Turmeric Powder / हल्दी पाउडर: Benefits, Side Effects and FAQ’s

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Turmeric powder is the principal ingredient in Indian and Middle East cuisine. It is also termed as “Golden Spice”, “Indian Saffron” or “Wonder Spice”.

The use of turmeric is in the form of rhizome (the underground part of the plant) as well as the powder to impart a golden yellow color. It is used in products like canned beverages, baked products, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, yellow cakes, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn color, cereals, sauces, and gelatin.

Commonly known in India as …

In North India, turmeric is commonly called “Haldi,” a word derived from the Sanskrit word haridra.

Whereas South Indians recognize it as “manjal,” a word that frequently arrives in ancient Tamil literature.

There are many different names for Turmeric.

The name turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merita (meritorious earth), referring to the color of ground turmeric, which resembles a mineral pigment. French also calls it terre merite.

In many languages, people simply refer to it as “yellow root”. Many cultures name is based on the Latin word Curcuma.

In Sanskrit alone, turmeric has at least 53 different names, including Bhadra (auspicious or lucky),  Gauri (to make fair), Haldi (that draws attention to its bright color), Haridra (dear to hari, Lord Krishna),  Jayanti (one that wins over diseases), Jawarantika (which cures fevers),  Kaveri (harlot), Nishakhya (known as night), Pavitra (holy), Shifa (fibrous root),  Soubhagaya (lucky), Vairagi (who remains free from desires),  Vishagni (killer of poison), etc.

Here is a table containing all the names for turmeric across the globe.

Nutritional Profile of Turmeric Powder

Nutritional profile per 100 gms

• Calories: 354
• Protein: 7.8g
• Carbohydrate: 64.9g
• Fiber: 21.1g
• Fat: 9.9g
• Sodium: 38mg
• Potassium: 170mg

Source: USDA & Google

Forms of Turmeric

Rhizome

The base form of turmeric used is its underground part that is rhizomes as it imparts the golden yellow color.

Curcumin

Another important form of turmeric is Curcumin which is the compound in the roots of the plant. Turmeric is derived from the plant Curcuma Longa containing curcumin. Most of the recognized benefits of turmeric are gain from this part.

Turmeric Spice

As we all know, turmeric was and still primarily used in cuisines for its flavor. Turmeric pairs with almost every food group, be it vegetables, curry, sweets, beverages, and the list goes on.

Turmeric Pills

For those who want a large intake of this ingredient but doesn’t want to directly eating or drinking it,  or are even sensitive to spices. These pills and capsules are an easy solution. You just need to swallow it.

Benefits of Eating Turmeric Powder

Turmeric holds importance as a medicinal component in Southeast Asia and not just in spices. Modern medicine too has recognized its importance.

Over 3000 publications dealing with turmeric, that came out within the last 25 years supports the facts. It is a major part of Ayurveda, Siddha medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, and the animistic rituals of Austronesian peoples.

There is a litany for the diseases in which people use turmeric to cure. The benefits of this herb are limitless.

Anti-Inflammatory

Several studies state this fact that turmeric is anti-inflammatory. You might have witnessed old people applying turmeric in paste form on burns.

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pain Reliever

Studies prove that turmeric is also used to get relief from pain. Turmeric Capsule consumed by the people suffering from Arthritis had been relieved from the pain. It worked as great as Advil or Ibuprofen for them.

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Help Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Cancer disease is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Turmeric can contribute to the death of cancerous cells according to the studies.

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anti-Oxidant

Oxidants are the particles that are responsible for the rapid aging of the body and also behind many diseases. Turmeric is a potential anti-oxidant as it neutralizes the effects of these oxidants.

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lower Brain Diseases

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a type of growth hormone which functions in your brain and is responsible for its growth. Decreased level of these hormones causes many brains infused diseases like Alzheimers and Depression. Interestingly, turmeric helps in increasing this hormone.

Source: sciencedirect.com

Lowering of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the major cause of death, and many factors contribute to its occurrence. Turmeric or curcumin helps reverse many steps responsible for heart disease. Curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidation, which play a role in heart disease as well.

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anti-Aging

Oxidation and inflammation play a role in aging. And since turmeric possesses qualities to be an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, it helps prevent early aging.

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Side Effects of Consuming Turmeric in Large Quantity

Turmeric contains oxalate-a components which if consumed in large quantities, increases the risk of stone in the kidney. Moreover, not all turmeric powder available in the market is pure. They may be adulterated with harmful unlisted ingredients.

One should also consider that some turmeric powder may also contain harmful food colorants to make it look more eye-pleasing and yellow in color. On top of that, some turmeric powders may also be high in lead, a heavy metal that is especially toxic to the nervous system.

Turmeric also helps in reducing the fat and cholesterol in blood but it can be dangerous if consumed in more dosage than advised. Some studies have indicated that people have experienced mild digestive issues if the daily doses exceed 1,000 mg.

Frequently Asked Questions about Turmeric

Here’s an answer to some commonly asked questions by people about turmeric.