Is it good to have raw turmeric?

[Debangshu]

Hello, I am 27 years old. I am physically healthy and do not have any medical history. In addition to that I also maintain a very healthy diet. I learnt from my friend that raw turmeric is good for health. Is it true? If yes, kindly elaborate on the qualities of raw turmeric.

[Amit]

@debangshu Over the years, turmeric has become a popular ingredient for all those people who believe in healthy living. Though the western world came to realize the benefits of this wonder spice comparatively late, Indian kitchens have depended on turmeric or Haldi for centuries. It goes in almost every curry and savory dish that is cooked in our kitchens as it helps in the process of cooking and also adds nutritional value to it. Turmeric is a powerful herb with over 300 nutrients including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fibre, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc among others. But the active compound which has caught the attention of scientists, supplement industries and food technologists is curcumin for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Absorption of curcumin from turmeric is enhanced by 2000 times by peppering, a compound present in black pepper. Somehow our ancestors seem to have cracked this knowledge as all our recipes have both turmeric and black pepper in combination.