Did you know?
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the curcuma longa plant, which is a perennial in the ginger family. Its major active ingredient is curcumin. “Curcumin gives turmeric that yellowish color,” Hopsecger says. “But beware: It stains easily. Try not to get it on your clothing!”
Benefits of Haldi
1. Fights free radicals and boosts anti-oxidants
Antioxidants protect your body from highly reactive, unpaired atoms or molecules known as ‘free radicals’. These free radicals are considered a health risk because they attack healthy cells, proteins and DNA. They come from a range of sources like UV rays, diet, exposure to metals, medicines or smoking and consequences range from affecting the appearance of your skin through to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and cancers. Oxidative damage is said to be one of the main causes behind ageing and disease.
2. Anti-inflammatory
We all need Inflammation. It not only aids the body in fighting foreign bacteria, but also takes a role in repairing damage. So in the short term, inflammation is a good thing, but not when it becomes a permanent feature.
Arthritis and cancer all feature some kind of inflammation, as do digestive conditions like IBS. Inflammation of the skin can not only feel irritating and uncomfortable, but can translate as redness, dullness or blemished skin. So it’s not hard to see why it’s so important to try to prevent inflammation where possible.
Curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s so powerful that it can match anti-inflammatory drugs, without the negative side effects. When applied to skin turmeric based products smoothe and calm the skin.
3.Boosts brain power and fights degenerative brain disease
Brain function is determined by the forming of new connections between neurons, via brain growth hormone BDNF. Brain disorders such as Alzheimers and depression are linked to a reduction in levels of BDNF. The curcumin is now known to increase levels of BDNF in the brain, effectively delaying or even reversing brain disease and malfunction.
Another active ingredient in turmeric is turmerone, with studies showing it contains neuroprotective properties that support cognitive performance.
4. Decreases risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the single most common cause of death globally. Studies have shown curcumin to have beneficial effects on several factors known to affect heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium (lining of blood vessels), which improves the ability to regulate blood pressure and reduces blood clotting. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant power also maintains the health of the heart via neutralisation of free radicals.