By Avni Kaul

Our grandmothers swore by it. Our mothers still offer a pinch of this gorgeously fragranced golden spice as the best thing for everything. But it was not until Starbucks selling a ‘Turmeric Latte’ (basic haldi wala doodh that most Indian kitchens are familiar with), that Turmeric became a household kitchen ingredient the world over. Turmeric is the best way to protect your body, health, and immune system from the chaotic time that is the changing weather. Coupled with the overindulgence of the festive season, and the pollution that is rampant in the air, the winter months are not easy on everybody. In this case, turmeric is a great way to keep illnesses and infections caused by weather fluctuations, pollution, and other factors.

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One Stop Solution

Turmeric is a spice that contributes to good health all year long. In this changing season when air pollution leads to several infections and allergies, particularly of the respiratory tract, turmeric is the best way to keep healthy.

Turmeric contains bioactive compounds with powerful medicinal properties called curcuminoids, of which curcumin, which is the main active ingredient in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and it is also a strong anti-oxidant. Inflammation helps the body fight foreign attackers and repairs damage. However, when inflammation becomes long term, then it starts attacking the body’s own tissues. Chronic low level of inflammation may cause heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions. Curcumin, found in turmeric blocks NF-KB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. It also increases the antioxidant capacity of the body by neutralizing free radicals which react with fatty acids, proteins or DNA. It also boosts the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

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Multiple Benefits

Here are some more health benefits that turmeric offers:

Brain Food:

Curcumin stimulates levels of the brain hormone BDNF(Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor), which helps in increasing the growth of the new neurons. It also helps in delaying or sometimes even reversing many degenerative processes in the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease for which no cure is available yet. Curcumin is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and also prevent inflammation and oxidative damage. It can also clear the build-up of protein tangles called Amyloid plaques thereby preventing or at least slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin boosts BNDF levels, potentially reversing symptoms of depression which is linked to reduced levels of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor and a shrinking hippocampus which helps in learning and memorizing.

Good For The Heart:

Curcumin helps in improving the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels, and which regulates blood pressure, blood clotting and generally keeps the heart healthy. By being anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, it lowers the risk of heart disease.

Anti-Cancer:

It has been found through several studies that curcumin can reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors), metastasis (spread of cancer) and may even kill the cancerous cells.

Good For Aches & Pains:

Remember how turmeric in ghee or milk was the best way to heal any injury according to our forefathers? Turmeric is not just good for healing, but also prevents severe arthritis. Joint inflammation in arthritis has been found to be cured by curcumin found in turmeric which works as a natural pain killer. Curcumin has been found to reduce the severity of PMS symptoms thereby reducing menstrual pain.

Antiageing & Beauty-Enhancing

Turmeric has excellent anti-bacterial properties and therefore it works as a natural antiseptic.

Curcumin in turmeric may delay aging, fight age-related chronic diseases and bring about longevity. Turmeric aids in fat loss improving metabolism and lowering levels of certain proteins that contribute to fat production. Turmeric paste can be used to treat acne, which is inflammation caused by pimples and psoriasis which are caused by inflammatory enzymes.

Turmeric prevents the formation of wrinkles and melanin. Reduction in skin elasticity caused by chronic UVB exposure is also prevented by turmeric. Curcumin penetrates the cell membranes altering its physical properties that is how it lightens the stretch marks and scars making them disappear in time. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which help soothe burns. Its astringent and antioxidant properties help heal wounds and reduce scars. Turmeric has bleaching properties which help treat skin pigmentation thereby reducing tan. It also keeps skin free from infection. Hormonal imbalances that cause hirsutism, where facial hair gets excessive, can be cured with turmeric.

Cracked feet can be cured by applying a paste of turmeric mixed with castor oil and coconut oil. Adding turmeric to a scrub before exfoliation makes skin glow. Curcuminoidsin turmeric prevents hair loss. For eliminating dandruff and better scalp health, a mixture of turmeric and olive oil can be used.

How to Use

Turmeric should always be bought after ascertaining its quality. Organic turmeric should be preferred because it does not contain additives. Turmeric powder should be kept in a tightly sealed container and stored in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Fresh turmeric rhizome should be kept in the refrigerator. Exposure to air, heat or humidity will cause loss of aroma, color, and flavor. Turmeric can be added to all kinds of food, salad dressings etc. to enhance its flavor and health quotient. It is a super food and should be consumed regularly for a balanced nutritious diet.

In this weather, you can add turmeric to warm milk and consume it the traditional way. Do take care to use raw turmeric roots, that are easily available in this season. They are definitely more potent than turmeric powder. Similarly, these roots (that look like ginger) can be grated and added to regular dishes instead of turmeric powder. The juliennes of turmeric can also be soaked in the juice of a lemon to be had instead of pickle as a much more healthier flavor-enhancing side dish.

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DISCLAIMER: While we have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared here; it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. it is important to first always check with your own doctor before trying any medication, practice or suggestion from this site.

The post Here’s How You Can Beat Seasonal Health Issues With Turmeric appeared first on HotFridayTalks.