Turmeric Adulteration: How to Spot It and Stay Safe

Turmeric is a popular spice that has many health benefits. However, it is also a common target for adulteration. Adulterated turmeric can contain harmful substances that can pose a risk to your health. Orgainit Health Revelations have been including advice about turmeric adulteration from the time of sprouting, and I have come across my fear share of not too good supplements with negative side effects.

Here are some of the most common adulterants found in turmeric:

• Lead chromate: This is a toxic heavy metal that can cause damage to your liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
• Metanil yellow: This is an artificial dye that can cause allergic reactions and other health problems.
• Starch: This is a filler that can make turmeric powder appear more voluminous. However, it does not have any of the health benefits of real turmeric.
• Chalk powder: This is another filler that can make turmeric powder appear more white. However, it also does not have any of the health benefits of real turmeric.

Here are some tips for spotting adulterated turmeric:

• Look for a bright yellow color: Adulterated turmeric is often brighter yellow than real turmeric.
• Check the price: Adulterated turmeric is often much cheaper than real turmeric.
• Taste the turmeric: Real turmeric has a strong, earthy flavor. Adulterated turmeric may taste bland or even bitter.
• Do a water test: Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of water. If the turmeric powder sinks to the bottom and leaves a clear residue, it is likely pure. If the turmeric powder floats or leaves a cloudy residue, it is likely adulterated.

The health risks of consuming adulterated turmeric

The health risks of consuming adulterated turmeric vary depending on the adulterant. Lead chromate is a toxic heavy metal that can cause damage to your liver, kidneys, and nervous system. It can also cause cancer. Metanil yellow is an artificial dye that can cause allergic reactions and other health problems. It can also cause liver damage. Starch and chalk powder are not harmful but do not have any of the health benefits of real turmeric.

Here are a couple of reported scenarios of the effects of turmeric adulteration on health:

• In 2019, a study published in the journal Environmental Research found that high levels of lead in turmeric powder were linked to increased risk of lead poisoning in children in Bangladesh. The study found that children who consumed turmeric powder with high levels of lead had significantly higher blood lead levels than children who consumed turmeric powder with lower levels of lead.
• In 2020, a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that metanil yellow, an artificial dye that is often used to adulterate turmeric powder, can cause liver damage in rats. The study found that rats that were fed a diet containing metanil yellow for 12 weeks had significantly more liver damage than rats that were fed a diet without metanil yellow.

How to avoid buying adulterated turmeric

The best way to avoid buying adulterated turmeric is to buy it from a reputable source. Look for turmeric that has a natural yellow color and a strong, earthy flavor. Do not buy turmeric that is much cheaper than other brands. Do a water test to make sure the turmeric powder sinks to the bottom and leaves a clear residue.

You can also buy turmeric that has been certified organic. Organic turmeric is grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers, which can reduce the risk of adulteration.

Conclusion

Turmeric is a healthy spice, but it is important to be aware of the dangers of turmeric adulteration. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that you are buying pure turmeric and avoiding harmful adulterants.

I hope you found this article useful ?.

Have you had any experience of adulterated turmeric.?

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