Turmeric powder and its health benefits have become the buzzword in the health market. However, it has been an essential household item for thousands of years in many parts of Asia.
In ancient days turmeric was first used as a dye, and later knowing about its medicinal properties people started using it as a medicine to cure numerous diseases, and still, it is the best nutritional supplement in existence. It is a significant element in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Turmeric is the root of the plant – Curcuma, and Curcumin is the bioactive compound in turmeric. In India alone, around 40-45 species of Curcuma is found. Due to the enormous availability, India has been a major exporting country of pure turmeric powder.
It is important to buy good quality turmeric since it might be difficult to differentiate between a pure turmeric powder and an adulterated one just by looking with the naked eye. One quick way to check for its purity would be to take some warm water in a glass container and drop a pinch of turmeric on the surface of the water.
Do not mix or stir the water and wait for about 15 mins, if the sediments settle at the bottom of the glass container and the water stays clear above, then the turmeric powder used is pure, whereas if the water turns cloudy and unclear, the powder is adulterated.
How can be turmeric used in daily life:
One major factor that makes turmeric an essential element in the kitchen is that pure turmeric powder’s price, which is affordable to almost everyone.
- Turmeric is being used in several dishes to add a pleasant color and a mild fragrance.
- Add 1-2 tablespoon of pure turmeric powder to any soup to bring a deep golden hue to the recipe.
- Could add 1 tablespoon of turmeric to a smoothie for a subtle turmeric hit. 2 tablespoons will bring a more intense flavor to it.
- While cooking any rice dish, add half a teaspoon in the water to add a color pop to the dish
- By stirring in half a teaspoon of turmeric in some cheese sauce that is used to make mac and cheese would boost the healthiness.
- It could also be added to brewing regular tea.
- Add half a tablespoon of ground turmeric to the dry pancake mix to present a colorful golden pancake.
Health Benefits of Using Turmeric :
- A Natural anti-inflammatory compound – curcumin, present in turmeric helps the human body fight against most germs and prevent disease.
- Oxidative damage is the main cause of aging and many diseases. Turmeric helps in increasing the antioxidants in the body and also boosts the activity of the body’s antioxidant enzymes.
- Turmeric improves brain function and lowers the risk of brain disease. Curcumin in turmeric is proved to be helping in increasing the brain levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It also improves memory power and makes one smarter.
- Curcumin is believed to improve the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the body vessels, which in turn reduces the risk of heart diseases.
- Turmeric’s curcumin content makes it the best option for those with type-1 & type-2 diabetes. It also helps in balancing the blood sugar levels.
- Many pieces of research found curcumin is effective in pain relief and improved functions. Hence it could be used to reduce joint pain.
- Korean researchers discovered that turmeric helps in altering the composition of fat cells in our body and might be a better option to maintain a fit body.
- Turmeric heals wounds faster and acts as an antiseptic.
Due to the growing usage of turmeric in many foreign countries, the export market in India had a huge boost and is considered to have a monopoly in this scenario. This increase in demand brought many pure turmeric powder brands into the market, thus enhancing the revenue flowing into the country.
Many retailers made options to shop pure turmeric powder online for both local and foreign audiences. Key states in the production of turmeric inside India are Andra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamilnadu.
The Market is segmented into the below categories :
- Dry
- Fresh
- Powder
- Other (Oleoresins of Turmeric)
Further, it is also segmented based on the industry such as Food and Beverages Processing, and Health and personal care products. Since the Federal Drug Administration has said that curcumin is safe and the availability in the market in various formulas far and wide, and also considering the health benefits that turmeric provides, makes it a must-have kitchen staple.