Turmeric

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Turmeric is traditionally called Indian saffron because its deep yellow-orange color is similar to that of the revered saffron. It is used as a spice, medicinal herb and textile dye.

Turmeric is extracted from the root of the turmeric plant, which has a rough brown bark and a deep orange interior. This herb has a very interesting taste and aroma. Its taste is spicy, warm and bitter, while its aroma is light and reminiscent of orange and ginger. Let's find out more about the famous Indian spice.

History of turmeric

Turmeric originated in Indonesia and southern India, where it has been produced for more than 5,000 years. Arab traders introduced turmeric to Europe in the 13th century, but in recent years it has become popular in Western cultures. Much of this popularity is due to recent research that proves its therapeutic properties. The leading commercial producers of turmeric are India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Haiti and Jamaica.

Composition of turmeric

The color of turmeric varies according to the different varieties, but is not a criterion for its quality. For the highest content of curcumin it is necessary to uses turmeric, not curry powder, as pure turmeric powder has the highest concentration of curcumin, averaging 3.14% by weight.

Turmeric is not an allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable amounts of goitrogens, oxylates and purines. Turmeric is an excellent source of iron and manganese. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber and potassium.

Storage of turmeric

Turmeric powder it is necessary to store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dark and dry place. Fresh turmeric roots should be stored in the refrigerator. Care must be taken when using turmeric, as its saturated color can easily form stains.

Cooking with turmeric

In cooking, turmeric is used not only to flavor dishes, but also to color them. It is used to season rice dishes, roasted chicken, various sauces, fish dishes, mustard and mayonnaise. In India, turmeric is regularly used to flavor rice, eggs, curry and a number of other dishes. You can add it to scrambled eggs, omelets with vegetables, chicken pieces, roast beef, meat in sauce, winter soups, spaghetti with meat, Chinese rice.

As a colorant, it appears in the EU classification of food additives as E100. In industry it is used for coloring cheeses, margarines, liqueurs, plain cakes and biscuits for tea, orange juice, sauces. Used to protect food from sunlight.

Benefits of turmeric

Turmeric is not only fragrant, but also a healing remedy. With its help you can strengthen your immune system and make the so-called golden milk. To prepare a decoction to strengthen the immunity of turmeric, soak 2 almonds in a cup of milk overnight. The next morning add 1 tsp. honey and a pinch of turmeric and mix the decoction until smooth. Drink this decoction in the morning during breakfast. Turmeric actively promotes good metabolism.

- Volatile oils, contained in turmeric have significant anti-inflammatory activity. An even more powerful anti-inflammatory is the yellow-orange pigment of turmeric, called curcumin. Curcumin is considered to be the main pharmacological agent in turmeric.

- Turmeric provides effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease;

- Helps against rheumatoid arthritis;

- Helps against cystic fibrosis;

- Reduces the risk of cancer;

- Curcumin and its antioxidant actions make it possible to protect cells from the action of free radicals;

- Turmeric and onions in combination can help prevent colon cancer;

- Turmeric and cauliflower in combination can help prevent prostate cancer;

- Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia;

- Turmeric is also used to cleanse the body of toxins, heat and purify the blood;

- Turmeric is able to cleanse the energy channels of the body, which is useful for people who are engaged in mental work or some kind of art;

- Turmeric paste is a perfect remedy for itching;

- Improves liver function;

- Provides cardiovascular protection;

- Leads to lower cholesterol levels;

- Provides protection against Alzheimer's disease;

- Turmeric is used to make anti-inflammatory agents for problem skin;

- Face masks with turmeric, significantly improve the color of the skin and clean it, opening its pores as much as possible;

- A teaspoon of turmeric, dissolved in a glass of water, helps with stomach pain and diarrhea. You should drink half a glass of this water before each meal;

- In anemia, a quarter teaspoon of turmeric is dissolved in honey. This provides the body with the necessary amount of iron. If necessary, turmeric can be increased to half a teaspoon.

Harm from turmeric

Turmeric should not be taken by pregnant women, people taking blood thinners and those suffering from biliary problems.

Beautify with turmeric

Turmeric is actively involved in home beautification. Turmeric is high in antioxidants that slow down cell damage;

It is widely used as a skin exfoliant and improves skin texture;

Helps with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, psoriasis and eczema;

Helps reduce pigmentation and even out skin tone;

It also reduces wrinkles;

Rejuvenating mask with turmeric

For a moisturizing face mask, combine the benefits of turmeric and lemon to lighten the skin. Milk adds B-vitamins, alpha hydroxy acids, calcium and other powerful antioxidants.

You need: 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoons milk, ¼ tablespoon turmeric

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl slowly.

2. Apply the mixture on your face and leave it on for 10-20 minutes before rinsing.

Homemade scrub

The structure of turmeric provides excellent exfoliation and helps regulate oil production in the skin, making it a great exfoliant for acne-prone skin.

You need: 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 3 teaspoons, almond milk, 3 teaspoons baking soda

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and stir to mix. Using clean hands, massage on clean, moist skin with your fingertips, starting with your chin and working upwards in small circles. Rinse and finish with a moisturizer.

Mask with honey and turmeric

Turmeric soothes inflammation and irritation, while soothing ingredients such as raw honey and coconut milk help tighten and brighten the skin.

You need: 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon raw organic honey, 1 tablespoon coconut milk

Put turmeric, honey and milk in a small bowl and stir. Before applying, clean your face to remove dirt and makeup. Apply the mask evenly all over the face, being careful to focus on all inflamed areas. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Repeat if necessary until the inflammation subsides.

Proven benefits of turmeric on the skin

Triple espresso can work wonders on your brain, but not so much on the shadows under your eyes. After another hard night, try turmeric!

A recent study found that turmeric essential oil in a lotion can brighten the skin within three weeks with results that last just as long.

These brilliant benefits are probably the result of powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that work together to heal and bring out the skin's natural health.

The same study found that turmeric can help slow down unwanted hair growth.

Turmeric oil applied to the armpits of 60 women for 10 weeks. The study found that the oil reduces or slows hair growth in the test area.

In addition to beautifying the skin, turmeric helps and in psoriasis.

Night topical turmeric paste for psoriasis

1. Mix one part turmeric powder with two parts water.

2. Simmer in a saucepan until the mixture is thick.

3. After cooling, apply the paste on the affected area.

4. Wrap a piece of gauze around the treated area.

5. Leave it overnight.

6. In the morning, remove the gauze and rinse your skin with warm water.