Haldi or Turmeric is prepared from the rhizomes, nowadays the powdered form is more prevalent which is highly adulterated. If you value your health then please read on.
Haldi has lots of medicinal properties but due to the heavy adulteration it could actually be a health hazard itself.
Haldi or turmeric is used consistently in all types of Indian cooking. The curries get their colour from haldi.
Haldi is manufactured from the root (or rhizome) of the turmeric plant.
Haldi possesses many medicinal properties, however due to the adulteration and use of dangerous chemicals mean that it could be a health hazard itself.
Dangerous chemicals and pesticides are used in growing the plants such as Copper Oxychloride; Dithane M-45; Bavistin: all of these chemicals are said to cause sperm damage in males.
In the powdered form of Haldi therei is a heavy adulteration with various items such as Starch Powder, Saw dust, they use col tar dies ( metanil yellow) to colour the starch powder or the saw dust to match the colour of Haldi. Lead Chromate which is highly poisonous is also used liberally to adulterate it.
The lead can cause or worsen anaemia, abdominal pain, neurological problems, kidney damage, hypertension and foetal distress—all symptoms of lead poisoning.
So be careful when you using Haldi, buy it from a good reputed shop or try to use the whole Rizomes if possible. Dry the Rizomes or use them fresh. Simply grate the Rizomes when preparing the meal and add in your cooking.
