Turmeric is a knobby root, quickly gaining popularity around the country. Turmeric is a vibrant spice used primarily used in Indian cuisine. It is converted into a spice powder and used in different parts of the diet. The rest of the world is now trying to incorporate it into its regular diet, looking at the incredible nutritional values it has. Fresh drinks like vanilla turmeric lattes, carrot ginger turmeric smoothies and turmeric detox soups have gained popularity in the health-conscious crowds of New Zealand. Turmeric in New Zealand has especially gained popularity because of all the online shopping options available for pure, high-quality turmeric.
What is turmeric chemically?
Turmeric powder contains around 60–70 per cent carbs, 6–13 per cent water, 6–8 per cent protein, 5–10 per cent fat, 3–7% dietary minerals, 3–7% essential oils, 2–7% dietary fibre, and 1–6% curcuminoids. All that information on the chemical point of view is irrelevant to our common eyes. The main takeaway point from this is that turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin. This chemical is responsible for the colour of turmeric. It is also said that under the right conditions, turmeric can also be fluorescent because of this chemical. Curcumin is also the main reason turmeric has so many health benefits. This is elaborated in the next section.
Exactly how healthy is turmeric?
As mentioned, turmeric in New Zealand is popular because of the health fanatics in the country. Turmeric is now considered one of the most beneficial spices in the world because of the variety of health benefits that come with it. Some established ones are:
- Curcumin in turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory substance with incredibly strong antioxidant properties. These are essential nutrients for the body, which we can’t get many other sources in adequate quantities.
- Inflammation is essential in the body to fight off diseases, but excess can lead to extreme problems in the body. Helps relieve chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and various other issues. This makes anti-inflammatory nutrients essential.
- Curcumin can essentially boost brains by increasing the number of neurons in our brain. Curcumin increases levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which supports the creation of new neurons and helps aid in the prevention of several degenerative brain diseases.
- Curcumin is helpful in the treatment of cancer. Many studies have shown that the chemical helps reverse the cancer spread with new cells.
- As mentioned above, turmeric is good for the brain. Alzheimer’s is also said to be one disease it helps with. By creating newer brain cells, it acts as a treatment for the disease.
- Arthritis is a common disease in New Zealand, patients suffering from this disease have responded well to turmeric. This is because of the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, and since arthritis is essentially an inflammation of the joints, it is clear why it works.
Precautions to take while consuming Turmeric
Some components of turmeric are not very digestion-friendly. Take care to not consume in excess to avoid stomach congestion.
Turmeric thins your blood because of its purifying characteristics. People who consume blood thinning agents like warfarin must take extra precautions while consuming this.
Pregnant women nearing their dates must avoid turmeric because, at times, contractions have been observed in pregnant women who consume turmeric.
How and where is it grown?
Turmeric is primarily grown in South Asian countries. India accounts for the majority of turmeric production in the world. It is grown in warm conditions and sandy or loamy soil. It does not require excessive water like rice, but average irrigation conditions are necessary for healthy growth. There are wide varieties of turmeric grown in India. They are mostly classified based on the part of the country they are grown in.
