The Witty Stride

– Aparna Chatterjee

My Mother and I love to try out healthy recipes we randomly find online. But before the internet, people followed the rules of Dadi’s kitchen. I had some hilarious and weird-tasting moments with my Grandma. The smell of the herbs and spices, all pounded in a stone grinder, all the different types of Kaadhaas, and the famous instruction- “naak band karke piilo” (Close your nose and gulp it down!). Amid the thoughts racing through my mind, I realized that one of the most beautiful things my Mother did was to keep a diary filled with recipes, health and beauty tips, embroidery designs, and more. And this drink is one of the rituals she still follows.

Turmeric, also known as “The Golden Spice,” has chemical compounds called curcuminoids, of which curcumin is the most beneficial. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that offers benefits for arthritis and numerous other conditions. It also helps the body to absorb other antioxidants. It enhances the function of the blood vessel lining. Therefore, it has been considered for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in blood vessels), and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), among others. Curcumin has been shown to benefit cancer patients by inhibiting the multiplication and survival of nearly all tumor cells. It helps fight depression and many other health conditions. Living in India, we consider turmeric (Haldi) an essential spice in our cuisine, and this potion can make you even healthier.

Things you’ll need:

1. 1/2 of a lemon.
2. 1/4 – 1/2 Tsp turmeric.
3. Warm water.
4. A dab of honey (optional).

Procedure:

1. Squeeze 1/2 of a lemon into a glass.
2. Add turmeric.
3. Add warm water.
4. Stir well.
5. Add honey, too.
6. Continue stirring as you drink.

We know the benefits of drinking water on an empty stomach. It improves your overall appearance, and your face looks radiant every day. You will need to drink it while it is warm. Both chilled and warm water have advantages, primarily for reducing waist size. But how about purifying your blood with some hype in this routine? Turmeric water will do this for you! Honey, lemon juice, and warm water combine to form a fabulous elixir that benefits your body in numerous ways.

With a daily intake of this drink, you are going to:

1. Reduce some inches from your waist.
2. Purify your blood to eventually eliminate acne and blemishes.
3. Thoroughly detoxify your body to significantly reduce body odor.
4. Improve your immunity.
5. Build up the required antibodies needed to fight viruses.
6. Heal any existing wounds at a faster rate.
7. Cure a sore throat by gargling (without lemon and honey).

Now, how does it taste? Honey and lemon have a relatively mild taste, which balances the flavor of turmeric. As I did, you can also start with a low dose of turmeric, as it may take some time to get used to it.