Concept in Definition ABC

Turmeric is a root that belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, just like ginger. This species is characterized by its yellow color and is well known in India. In fact, it is known as the Indian saffron.

In the kitchen

If we visit a restaurant Hindu it is very likely that we will order a plate of rice with curry. Its orange color is due precisely to turmeric. In Indian cuisine it is very common to season different dishes with ground turmeric, something very similar to job of salt and pepper in the gastronomy western.

In the world of feminine beauty

Hindus make cosmetics using turmeric. It is a substance used to cleanse the skin and give it a smooth appearance. For this reason in some areas of India the brides who are going to contract marriage they get a treatment with turmeric to have a sparkling look on the wedding day. It is normally applied in the form of a mask and in addition to facial cleansing it is also used to hide wrinkles or eliminate acne.

Health benefits

Turmeric is known in the West for its therapeutic properties. The origin of its properties is due to curcumin, its main active ingredient.

The applications of this spice are very diverse. It is considered to be a powerful antioxidant that serves to eradicate free radicals from the body. It is valued as an effective anti-inflammatory. It is also used to decrease pain caused by arthritis. Likewise, there are studies that support the benefits of turmeric to prevent cancer, leukemia or type 2 diabetes. It is useful to purify the liver and to improve the digestion and it is even claimed to delay the effects of Alzheimer's. In the world of alternative medicine it is also used as a substance that helps to lose weight.

At the festival of the colors of India

In the main cities of India a festival known as Holi is celebrated, although throughout the world it is more recognized as the festival of colors or of the spring. Although its remote origin is religious in nature, today it is a pagan festival in which young people throw bags with colorants and, precisely, one of the powders used is the turmeric.

In the western world this celebration is gradually being introduced as a celebration related to spring and its colors.

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