Turmeric is commonly used in the Indian food preparation. This gives the food its intimidating color and presence. It´s use is not restricted to the kitchen, but in India it is also used in auspicious ceremonies and wisely during the marriage as in a ritual, where a turmeric paste is applied to the bride, to encourage a natural glow. That is not all; turmeric is gaining more and more popularity with its revealing health benefits.
Turmeric, due to globalization and accessibility to internet is now found in all households around the globe, not just for regular cooking purpose but also for its powerful health benefits. A trend and wave of towards becoming a vegetarian or vegan, sets Indian food to a new level of popularity, with its tremendously deep and wide menu on vegetarian and vegan options. As we are aware, from decades and till now, Turmeric is a spice most ordinarily used in Indian meal preparation. It has a very peculiar yellow which gives the food its sensory pleasing characteristic.
Apart from turmeric being known as a diurnal spice, it is more closely studied for its exceptional health benefit that it offers. And to everyone´s surprise, turmeric is recommended as a medicine to cure more than one health issues. Few to list, detoxifies body, increases immunity, decreases risk to cancer and arthritis, improved digestive functioning, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to heal infections and regain immunity.
Turmeric, it´s biological name is Curcuma Longa and it belongs to the family Zingiberaceae (ginger family). Turmeric is a flowering plant and its roots are used for culinary purpose. It includes diarylheptanoids, class of numerous curciminoids viz—curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. It also contains essential oils like turmerone, germacrone, zingiberene which are highly beneficial and increase its nutritive value.
There are variety of species available depending on climatic and geographic conditions. It is extensively grown in India, Bangladesh, Sri lanka, China, Indonesia etc; amongst which India is the world´s largest producer, consumer and exporter with approx. 75% of entire global exports coming from this very country.
The appearance of fresh turmeric is very much like a fresh ginger, just with a slight difference of size, color and aroma. Turmeric is slimmer and smaller than ginger, the inside color is bright yellow unlike ginger and the odour is pungent and earthly, noticeably different. Turmeric can stain very easily, so be more careful with clothes and utensils; suggestion would be to use apron or hand gloves.
Raw or Powder?
Turmeric is usually used in its grounded form, which is made by drying out the fresh turmeric and then grinding it to get a smooth powder. Apart from its common trait, it is also used in its fresh form, as Indian turmeric pickles, over salads, in curries etc. Having turmeric raw, immunes the human body with added benefits. Now, turmeric is available in almost every grocery market, so its access is quite easy to all. When you get a chance, do explore the special spice markets which offers wide range of superior quality spices and are more organic than the once available in the regular grocery stores, which are cultivated in bulk for big masses. The superior ones are a bit heavy on pocket but are more flavourful.
We have been using this spice over decades, yet we are unaware of its health benefits. So, let´s discuss about the health benefits that it offers,
Turmeric contains polyphenols which contribute to its health beneficial properties. These health benefits include regulating blood flow, maintaining blood sugar levels, fighting bad cholesterol, oxidation, calming heart burns, smoothing abdomen cramps etc.
As previous studies states, that curcumin, the polyphenol in turmeric is responsible for improving cognitive functions; as the curcumin has an ability to stimulate Omega-3 amino acids (DHA and ALA). These fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linonelic acid) are highly responsible in regulating and functioning the nervous system.
Turmeric heals the digestive disorders like stomach ulcers, irritable bowel and digestive tract irregularities.
Turmeric holds potential characteristics as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, cell regulating, enzyme stimulation, immunity enhancements etc, which helps in lowering risk to life. All these above characteristics, aids life taking diseases like cancer and decreases you chance of having it, on regular use of turmeric.
Turmeric proves to be helpful in the treatment of Arthritis.
Turmeric regulates blood fat levels after meals, as turmeric helps in activating certain enzymes in the body which in return help in reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood. So, incorporating turmeric in meal preparation help in maintaining low cholesterol levels.
Turmeric contains antioxidants which fights against the threats and impurities in the body, which in a bigger picture helps in regulating a normal blood flow and improved blood pressure. This clearly deceases the risks and threat to the Heart functions.
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Culinary
Cooking vegetables with little use of turmeric can help them retain beta-carotene and other nutrients. Traditional Indian kitchen uses turmeric in every single meal preparation. Other Asian country cuisines like Thai, also make use of turmeric in curry preparations. Across the world, barbeque vegetables are deeply marinated in turmeric and yoghurt. The use of turmeric is spreading across the entire globe swiftly.
How to incorporate use of turmeric on a regular basis?
Turmeric can be easily included to your daily routine, in the form of a tea, Turmeric Tea.
Turmeric added to a glass of milk with a rich mixture of dry fruits and some saffron, is a great combination to get the goodness of turmeric and dry fruits. This preparation is known as Golden Milk.
Turmeric typically is used in curries and lentil preparations, but its use can be extended in vegetable rice, steamed and sautéed vegetables, spiced oats or quinoa and so many more viable options.
It is a great spice, to marinate your vegetables (mushroom, cottage cheese, broccoli, paprika, potatoes, etc) for grilling or deep frying.
Use of turmeric in western recipe, one like scrambled eggs can also help you incorporate turmeric to your regular meals.
Author: Kinnari
Welcome! I am Kinnari, a 20 something Engineer from Pune, India. Presently residing in Germany, which got me an opportunity to explore the world around me! Staying far from my family also got me a chance to step into the kitchen and put my apron on! Altogether a big opportunity to share my experiences with you!
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