What is Turmeric and how it if useful for us?

by Archana Singh on Oct 27, 2021

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a rhizome of the plant of the ginger family and is, native to Southeast Asia and grown in India. It comes in different forms like a stick, powder, paste liquid and so on.

It is tremendously used in Indian food to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butter, and cheeses. Apart from being used as a culinary spice to color or add aroma, it has plenty of medicinal properties. It is a well-known component of traditional medicines like Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha.

Turmeric contains three Curcuminoids-curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Out of all these Curcumin is the main chemical(polyphenol) ingredient of turmeric. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and is a very strong antioxidant. The yellow pigment of turmeric comes mainly from curcumin. Other than curcuminoids, turmeric also contains proteins, sugar, oil, resins.

Medicinal properties of turmeric

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant properties of curcumin make the heart function better and is also very helpful for arthritis patients.
Curcumin is linked to improving brain function, so it reduces the risk of brain diseases
It has shown promising results in treating depression
Due to its medicinal properties, curcumin works as an anti-aging element
Treats diabetes milletus
Acts as a natural blood thinner
Turmeric contains antifungal properties
Supports healthy thyroid environment
Treats neurological diseases
Decreases the occurrence of Asthma attacks
Helps in weight loss goals
Turmeric promotes skin health

A very quick and interesting turmeric Trick

You can make a fluoresce with the turmeric easily at home. Take some turmeric, a few drops of alcohol and a UV torch, which you can buy online also. Put the alcohol in a bottle or a jar, light the jar in a darkened room with a UV torch. Then scatter some turmeric, beautiful green-yellow glowing trails that can be seen as the turmeric falls.