Turmeric Powder Vs Raw Turmeric Root: Which Is Better?

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Turmeric Powder Vs Raw Turmeric Root: Which Is Better? It’s likely that you have a spice cabinet full of different powders and spices.

However, did you know that one of those common spices, turmeric, can be found in two forms?

Turmeric powder and raw turmeric root are both widely used in culinary dishes and offer numerous benefits, but which is better? Keep reading to find out!

Turmeric And Its Benefits

Turmeric, a bright yellow spice common in cooking and traditional medicinal treatments, is gaining attention for its health benefits.

Curcumin, a compound present in the root of turmeric, has been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and may possess cancer-fighting properties.

In addition, it has been linked to improved mental clarity and increased energy levels due to its antioxidant capacity.

While scientists still research possible long-term medical applications for turmeric and curcumin, there are already plenty of reasons to incorporate it into one’s life.

Adding a dash of turmeric from seasoned soups to vegan golden milk smoothies can give any dish a flavor kick while treating the body right.

Turmeric Powder vs Raw Turmeric Root: Compare And Contrast

Turmeric is a highly medicinal root with origins in India, and it comes in two forms – powder and raw root.

Although both provide health benefits, they contain many different element ratios that bring nuanced effects to the body.

Powdered turmeric has a milder taste than raw root, however, the latter contains higher amounts of curcumin – the active compound which is responsible for its impressive antioxidant properties.

Raw turmeric root is also much less processed than the powder form so its levels of nutrients remain unchanged on a larger scale.

Ultimately, depending on individual needs, either one can be enjoyed for its myriad of healing powers.

Turmeric Powder

Ground turmeric root is used to prepare turmeric powder. The powdery texture and slightly bitter taste give it a powdery appearance.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic ailments such as cancer, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s are caused by inflammation in the body.

Turmeric contains a compound called Curcumin that can reduce inflammation if consumed regularly.

In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers found that curcumin in turmeric powder had anti-inflammatory properties.

Uses of Turmeric Powder

The most important ingredient in Indian cooking is turmeric powder, which adds color to dals, sabzis, and curries.

Adding it to Indian dishes enhances their flavor even further. This powder can also be used to make turmeric water or turmeric tea.

In addition to cakes, muffins, and smoothies, turmeric powder is used as a natural food coloring agent.

Raw Turmeric Root

To put it simply, turmeric powder and raw turmeric root are both the same thing. The raw version of turmeric powder is called Kacchi Haldi or turmeric root.

As far as health benefits are concerned, it has a higher concentration of curcumin. Raw turmeric also improves digestion, boosts immunity, and gives the skin a natural glow besides reducing inflammation.

Moreover, according to research published in the journal ‘Foods’ in 2018, consuming raw turmeric regularly can aid in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bloating.

Uses of Raw Turmeric Root

Although raw turmeric root is messy to handle, many uses can be found for it.

Raw turmeric is most commonly used to prepare Golden Milk, or turmeric latte, a delightful concoction containing milk, turmeric root, ghee, and jaggery.

In Rajasthani cuisine, turmeric root is used to prepare a sabzi using Kacchi Haldi. A lip-smacking Achaar can also be made with Kacchi Haldi.

Pros and Cons Of Turmeric Powder And Raw Turmeric Root

Turmeric has been called “nature’s golden healer” due to its many potential health benefits, but choosing which form of the spice is best can be a challenge.

Fresh turmeric root offers the most potent flavor and nutrition profile thanks to its high levels of curcumin – a powerful antioxidant thought to have anti-inflammatory and potentially chemopreventive properties.

On the downside, not all regions have access to fresh turmeric, making it an inconvenient choice for some people.

Ground turmeric is much more widely available and is much easier to use in recipes, but it doesn’t always boast the same nutritional potency as fresh root.

Alternatively, supplements are convenient and affordable options for those monitoring their daily intake of curcumin.

Though these pills offer a precise measure of the spice’s active components and maximum absorption within the body, research shows that taking them long-term may not be completely safe and could potentially cause liver damage over time.

As such, it’s important to do your research before determining which form of turmeric is right for your needs.

Summary Of The Findings

Turmeric Powder Vs Raw Turmeric Root: Which Is Better?

After reading this blog post, you should have a clearer understanding of turmeric – powder and raw root. You now know that each form has its own set of pros and cons.

When it comes to deciding which form is better overall, powder is the clear winner.

Powder is more convenient to use, has a longer shelf life, and retains more of the nutrient curcumin than raw root turmeric.

Raw root turmeric may have more antioxidants, but it’s less bioavailable and not as practical to use on a regular basis.

Ultimately, the choice between powder and rawroot turmeric boils down to personal preference. Do you like the convenience of powder, or do you prefer the taste of rawroot?

Turmeric Powder Vs Raw Turmeric Root: Which Is Better?

Turmeric And Its Benefits