There is hardly anything that our mums are wrong about. Come on, admit it—you know it’s true! The wisdom they impart, especially when it comes to our health, is a life-saver. Take for instance, haldi-wala doodh!This stinky pale-yellow concoction was promptly shoved down our throats each time we came home with scraped knees or had a bad cold, no matter how much we protested against its terrible-horrible taste. But guess what? It always worked!
And today we’re going to tell you why!
Turmeric, the root of life!
Turmeric or haldi can be found in all Indian kitchens, resting with other traditional spices. Used to flavour all sorts of preparations, turmeric—a root from the ginger family—also finds a place in beauty treatments and is used to brighten dull skin.
But did you know that your friendly-neighbourhood haldi has anti-inflammatory properties and is said to help with arthritis pain and joint stiffness? In fact, a 2017 study reviewing the effects of curcumin on human health—the bright yellow pigment which gives turmeric its colour—states that turmeric has the same effect as ibuprofen when it comes to relieving pain and other symptoms of arthritis.
What else can turmeric do? Well, let’s find out.
It’s great at healing wounds
Apart from reducing pain and inflammation, turmeric also promptly heals.
A 2016 research paper published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology states that not only does curcumin stimulate the wound-healing process, but it also speeds it up. Oh, and did we mention that it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral prosperities?
It can alleviate post-workout soreness
Since being a powerful anti-inflammatory is haldi’s claim to fame, many studies tout it as a great way to relieve muscle soreness after intensive exercise. So how can you use turmeric to aid post-workout muscle recovery? Why just drink haldi-wala doodh before going to bed!
Turmeric can reduce depressive symptoms
A 2013 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research claims that when it comes to relieving symptoms of major depressive disorder, the effects of the curcumin in turmeric can compare to that of anti-depression medications. Certain studies also show that it promotes brain activity—specifically by aiding the growth of a protein that regulates the survival of nerve cells and boosting serotonin and dopamine levels.
Turmeric can prevent metabolic syndrome
Characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excessive weight around the waist, and high cholesterol levels—metabolic syndrome increases your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Turmeric, the 2017 study published in the journal Foods found, can improve your body’s interaction with insulin, reduce blood pressure, and keep a check on oxidative stress. It can also lower your triglyceride levels, thus keeping your heart healthy.
