Avoid this Turmeric- Bitter Reality

Benefits of Curcumin; the active constituent of Turmeric has been found effective as:

1. Anti-Inflammatory
2. Antioxidant Shield: Protecting Your Cells
3. A Natural Antidepressant?
4. Anti-Cancer Potential
5. Joint Care
6. Heart-Health
7. Digestive Support

However, the challenge of adulteration in daily food items, such as turmeric, involves the presence of harmful inorganic chemicals. Some common adulterations are listed below:

🔴 Chalk Powder:

Description: Chalk powder is sometimes added to turmeric for adulteration purposes.
Risk: While not inherently toxic, its presence reduces the quality of turmeric and can be harmful when consumed in excessive amounts.
Purpose: Used to increase the bulk and weight of turmeric, often as a cost-cutting measure.

🔴Lead Chromate:

Description: A yellow pigment added to turmeric powder for color enhancement.
Risk: Highly toxic and detrimental to health.
Purpose: Improves the visual appeal of turmeric but poses severe health risks when ingested.

🔴Metanil Yellow:

Description: A synthetic dye used to enhance the color of turmeric powder.
Risk: Banned due to potential health hazards.
Purpose: Improves the color of turmeric, but its usage is forbidden due to associated health risks.

🔴Lead Oxide:

Description: Inorganic chemical added to increase the weight and bulk of turmeric powder.
Risk: Highly toxic and may lead to lead poisoning.
Purpose: Boosts the weight of turmeric, but its usage poses serious health concerns.

█ Here are various ways to check if your turmeric is pure or adulterated:

◉ Visual Test:

What to Look For: Pure turmeric is a deep golden yellow, while adulterated turmeric appears lighter and dull.
Tip: Rooted Peepul's Lakadong turmeric is easily recognizable by its vivid yellow color.

◉Texture Test:

How to Check: Feel the texture of the turmeric powder.
Authentic Sign: Pure turmeric, like Lakadong turmeric from Rooted Peepul, has a smoother texture.
Try This: Take a bit in your palms and rub them together. Pure turmeric sticks and leaves a yellow stain, while adulterated turmeric falls quickly with no colored residue.

◉Solubility Test:

What to Do: Dissolve turmeric in a glass of water.
Indication of Adulteration: Contaminated turmeric forms a dark yellow stain that doesn't settle, while pure turmeric sinks to the bottom.

◉Testing for Chalk Powder:

Why Chalk is Added: Chalk powder is often added to increase quantity and act as a filler.
Simple Test: Mix turmeric with hydrochloric acid. Bubbles indicate the presence of chalk powder, which is calcium carbonate.

◉Test for the Presence of Lead Chromate:

How to Check: Mix turmeric powder with water.
Indication: Colored streaks in the water suggest the presence of lead chromate, a common adulterant.

◉Metanil Yellow Test:

How to Check: Put turmeric powder in a test tube and add a few drops of hydrochloric acid.
Indication of Contamination: The solution turns pink if metanil yellow is present in the turmeric powder.

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Dr. Junaid covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including Pharmacology, groundbreaking research updates, science documentaries, cutting-edge technologies, various disease states, the science and dynamics of pandemics, and much more. He aims to simplify intricate concepts in medical science, ensuring they are not only easy to understand but also applicable to real-life situations.

Qualification:
PhD Biomedical Sciences/ Drug Discovery, United Kingdom
Post-doctorate (Pharmacology and Drug Discovery), Hungary

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Disclaimer: Opinions on this channel are for educational purpose only and must never replace advice from your own health care provider.