Adulteration has been the talk of the town for quite some time, and the major challenge that everyone is facing is finding fresh and genuine food products. This has created a need to understand the difference between real and adulterated food.
A food ingredient that mostly suffers the tag of being adulterated is Turmeric. The cheaters are mainly trying to adulterate products that can be easily questioned, and they can mix inferior substances without any trace.
It is true that there are regulations and penalties imposed against this heinous crime that can put someone's health at stake. However, this is still being continued in developing countries.
Thus, it becomes imperative to detect whether the turmeric powder you are about to use is unadulterated. Also, always trust the reputed Haldi powder company in India selling pure products.
Why is adulteration done?
Turmeric powder is being replaced by a similar yellow-coloured lead-containing compound called Lead Chromate. This helps fetch better prices, raise the quantity without affecting food production and also increases the profit without any major investments. Further, these imposters can easily meet the increased food demand of the growing population.
Turmeric is also adulterated by mixing artificial colors and dyes, such as Metanil Yellow. This provides a smooth and perfect texture so that it can be mixed well with raw Turmeric. In some cases, even powdered chalk is used to increase the turmeric quantity.
What are the side effects of adulterated condiments?
When considering specifically Indian spices, the most adulterated is Turmeric. Being yellow in color it can be easily adulterated and also looks quite presentable without any room for doubt.
But, it is important for us to realize that you just cannot put any food products in your mouth. According to doctors, adulterated food is much more harmful than calorie-enriched or deep-fried food.
The side effects of consuming adulterated condiments:
- The most common health effects are stomach disorders, joint pain, dizziness, less nutritional value, and liver problems.
- Other than these, substances like Metanil Yellow are carcinogenic, leading to carcinogenic effects.
- Adulterants can also cause liver cancer, stomach ulcer, heart problems, etc.
So, try to understand whether the brand is trustworthy. Always opt for a reputed Haldi powder company in India while buying spices and masalas.
5 Ways to check whether you are consuming adulterated Turmeric or “Haldi”
India is a land of diverse spices, which can be distinguished through their flavor and aroma. A pure, genuine and fresh spice has the capability to turn a meal into a delicious one.
There is a high chance of adulteration in loosely sold spices, and if the spice is in powdered form, then it gets easier to mix sub-standard material. The most commonly added fillers are sawdust, chalk powder, rice flour, and starch.
Here the question arises - Is it possible to detect whether the food is adulterated at your home? Yes, it is quite easy to check if the turmeric powder is original and pure.
Water Test
Take a glass of fresh water and add 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder to the water. Keep it unstirred and untouched for about 20 mins. In the case of an unadulterated sample, the Turmeric settles down at the bottom of the glass. However, for adulterated Turmeric, the entire powder gets dissolved or floats.
Lead Chromate Test
Take a glass of water and add 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder to it. Now, keep stirring the mixture for a while. If the liquid turns light yellow in color, then it is pure Turmeric. However, the solution appears bright yellow if there is a presence of lead chromate.
Palm test
Take just a pinch of Turmeric on your palm, massage it for 10 - 20 seconds with your thumb, and throw away the powder. If the Turmeric is pure, it will leave a yellow stain on your hand. Remember, your hand should not be wet while carrying out this hand test.
Metanil test
You need to take the help of a lab to test the presence of Metanil Yellow in Turmeric. Take a test tube, add a pinch of Turmeric, add a few drops of hydrochloric acid, shake well and wait. If the solution turns pink, it indicates that there is Metanil. This mixture can cause food poisoning, stomach cramps, indigestion, and nausea.
Chalk powder test
To detect the presence of chalk, you have to add 1 tablespoon of Turmeric in the test tube and add a few drops of water, then add hydrochloric acid (1-2 drops). If you see bubble formation, then the Turmeric is adulterated and has the presence of chalk powder.
Health benefits that you are missing by consuming adulterated turmeric powder
It is an undeniable fact that the most used Indian spice, Turmeric, has numerous health benefits. So, always choose the genuine and trustworthy Haldi powder company in India. Even FSSAI has taken the initiative to spread awareness about adulteration on Twitter - #DetcetingFoodAdulterants
When you consume substandard spice, you are deprived of the health benefits that these mystical spices contains, such as:
- Turmeric has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative damage and the signs of aging.
- Turmeric helps to treat diabetes and boosts the effect of glucose control.
- It also helps to keep the insulin level moderate, preventing Type 2 diabetes.
- It also helps to reduce cholesterol, suppressing the build-up of plaques in arteries and preventing heart diseases.
- Turmeric powder also helps to treat skin conditions owing to its anti-inflammatory property.
- Turmeric can also treat depression by increasing the neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
- Daily consumption of Turmeric can also help to relieve arthritis and also control weight.
Conclusion
Is the Turmeric you have used in your kitchen for years - healthy? It has definitely been used for centuries, and Turmeric is the core ingredient in Indian recipes. Turmeric powder imparts a natural color and also has a particular aroma. It is one of those health-beneficial spices that help to cure cough, cold, and flu and boost immunity.
So, why would you compromise using an adulterated flavoring agent that has immense nutritional value? JK Cart brings fresh, original, and pure turmeric powder to your doorstep. You can easily order Indian spices online at the best price.
