I still remember the horrible taste of haldi doodh (turmeric milk) which my mom made me drink for five days after I twisted my ankle.
Little did I realise that this yellow-coloured, horrid-tasting milk was helping me in my recovery process.
Haldi, or as some of us know this spice as turmeric, acts as a potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Evidence of the medicinal use of the turmeric plant dates back nearly 4000 years ago.
Specifically in Southeast Asia, turmeric has not only been used as a primary spice but also as an ayurvedic and traditional medicine.
However, modern medicine has recently started utilising turmeric for medicinal purposes as indicated by the fact that more than 3000 publications dealing with turmeric have come out within the last 25 years.
More to unravel as we go.
Curcumin – The Magical Ingredient Of Haldi
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the roots of the curcumalonga plant and it is closely related to the ginger family. Both these plants are rhizomes – an underground horizontal stem that stores food.
However, the magical ingredient that makes turmeric so effective is the presence of curcumin.
Curcumin is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence it is beneficial in the treatment of diseases where inflammation plays a role like arthritis.
Common Health Benefits Of Haldi
Haldi is a spice that is regularly used in desi households. But have you ever pondered over the overall health benefits you are attaining just by using this spice in your food?
I have compiled some research for you to read, on how haldi helps fight ailments and diseases.
Disclaimer: Although research is being carried out highlighting benefits of Turmeric, it should not be used in substitution of your prescribed medicines. Always check with your doctor before using.
May Prevent Arthritis
Recent studies have shown great benefits of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties compared with those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Many studies have shown encouraging evidence of curcumin and its ability to alleviate joint pain.
However, foolproof evidence is still required to determine the efficiency of curcumin for those patients who rely on NSAIDS to manage their conditions.
May Treat Alzheimer’s And Dementia
Recent research showed that 90 mg of curcumin if taken twice a day for 18 months also aids in improving brain sharpness. It is also a great aid in reducing memory loss-like issues in adults.
I wouldn’t recommend banking on any remedy in advanced cases. Most likely, if you start using turmeric in the early thirties, you will be keeping the problems at bay with its properties.
The anti-inflammation properties reduce brain inflammation. Curcumin’s anti-oxidant properties led to less decline in neurocognition – the ability to think and reason in humans.
Reduces Inflammation
Some chronic diseases start affecting your body tissues due to inflammation. Turmeric could prove beneficial in this regard.
A recent study showed that ulcerative colitis patients who took 2 grams of curcumin a day along with the prescribed medicine were on the faster track of recovery than those who took the medicine alone.
Acts as an Antidepressant
Curcumin has shown encouraging results as a mood regulator and may be used as an effective antidepressant.
It has a positive impact on the brain by increasing the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Moreover, it reduces inflammation and encourages brain plasticity.
A protein in the brain known as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) when reduced causes depression. A recent study shows that curcumin may help in increasing the levels of BDNF and may even cause reverse changes.
May Prevent Cancer
The Curcumin herb present in Turmeric/haldi has shown encouraging results in affecting the growth of cancerous cells.
A study has shown that curcumin may:
- Effectively kill the cancerous cells
- Reduce angiogenesis (growth of new vessels in tumours)
- Reduce metastasis spreading of cancerous cells)
Evidence has also been found that curcumin may prevent the occurrence of cancers of the digestive system like colorectal cancer.
Improves Heart Health
Studies suggest using haldi regularly in our diets may also lower the risk of heart disease as it reduces inflammation and oxidation.
If taken regularly along with medication it may also help in managing low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or the ‘bad’ cholesterol. This may keep your heart healthy.
Could Help Treat Indigestion
Omeprazole is a drug used to reduce excess stomach acids and cure indigestion. A recent study compared the use of omeprazole and curcumin.
It was revealed that patients had similar improvement in their condition whether they were taking the drug or curcumin - or a combination of both.
However further research is required to confirm these results for a longer period.
May Act As an Anti-Aging Agent
Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, it may also help in protecting skin cells from damage in turn delaying the ageing process.
It may also delay the progression of chronic diseases and alleviate the associated symptoms.
The Most Beneficial Way To Consume Haldi
Recent studies have revealed that haldi is more beneficial when taken along with Black Pepper.
An active ingredient in black pepper known as Piperine increases turmeric absorption by up to 2,000 percent.
Secondly, haldi is best absorbed with fatty foods like eggs and olive oil.
Combining haldi with black pepper, eggs, and vegetable oil may prove the most beneficial as it contains a compound called Lecithin that helps the body absorb turmeric easily.
Side-Effects Of Haldi
Haldi is a beneficial spice and is safe for most people when taken with food unless you are allergic to it.
However, turmeric supplements or high doses of turmeric are not advisable as it may have a blood-thinning effect.
People with liver or bile duct issues should avoid taking turmeric supplements as they could increase bile production.
Wrap Up
Hence proved that using haldi regularly in our food can cause numerous benefits to our bodies.
No wonder why, turmeric is incorporated into milk, and termed golden milk. Also, turmeric lattes have become a rave for their taste and medicinal benefits.
Now that we are in sync with all this knowledge, order turmeric from a trusted store like SaveCo and get started on your health journey.
