Turmeric is a perennial plant in the Ginger family. In tropical nature, there are about 60 species of this genus. Some of them (homemade turmeric, white K., long K.) have been cultivated for centuries in the countries of Southeast Asia. In the food industry, medicine, perfumery and some other industries, rhizomes of this plant are used.
In Europe, this crop is grown outdoors in countries with a subtropical climate. And thanks to the fashion for the so-called "tropics on the windowsill," turmeric began to appear even in city apartments. But still it is exotic and so far a rarity. First of all, turmeric for us is seasoning. This is a fragrant yellow powder that gives the dishes a warm golden color and a characteristic pleasant smell. Where is turmeric added? In India, in the homeland of the plant, this is an integral component of almost every dish, and in the rest of the world seasoning is used quite widely. It is appropriate in pilaf, stew, soups, omelettes, sauces, puddings, pasta dishes, vegetables, eggs, meat, poultry. Turmeric stains oil, liquors, sugary drinks, mustard, and adds it to confectionery. This is one of the components of curry, and in addition, a cheap substitute for saffron.
In India, turmeric is very much appreciated and widely used for good reason. Seasoning not only improves the color and taste of different dishes, but also has a beneficial effect on human health. From ancient times, Indians believed that the regular use of this spice helps to cleanse the body. This was confirmed by modern scientists, having studied the rich chemical composition of turmeric root. It turned out that the curcumin pigment, which gives the powder a golden hue, is a powerful antioxidant and a kind of natural antibiotic. This substance belongs to polyphenols - plant pigments, the use of which in food positively affects the metabolism. Therefore, many diet foods include turmeric. Seasoning helps increase calorie consumption and remove fluid from the body, that is, it not only prevents weight gain, but also favors weight loss.
Polyphenols are known to be an effective way to neutralize too fatty foods. Therefore, in "heavy" fatty foods, turmeric will be especially appropriate. Recipes that have been tried for a long time, you can slightly change by adding this useful ingredient. Put seasoning in pilaf, meat stew, use it when frying potatoes, pork, chicken, fish, and you will see how familiar dishes will be transformed. Even ordinary boiled rice gains an appetizing color and aroma if turmeric is added to it.
Seasoning is also a part of home cosmetics - masks and face creams that eliminate redness and acne, cleanse pores and improve skin color. It is mixed with cosmetic clay, essential oils, milk, honey, lemon juice, getting simple, but truly healing products, from which the skin begins to glow with health. One of the simplest masks consists of a teaspoon of turmeric mixed with a small amount of milk (until a creamy mass is obtained). The mixture is gently applied to the face, and after half an hour it is washed off with warm water.
From the same ingredients, you can make a cocktail for weight loss. 30 grams of seasoning are poured into a third cup of boiling water, then milk (200 grams) and honey are added to this mixture to taste. Drink the drink you need daily before bedtime. It is clear that one cocktail with turmeric will not help lose weight if you move a little and eat chips, chocolate and fast food. But those who decided to seriously take up the figure should pay attention to this unusual spice, which is not in vain called the "spice of life."
At the same time, keep in mind that turmeric is a rather strong seasoning, so caution is needed with it. First, add the powder in small doses - literally on the tip of the knife. And if you like the taste, you can gradually increase the amount of seasoning. But you should not be too zealous so as not to interrupt the taste of other products.