Lakadong Turmeric

Indian kitchens are treasure troves of spices that give taste and aroma to the food. Spices also find a place in home-made remedies for several maladies. Turmeric forms one of many such spices and finds its superpower hidden in curcumin. Curcumin imparts turmeric its bright yellow color and works as the active ingredient placing turmeric in the list of remedial spices. A variety of turmeric varieties occur with varying percentages of curcumin, and today we talk about the best of all, Lakadong turmeric. Lakadong, a serene village in Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, gives the nation its best turmeric variety. Lakadong variety has >7.4% curcumin, 2% higher than the turmeric available in the market.

Lakadong turmeric

The beneficial organics of Lakadong turmeric makes it attractive for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food & beverages, and culinary uses. For health purposes as with other turmeric varieties, Lakadong turmeric proves as beneficial for digestion, liver-related issues, cancer, osteoarthritis, cancer, and other conditions. For direct usage, Lakadong turmeric comes in fresh, dried, powdered, and liquid forms. Many innovative companies offer Lakadong turmeric in powdered form and products made from the beneficial plant.

Next comes the question, how to tell Lakadong from regular turmeric?

As said earlier, curcumin gives turmeric its characteristic color, so the Lakadong variety having high curcumin content holds a bright golden yellow color. The ordinary turmeric, on the other hand, may not give such an appeal and flavor to the food as Lakadong variety. It also holds an earthy and nutty flavor with a distinct aroma, which does not come with ordinary turmeric. One way you can be sure to get the unique turmeric is to buy it from the authentic suppliers. Although the regular turmeric in your house still has great powers, and it continues to do you good.

How to consume Lakadong turmeric?

Lakadong turmeric can be used in a variety of ways. For example, the spice can be mixed in buttermilk or water to help cure long-term intestinal issues. Consuming 20 drops of turmeric juice mixed with salt on an empty stomach can work as an antimicrobial. Further, Lakadong turmeric mixed in a glass of milk can help with cough, cold, and asthma. When taken with a teaspoon of honey and bitter gourd, the spice can help provide some respite from measles.

In the Pnar community of Jaintia, Lakadong turmeric finds traditional value, forming part of thanksgiving and naming ceremony. Square shaped pieces of turmeric tied on the hands of a baby are thought to protect the little one from dangers.

How much is reasonable?

The high curcumin content that makes Lakadong turmeric special, also calls for caution while using it in cooking. The lesser amount of quantity can provide as much potency as ordinary turmeric. Using less turmeric with higher potency can surely save you extra bucks. But one needs to be careful while using Lakadong turmeric in the diet to avoid toxicity. Ideally, ½ - 1.5 teaspoons per day of powdered form of turmeric, or 250 mg of curcumin per day is advised. As per WHO, the acceptable daily curcumin intake of 1.4 per pound of body weight has been recommended. Hence, with the active Lakadong turmeric, a lesser amount can bring more benefits.

Are there any side effects?

Higher doses of curcumin may cause diarrhea, headache, rash, yellow stool, and increased serum alkaline. It can also lead to urticaria, contact dermatitis, iron chelation, inhibited sperm motility, among other side effects. It is because as the dosage of curcumin increases the body’s tolerability and acceptability decrease, and the side effects gradually increase.

So, it is essential to take care while using Lakadong turmeric and its products. While using it carefully, the spice can be helpful, but overuse can lead to toxicity.