Your mom was right about haldi doodh! 4 reasons why you should have a glass RN

Haldi or turmeric can heal wounds, help you fight cold and cough, and keep your heart healthy. Read on to know more benefits of this wonder root.
turmeric milk
Haldi can be had in many ways to reap its health benefits! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Meghna Kriplani Updated: 11 Oct 2023, 16:40 pm IST
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There’s hardly a thing that turmeric can’t do. At least that’s what Indian mothers the world over preach to their children.

In fact, most of us were forced to drink a stinky pale-yellow concoction known as haldi-doodh each time we came home with scraped knees or had a bad cold. This despite protesting vehemently against its terrible-horrible taste. But guess what? It always worked!

And today we’re going to tell you why!

Turmeric is the root of life
Turmeric or haldi can be found in all Indian kitchens, resting with other traditional spices. Used to flavour all sorts of preparations, turmeric—a root from the ginger family—also finds a place in beauty treatments and is used to brighten dull skin.

But did you know that your friendly-neighbourhood haldi has anti-inflammatory properties and is said to help with arthritis pain and joint stiffness? In fact, a 2017 study reviewing the effects of curcumin on human health—the bright yellow pigment which gives turmeric its colour—states that turmeric has the same effect as ibuprofen when it comes to relieving pain and other symptoms of arthritis.

Haldi can help ease joint stiffness and more. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

What else can turmeric do? Well, let’s find out.

Turmeric can protect you from metabolic syndrome
Characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excessive weight around the waist, and high cholesterol levels—metabolic syndrome increases your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Turmeric, the 2017 study published in the journal Foods found, can improve your body’s interaction with insulin, reduce blood pressure, and keep a check on oxidative stress. It can also lower your triglyceride levels, thus keeping your heart healthy.

It is also known to heal wounds
Apart from reducing pain and inflammation, turmeric also promptly heals. A 2016 research paper published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology states that not only does curcumin stimulate the wound-healing process, but it also speeds it up. Oh, and did we mention that it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral prosperities?

Not to mention, it can reduce post-exercise muscle soreness
Since being a powerful anti-inflammatory is haldi’s claim to fame, many studies tout it as a great way to relieve muscle soreness after intensive exercise. So how can you use turmeric to aid post-workout muscle recovery? Why just drink haldi-wala doodh before going to bed!

Turmeric can also keep depressive symptoms in check
A 2013 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research claims that when it comes to relieving symptoms of major depressive disorder, the effects of the curcumin in turmeric can compare to that of anti-depression medications. Certain studies also show that it promotes brain activity—specifically by aiding the growth of a protein that regulates the survival of nerve cells and boosting serotonin and dopamine levels.

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About the Author

Waging a war against diets one cookie at a time, Meghna is a content creator and editor focusing on women's issues, wellness, and lifestyle. ...Read More

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