Turmeric powder is a spice made from drying the rhizomes of the Curcuma Longa plant, which is in the ginger family. It is a staple of Indian cooking. Turmeric powder gives the yellow color to curry dishes; it is also known for its healthy properties.
Antibacterial
In India, turmeric powder is added to bandages or applied as paste to wounds to prevent infection.
Alzheimer's
UCLA researchers looked at the low rate of Alzheimer's in the Indian population and determined that turmeric may be the reason. Indians eat turmeric powder daily. An ingredient, curcumin, shows promise of reducing the amount of plaque that causes Alzheimer's.
Food Coloring
Foods ranging from cheese to cereal contain turmeric powder as a natural food coloring.
Bathing
Indian women sometimes bathe in turmeric. They believe that turmeric's antibacterial properties will prevent infections. In addition, turmeric is believed to give the skin a healthy glow.
Potential
Turmeric powder is at the center of a number of clinical studies. Turmeric's anti-oxidant and anti-tumor properties are being tested as a treatment for pancreatic cancer and liver disease.
Tags: turmeric powder, Turmeric powder, that turmeric
