Turmeric is a bright yellow spice powder that is made from the root of a plant in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), Curcuma longa. It has been used in Asia for thousands of years as a dye, food coloring, and in Indian traditional medicine. Like galangal and ginger, turmeric is a kind of root (rhizome) and has a similar appearance, except that it has an orange hue. Fresh turmeric is also used in some dishes. Extracts of turmeric and curcumin are under investigation for their potential health benefits and may be sold as a dietary supplement.

Turmeric's health benefits may include:

It contains protective compounds, including curcumin.

Has antioxidant properties that may help the body combat inflammation.

May potentially ease arthritis.

Contains turmerone, which may be useful for those with Alzheimer’s.

May protect against heart disease.

May help us fight off infection and possibly protect against allergies.

May help limit the growth of cancerous cells.

May lift mood and trigger the release of feel-good brain chemicals.

May play an important role in boosting memory.

May protect cells from damage and reduce the signs of aging.

It may help treat indigestion.

Health benefits: 

Contains protective compounds: 

Colorful plants are good for our health, thanks to the color pigments that are responsible for their bright hues, and turmeric is no exception. The key compounds in turmeric are called curcuminoids, with much of the publicity around the spice being down to curcumin itself, which is the main active component and makes up about 3% of the root by weight. Although an impressive constituent, curcumin is just one of hundreds of bioactive compounds found in this spice.

Has antioxidant properties:

The value of plant compounds, like curcumin, is that they help the body combat the damaging effects of a process called oxidation. Over time, this process may cause chronic inflammation and, as a result, lead to age-related conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Including antioxidant foods in our diet makes our bodies better placed to cope with aging and the inflammation associated with it. It may also help with exercise-induced inflammation and potentially provide some relief from muscle soreness.

May help ease arthritis: 

Studies comparing the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric with those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have shown great promise. Animal studies exploring curcumin’s therapeutic potential as a treatment for arthritis have also been encouraging.

The most compelling evidence for curcumin lies in its ability to alleviate joint pain. Nevertheless, we still need more well-designed clinical trials to determine the efficacy of curcumin for arthritis patients, particularly those who rely on NSAIDS to manage their condition.

May support those with Alzheimer’s or dementia:

Another active ingredient in turmeric is turmerone. Although less is known about turmerone, studies suggest it may be useful for treating conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease since it helps trigger cell repair and may potentially support the recovery of brain function. However, these studies typically involve animal and cell models only, and because the active constituents of turmeric are often poorly absorbed in humans, more research is needed before we can establish how beneficial turmerone may be.

May lower the risk of cardiovascular disease:

Studies suggest the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin may protect against some of the factors involved in heart disease, these include helping balance cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

May support the immune system:

Curcumin may act as an immune modulator by influencing important immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and 'natural killer' cells. In addition, curcumin appears to down-regulate pro-inflammatory compounds called cytokines, which over time lead to the damage associated with inflammation. When consumed at low doses, curcumin may enhance our antibody responses, helping us fight off infection.

May help prevent cancer:

Curcumin appears to play a role in helping us fight cancer. Active at different stages of cancer development, studies suggest curcumin may help limit the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, reduce the spread of cancer, and contribute to the death of cancer cells. However, it’s important to note that the research in this area is still very much in an exploratory stage and more evidence is needed before curcumin can be recommended for cancer patients.

May boost mood:

Once again, it is curcumin that may be responsible for helping the spice lift our mood and alleviate some of the symptoms of depression. One study examining its anti-depressive effects found that curcumin was as effective as the drug Prozac.

There’s also a suggestion that curcumin may boost feel-good brain chemicals, including the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

May help with memory:

Animal studies suggest that curcumin increases the levels of a brain hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This helps promote the life of nerve cells and plays an important role in memory and learning.

May reduce the signs of aging: 

Curcumin may help slow the aging process by activating certain proteins and protecting cells from damage. In this way, it may delay the progression of age-related conditions and alleviate the associated symptoms.

Sabut Haldi, which refers to whole turmeric, is known by different names across various states in India. Here’s what it is called in different Indian languages:

Hindi: Sabut Haldi

Tamil: Varu Manjal

Telugu: Sabu Pasupu

Kannada: Huliyu Arishina

Malayalam: Varutha Manjal

Marathi: Sukhi Halad

Gujarati: Sukhani Halder

Punjabi: Sabut Haldi

Bengali: Gota Holud

Odia: Sukhila Haladi

Assamese: Sukani Halodhi

Other Names: Haldi, Turmeric, Haridra, Termeric, Turmaric, Curcumin, Termaric, Haldhi, Curcuma Longa, Haridra, The Golden Spice, Indian Saffron, Halada, Curcumin, Yellow Root, Curcuma Longa,  Haridra,The Golden Spice, Halada,  Curcumin, Yellow Root, Yellow Turmeric Finger, Sabut Haldi, Khadi Haldi, Turmeric Sticks, Haldi Sticks, Kachi Haldi, Whole Turmeric, Raw Turmeric, Raw Haldi, Kachhi Haldi, Kacchi Haldi, Raw Turmeric Whole, Kachchi Haldi, Turmeric Raw, Kachi Haldi, Haldi Ganth, Haldi Gaanth, Halkund