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Have you ever noticed that rich yellow colour in your curry or dal? That’s turmeric — a spice found in almost every Indian kitchen. But turmeric isn’t just about colour or taste. For centuries, it’s been known as a powerful ingredient for health, healing and even skincare.
Turmeric comes from a root, much like ginger. It’s dried and ground into a bright yellow powder. The real magic inside turmeric is a natural chemical called curcumin. Scientists say this compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. That means it can help the body fight swelling, pain and damage from harmful molecules. No wonder your grandparents may have asked you to drink haldi doodh (turmeric milk) when you had a cold or bruise!
This spice is also good for your brain. Some studies suggest that curcumin may help improve memory and mood. It’s even being studied for its role in preventing certain illnesses. And here’s something cool: turmeric has been used in traditional medicine across India, China and the Middle East for thousands of years — long before scientists knew exactly why it worked.
Turmeric isn’t just for eating, either. Many people use it in face packs to brighten skin or mix it with warm water to treat sore throats.
Of course, you don’t need to eat it by the spoonful. A little turmeric in your food goes a long way. So the next time you see that golden colour in your meal, remember — you’re not just eating spice. You’re adding a pinch of ancient wisdom to your plate!
Turmeric has been used for over 4,000 years
Ancient civilisations in India used it not just in food, but also for medicine, rituals, and even as a dye.
It’s related to ginger
Turmeric comes from the root of a plant that belongs to the same family as ginger — they’re spicy cousins!
It can glow under UV light
Thanks to a compound called curcumin, turmeric can actually glow bright yellow under ultraviolet light.
Turmeric was once used as sunscreen
In some traditional practices, a paste made with turmeric was applied to the skin to protect against sunburn.