Warning Signs Your Turmeric is Fake

Turmeric is a medicinal root and spice known for undeniable healing properties. Turmeric plays an essential role in Ayurved; ithas been used for thousands of years to subdue inflammation. According to modern scientists, turmeric possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2009 compared the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, with ibuprofen for pain relief in 107 people with knee osteoarthritis. The curcumin eased pain and improved function about as well as the ibuprofen. 

 

Turmeric Powder Fake

Did you know that according to the Food Fraud Database, turmeric powder is often adulterated with Sudan dye and a yellow dye called “metanil yellow,” which isn’t approved for human consumption and may cause damage to the nervous system?  The use of metanil yellow colour and lead chromate are most common. The use of color is common in countries like India. Thus is unfortunate as India is largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. 

Turmeric powder has also been found to contain rice powder, starches, and even lead.

Metanil yellow:

Widely used in Indian sweets like jalebis and ladoos, it is highly dangerous as it causes degenerative changes in the lining of the stomach, kidneys and liver. It also adversely affects the ovaries and testes, proving to be dangerous to reproductive organs. It is commonly used to add colour to ladoos and biryanis and consumption of this colour has reported symptoms of giddiness, weakness and food poisoning.

  

How to check if turmeric is pure?

Dissolve half a spoon full of besan or turmeric powder in 20 ml of lukewarm water. Add a few drops of hydrochloric acid or any commonly available acid at home. If the water turns pink, violet or purple, it shows the presence of Metanil yellow.