It’s not about the California Gold Rush, It’s about turmeric! The entire world appreciates the health benefits of turmeric today. From turmeric-laced tea to face packs to cold-pressed juice, our obsession with the color of turmeric has contributed to the transformation of turmeric into a superfood.
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Officially, India is the world’s largest manufacturer, exporter and consumer of Turmeric. It is from the Indian subcontinent that turmeric found its way into Europe and beyond. More than 30 different varieties of turmeric grow in India, each unique in its own way.
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Some of the varieties have received GI status too like Erode manjal (Tamil Nadu), Lakadong turmeric (Meghalaya), Waigaon turmeric (Maharashtra), Kandhamal haldi (Odisha), and Sangli turmeric (Maharashtra). The bright yellow colour of turmeric is an integral part of the Indian cuisine, no matter from which part of the subcontinent. Every home in India has turmeric in its shelves.
While turmeric is a flavorsome spice that is nutritious to consume, it has also traditionally been used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, wounds, digestive ailments, and liver conditions. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric has powerful biological properties.
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This golden spice supports immune health, helps relieve pain, and can aid in digestion, among other things. Many vouch for the immune boosting properties of having hot milk with a tablespoon of turmeric along with pepper.
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Health benefits of turmeric includes:
- Fights free radicals to protect cells from damage
- Lessens pain & inflammation
- Lowers risk of heart disease
Numerous studies have established the health benefits of Turmeric. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed interest in this spice. A sudden spurt in the production and sale of turmeric has been seen. People have become more aware of turmeric’s health properties during the pandemic since everyone was looking to boost their immunity. For all its health benefits, turmeric is worth its weight in gold.