Turmeric is one of the most familiar ingredients in the kitchen and goes into almost every curry. Besides adding flavour, its health benefits are too many to list.

Turmeric has been used as a natural medicine for ages. Even drinking turmeric water alone can boost our immunity, help remove toxic substances and help get rid of seasonal colds and fever.

• Eases joint pain: Rheumatic or joint pain has become a common problem for women as they get a little older. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties help relieve it, and a glass of turmeric water can bring benefit.
• Boosts immunity: The curcumin in turmeric helps keep various diseases away and strengthens immunity. Turmeric's antibacterial properties also improve overall health, and it prevents free-radical damage.
• Helps control weight: A healthy digestive system is basic to losing weight. Adding turmeric water to your diet regularly can improve digestion, boost your metabolism and help you lose weight.
• Good for the skin: The antioxidants in turmeric benefit the skin as well as overall health. Drinking turmeric water regularly helps prevent free-radical damage, can make you look younger and can keep the skin youthful and bright.
• Removes toxins from the body: We take in various toxic chemicals every day through our food, environment and air, and they can make us ill. Removing this waste is important for staying healthy, and a glass of turmeric water a day helps flush waste and toxins out of the body.

Turmeric water is easy to make. Boil clean water for one to two minutes and add a few pinches of turmeric powder. Strain it and drink it lukewarm. You can add a little honey for taste.

Source: Jugantor. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.