Turmeric: 6 Interesting Facts and Practical Applications

Turmeric is an important spice in Indian cookery; the scientific name curcuma longa which is a root plant native to India that is also found in Southeast Asian nations. It is brilliant yellow in colour and is used in curries to provide colour. It is known as haldi in Hindi. It has a faint fragrant fragrance that is similar to ginger. It has a bitter taste and a strong odour.



    Uses of Haldi

    Haldi is used not just in cooking but also as a dye to give garments a vivid yellow colour. This delicious spice has been utilised in Ayurveda to treat a variety of ailments and injuries. Turmeric juice extract aids in the healing of bruises and wounds.

    In Indian culture Haldi holds auspicious place. There is a ceremony before wedding known as ubtan ceremony where bride and groom are applied ubtan which is prepared from turmeric, gram flour and sandalwood. It is an important ceremony where all the relatives and friends of bride and groom apply ubtan at their respective places which is commenced by marriage ceremony the following day.

    Haldi is most commonly used in cooking as a powder. Before grinding turmeric into powder, it must be heated. Boiling intensifies the colour, which spreads uniformly over the rhizome. It is then sun-dried until there is no moisture left and it becomes crisp. It is then ground into powder using a grinder. Haldi is a powdered spice that is widely accessible in all grocery stores and supermarkets.

    Did you know that turmeric powder may also be used to get rid of ants in the house? All you have to do is sprinkle the haldi powder where the ants are coming from and you'll see it functions like a laxman rekha, keeping them away. The heat in turmeric works as a natural ant repellant and is a simple and inexpensive way to get rid of pesky ants.

    Benefits of Turmeric

    Many recipes across the world uses haldi in powdered form. The benefits from it are many but I am sharing some of them. So, let’s have a look at them.

    Helps to reduce inflammation

    Haldi has been in use in Ayurveda since ancient period and helps to subsidise the inflammation. Haldi also prevents the chemicals present in the body which are responsible for creating the inflammation. Haldi also provides relief from many ailments related to stomach.

    Supports good digestion

    Haldi is known to be a good digestive which makes the digestion smooth with the chemical compounds present in it. It helps in preventing many problems related to digestion like gastritis, bloating and bowel disease.

    May prevent cancer

    Haldi may help to prevent cancer disease related to skin, breast and stomach. However, more research needs to be done in this area. You should never replace your normal medication without consultation of your doctor.

    Healthy for heart

    Curcumin controls the cholesterol which directly effects the blood pressure. By controlling the cholesterol and blood pressure haldi keeps the heart healthy preventing cardiovascular diseases.

    Tocopherol properties

    The tocopherol properties in haldi comes from a substance called curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the movement of free radical cells in the body which could damage healthy cells.

    Weight loss

    Taking haldi tea regularly increases the production of biles present in the stomach which aids in burning the fat which helps to shed extra kilos.

    References 

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    Conclusion

    Haldi is an important spice in Indian cooking. Curcuma longa is the scientific name of turmeric.  Curcuma longa is a root plant which is native to India and grows in Southeast Asian countries.

    In Indian culture Haldi holds auspicious place. There is a ceremony before wedding known as ubtan ceremony where bride and groom are applied ubtan which is prepared from haldi, gram flour and sandalwood.

    Haldi is mostly used in cooking in powdered form.

    One can also use turmeric powder to get rid of ants in the house? All you need to do is to sprinkle the haldi powder from where ants are coming and you’ll notice ants marching away from that spot.

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