Amba Haldi: Nutritionist Shares 4 Reasons To Incorporate This Turmeric Powder In Your Diet

Have you heard about a new kind of turmeric in town known as amba haldi? Also referred to as mango ginger, the colour of this variety of turmeric is similar to fruit, hence, the name. Apart from the dark yellow turmeric powder, this kind is also used in Indian cuisine to add flavour to curries, gravies, and other delicacies.

HerZindagi spoke to Ms Rutu Dhodapkar, clinical dietician at the P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Center, Khar, to understand what are the benefits of this different variety of turmeric powder and why we should incorporate it in our diet.

Difference Between Amba Haldi And Wild Turmeric Powder

The colour of amba haldi is more vibrant and boasts a bitter taste than wild turmeric powder. It is also known not to stain hands, utensils, or clothes as much as the yellow haldi does. Some people also refer to it as white haldi.

Much like wild turmeric, amba haldi also has many health benefits. From skin to gut health, it can be used in multiple ways to get rid of or manage ailments.

Benefits Of Amba Haldi

Dietician Dhodapkar said that adding amba haldi to your everyday diet and skincare routine can offer you the following benefits,

• It has antiseptic properties, therefore, it can escalate the healing of wounds. 
• The spice has anti-inflammatory properties that help with swelling and joint pain. It is not only good for your bones but also for the rest of your body.
• It promotes digestion and gut health. 
• You can use this ingredient to craft DIY face packs using milk and gram flour. Apply this pack at least thrice a week to get a natural glow on your face. 

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How To Add Amba Haldi To Your Diet?

It is quite easy to add amba haldi to your diet to extract its benefits for your health. Here are a few ways shared by Ms Rutu Dhodapkar,

• You can add this spice to the recipe of chilli, mango, lemon, and other pickles. It will enhance the taste, add colour, and improve the shelf life.
• If you are a fan of Ayurvedic tea, you can add a pinch of this spice to lemon and honey tea, ginger, and other recipes of tea.
• You can add this spice in grated form to salads or dressings. It will add a unique flavour as well as a colour to your recipe. 
• The easiest way to incorporate it into your diet is by adding it to curries and gravies. A teaspoon of it will be enough for colour and flavour. It will improve the nutrition quotient of the dish.
• When you are making any chutney, you can add amba haldi to the list of ingredients.
• You can combine this spice with fruit yoghurt to craft a delicious and nutritious glass of smoothie.
• Add amba haldi to fried rice, poha, and other snack recipes to heighten the colour and flavour of the dish. 

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The dietician concluded that after the outbreak of COVID-19, amba haldi is among the natural immunity boosters that one must include in their diet.