Kavita Devgan is a Delhi-based nutritionist, weight management consultant, health columnist and author of four bestsellers, Don’t Diet!
50 Habits of Thin People, Ultimate Grandmother Hacks, Fix It With Foods, The Don’t Diet Plan.
Remember that age-old totka: the haldi doodh, remember how this was the first thing moms and grandmas whipped up at the slightest sign of ill- health, and pushed down our throats, particularly when the seasons changed?
Well, turmeric has been our secret for a long time. India is said to produce nearly 100 percent of the world’s turmeric, and consumes about 90 percent of the total amount produced.
While it is witnessing global acceptance, the irony is that this native spice is returning to India via a circuitous route (from India to the West and back) and enticing a whole new generation of youngsters. Turmeric latte, with its Anglo-French nomenclature, has captured the world’s attention in a way that haldi doodh couldn’t! I have no problem with the route as long as this spice becomes mainstream in our consciousness again as its health benefits are many.
Clears congestion
Turmeric works as a tonic to relieve congestion and soothe headaches and cough. That’s why it remains a bedrock of Ayurvedic remedies.
Mind healer
Researchers have been studying the low incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in India. The general consensus is that the high consumption of turmeric with its curcumin, a component of the spice, is the protective factor. It is said to support better memory, increase focus and cognition by accelerating the growth of new neurons to fight various degenerative processes in the brain.
Cancer slayer
Curcumin has proved effective in killing cancer cells and there is evidence that it may even help prevent cancer.
Heart’s friend
Your heart’s friend, it reduces inflammation and oxidation and strengthens the endothelium (the lining of the blood vessels), helping to regulate blood pressure and avoid clots.
Happiness boost
Curcumin provides a safe and effective alternative to anti-depressant medication minus the side effects. Turmeric actually helps lift levels of the neuro-chemicals, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin, responsible for happiness.
Stomach soother
It improves digestion and metabolism by aiding intestinal flora, correcting both excesses and deficiencies of nutrients.
Detox
Loaded with antioxidants, turmeric is said to be a blood purifier, anti-fungal, anti- microbial, anti-bacterial and an immunity booster helping keep infections at bay. That’s not all. It keeps your skin acne- and blemish-free. My grandma used to vouch for it as the perfect remedy to keep cracked heels under control. Try it.
Max its benefits
It is important to source pure turmeric, as organic as possible, to ensure minimum impurities (like lead, etc). The beneficial agents in turmeric are fat soluble, meaning you need some fat with it to effectively help absorb and assimilate the benefits. Yes, perhaps, that’s why it is such an effective part of Indian curries.
Pairing it with black pepper, which contains piperine, is a good idea as piperine enhances the absorption of curcumin (by a whopping 2000 percent, according to some studies).
HALDI DOODH
Boil a cup of milk with a half-inch piece of accha (raw) turmeric. (Can replace raw turmeric with half a teaspoon of powder). Add a pinch of black pepper. Strain and sip.
TURMERIC LATTE
Turmeric lattes have been popping up everywhere these days. These are steamed milk beverages flavoured with golden turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sometimes even ginger. The resulting concoction is a soothing, immunity boosting, caffeine-free hot drink. The West may have discovered it as a super-food lately, but in India it has been the family go-to hack for immunity boosting, forever. All the rage at cafes spread across the globe from trendy Parisian cobbled streets to Australia’s beach shores, the turmeric latte isn’t technically a latte, as it contains no coffee. Instead, topping turmeric milk with milk foam, and latte art makes the drink. A turmeric latte often contains turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, almond milk, and coconut milk – and can be consumed hot or cold.
@kavitadevgan
