may help prevent cell damage), as well as being able to inhibit cancer cell growth through its ability to induce apoptosis (a process by which cells die).<br />
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Proven Benefits of Haldi

<h5><strong>Turmeric Also Has Cosmetic Uses</strong></h5>

<p>It can be used externally on the skin for its antibacterial properties. It&rsquo;s also believed that applying turmeric topically can protect against sun damage and reverse signs of ageing by reducing wrinkles and age spots.<br />
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<h5><strong>Mythic Mentions</strong></h5>

<p>Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been used for thousands of years in South Asia, where it&rsquo;s even found a place in mythology.</p>

<p>A legendary Hindu sage named Nandi used turmeric and milk to cure his wounded body after he was attacked by demons. The milk helped him heal and regain his strength while the turmeric soothed his wounds and prevented infection.<br />
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<h5><strong>There Are Scientific Studies To Back Up Turmeric&rsquo;s Healing Properties</strong></h5>

<p>The most comprehensive study on turmeric and its anti-inflammatory properties was done in India by researchers at the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad and published in the Journal of Medicinal Food. The study looked at 1,300 people over a period of six months and found that those who took a daily dose of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) had significantly lower levels of inflammation than those who didn&rsquo;t take curcumin supplements.</p>

<p>Another study from 2018 found that taking a supplement containing both curcumin and piperine increased absorption by 2,000 percent. This shows how important it is to consume turmeric with black pepper, ginger or another pungent flavouring agent as these will increase bioavailability &mdash; your body&rsquo;s ability to absorb nutrients.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, taking turmeric capsules daily for three months may be just as effective at reducing cholesterol levels as taking statin drugs.<br />
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<h5><strong>Reduces Inflammation And Regulates Blood Sugar</strong></h5>

<p>For the longest time, we all have been fed haldi doodh [turmeric milk] whenever we have gotten sick or injured. The current generation has been quick to disregard the cultural and traditional remedies that our grandparents practised upon us. However, it is fascinating to know how right they have been. Every spice in our kitchen has some sort of healing properties and haldi just took the cake with its fame in the western world.</p>

<p>Curcumin has also been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose absorbed by body cells. It may also improve insulin sensitivity so that more glucose can be taken up by cells, leading to lower blood sugar levels overall.</p>

<p>Turmeric has also been found to help prevent inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.</p>

<p>Also increases the flow of bile, the key to digesting fats. In Ayurveda (an ancient form of holistic medicine practised in South Asia), turmeric is considered a detoxifying agent that helps cleanse the liver by stimulating bile production and improving digestion.<br />
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<h5><strong>Haldi Vs Alzheimer&rsquo;s</strong></h5>

<p>Turmeric has been long believed to have health benefits, but there are now more scientific studies that show it can help treat a number of conditions. Research published in the Journal of Alzheimer&rsquo;s Disease shows that curcumin may help manage symptoms of Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease. The study showed that curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and reduce amyloid plaque build-up, which is a hallmark sign of Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease.<br />
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Bottom Line

<p>In conclusion, turmeric is a spice with a long history of use in the sub-continent. It&rsquo;s one of the most popular spices in the world and it&rsquo;s not just used for cooking but also has various health benefits.&nbsp;</p>

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