The latest buzz is about the wonder-spice and lucky for us, India has an abundant supply! Turmeric since time immemorial is the healing powder of India. People have been boosting immunity with turmeric since ancient times. This spice is a staple in every modern Indian household – whether in the kitchen’s spice box, or grandma’s home remedy cabinet. It thus comes as no surprise that India is among the most prominent producers and consumers of turmeric in the world.
Turmeric is not only used as a spice for cooking but also for protection against infections, for cosmetics and also as an immunity booster. Let us look at the benefits of turmeric that make it such a dynamic ingredient in human life. Here is how to boost immunity with turmeric.
Benefits of Turmeric
Curcumin
Curcumin supplementation lowers blood levels of various acute-phase proteins. Research suggests that curcumin helps normalize certain parts of the immune system that tend to become overactive. What this means is that curcumin can help with inflammations, stress and cell repair.
Prebiotic Benefits
A recent study investigated gut bacteria after curcumin and turmeric supplementation. Participants received curcumin, turmeric, or placebo (non-medicinal) supplements, and then had their gut bacteria analyzed. The results of this study indicated that the placebo group had reductions in gut flora species while curcumin and turmeric supplemented groups experienced increases in several types of gut bacterial species.
Vitamin C
Turmeric has a lot of Vitamin C which gives turmeric anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It reduces inflammation and helps control free radicals that build up in your body in response to environmental and behavioral factors like pollution and cigarette smoke.
Omega-3 benefits
Experimental studies have shown that curcumin may increase the body’s ability to make DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid critical for human health. Specifically, curcumin appears to boost the enzymes that are involved in converting ALA to DHA, suggesting that curcumin may help increase omega-3 levels.
Over 1 billion people use turmeric daily, and the spice is easily available online and at supermarkets or health food stores. It’s easy to add to your diet, from rich golden lattes and traditional curries to easy-to-take supplements and boost immunity with turmeric.
We all have had haldi-milk specially during the winters, and have used turmeric on our open wounds to help the blood clotting. Here are a few other ways we can consume it to boost immunity with turmeric.
Add raw turmeric and boil it with one teaspoon of ghee and have it every morning. It helps improve immunity and cure dry cough.
One can also grind raw turmeric and one teaspoon ghee and make a cold morning drink before you start your day.
Turmeric tea with or without milk also helps immunity. It can be consumed once or twice ain the day.
With the unprecedented conditions we are facing today, keeping your immunity up is definitely on the top of our priority list. Immunity builds up over time, not in one day, so by inculcating good habits and adopting a healthy lifestyle and eating well, we are preparing ourselves for the challenges.
