TURMERIC: THE INDIAN SAFFRON

INTRODUCTION:

Turmeric is an ancient spice that have been in used for over 2500 years in India. It was most likely first used as a dye. Turmeric is also been used as an Asian Cosmetic to impart golden glow to the complexion. There are 80 species of turmeric in India. 

So, turmeric is a dried rhizome and it is also known as the "country cousin" of ginger. Popularly it is called as "The Indian Saffron". It is referred to as Indian Saffron not only because of its common usage but of its distinctive yellow color. 

In vedic age, it was used for both culinary as well as religious ritual purposes. However, India has the honor of producing 80% of the world's turmeric crop. Erode, a state in Tamil Nadu is also known as the "yellow city" or "turmeric city". 

BENEFITS:

The most important component of turmeric is the curcumin. It is the main active ingredient. This traditional spice have a lots of medicinal properties, they are as follows:

▪︎ Curcumin the active ingredient of turmeric powerful ablility to control inflammation. In one of the journal known as "Oncogene" is was published that curcumin is the most effective anti-inflammatory compound in the world as it reduces inflammation naturally and there is no side effects. 

▪︎Everyday our body is exposed to all kind of toxins which can leads to infections, fortunately turmeric helps in detoxifying our body while removing toxins. 

▪︎Studies have proven that turmeric helps to prevent plaque formation of the bad cholesterol in the arteries hence preventing heart attacks and strokes. 

▪︎Curcumin boosts the brain hormone BDNF (Brain-dervied neurotropic factor) which increases the growth of new neurons which helps in fighting various degenerative diseases. 

▪︎Turmeric not only adds flavor to food but it also contribute to healthy digestion as a result of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (Its is a long term gastrointestinal disorder that causes discomfort)

▪︎Curcumin in turmeric has an ability of improving insulin resistance in diabetes patients. 

WHEN IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO CONSUME TURMERIC?? 

● The most common side effects observed in clinical studies are gastrointestinal and include constipation, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, distension, gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, vomiting, yellow stool and stomach ache.

● Due to their ability to increase bile secretion, turmeric should not be taken by individuals with obstruction of the bile duct, cholangitis, liver disease, gallstones and any other biliary disease.

● Turmeric has also been linked to interactions with some conventional medicines due to its influence on some cytochrome P450 enzymes, P-glycoprotein and OATP transporters.

RECIPE:

Turmeric Shots: (2 servings)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of orange juice

1/2 cup of coconut water

1 tbsp homemade powdered turmeric

Black pepper to taste

Method:

Mix and shake all ingredients in a jar. Add ¼ cup orange juice, ½ cup coconut water, 1 tbsp of powdered turmeric spice and a pinch of black pepper to a jar. Shake vigorously. Refrigerate and drink half immediately, and the other half within 24 hours for best potency.

Musharrafa Asad