India is a land of spices and herbs. Early invasion of India began with the very trade of spices and herbs from this country which slowly began the colonization of the country. Many traders and merchants from the west visited India to find and trade spices that they could later export to their country.
This is how the fame of India as the Spice Kingdom came to be. One of the most important spices that are even now the biggest exported item from India is Turmeric powder. Turmeric is a root of the plant Curcuma longa, a herbaceous plant belonging to the ginger family. This perennial plant thrives underground and the roots of which have this lifesaving spice that has immense health benefits for not just humans but also for animals.
Turmeric plants are very sought after in India and are grown in many locations with higher altitudes and fresh natural water and rainfall. India is the biggest producer of turmeric and exports turmeric to various countries. Turmeric powder has found various uses besides just being a spice, which is essentially its primary role.
Properties of Turmeric
Turmeric is known to be of the ginger family as it is a rhizome that grows underneath the ground and has a tubular structure that can be harvested in the form of a root. This plant needs plenty of soil and rainfall to thrive and is one of the most important spices in Indian culture.
The root itself has an oily texture due to the presence of curcumin, it is yellowish in color with orange parts. The roots are cleaned and dried upon harvesting and are then ground to a fine powder which becomes the standard yellow, lustrous spice that is Turmeric powder.
Turmeric has a sweet yet acidic smell and quality to it. It has a very high antioxidant property which makes it one of the biggest natural health aids in the history of mankind. Turmeric has a distinct yellow color that is strong and transferable and is used in all Indian curries and gravies making them uniquely golden in color.
The key chemical compound that aids health benefits in humans is the Curcumin level in the turmeric plant. Curcumin is a Curcuminoid, a chemical compound found uniquely in the turmeric harvested in India, and has many health benefits including lowering the risk of life-threatening cancers.
Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin
- High Curcumin Content
Most turmeric found in India has curcumin ranging from 2-3% whereas the highest quality of turmeric powder has curcumin as high as 6-9%, which makes it extremely good for health and prevents diseases such as heart ailments, possible risk of cancers, and other diseases.
- Bacterial Safeguard
Turmeric is full of essential curcuminoids and turmerone that fights against infections, inflammations, septic wounds, fungal attacks, etc. it is an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal herb.
- Heals wounds
Turmeric has the inherent quality to heal wounds and minor diseases. Turmeric can be used as first aid for insect bites, cuts, scrapes, burns, and fresh wounds. It can also be used with milk or honey to combat cough, cold, and flu symptoms.
- Kills germs in food
Turmeric is most importantly used as a marinade for all kinds of meat such as poultry, beef, mutton, fish, and even vegetables and pulses as it kills the germs in these foods.
- For great skin
Turmeric is not just for consumption, as it can be effectively used as a face mask, body scrub, and mixed in oil. Turmeric can control pigmentation, heal scars, and combat acne.
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