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A popular curative of Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cooking, ratanjot is the bright red root. In the modern health and culinary world, ratanjot is still significantly underrated despite its rich history and adaptability. A popular curative of Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cooking, ratanjot is the bright red root.Historically, it’s also been used for its health benefits other than just aesthetics—it’s helped with better skin health, and digestion is one of the things it’s been used for. Traditional societies for generations have relied on this spice for its medicinal properties assumed. Recent research concerns its chemical components, which are thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possibly anticancer characteristics. Ratanjot may have a lot of benefits, which have to be further investigated as natural medicines gain more and more interest.
Nutritional Profile
Despite not being as popular as other spices, ratanjot has an impressive nutritional profile. Alkannin and shikonin are just two of the many bioactive substances that are abundant in the root. Ratanjot gets its vivid colour from a red pigment called alkannin, which is also thought to have strong antioxidant qualities. An investigation that was written up in the NIH claims that alkannin and its compounds have the ability to scavenge free radicals, shielding cells from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Furthermore, vitamin C, vitamin E, and several B vitamins—all of which are critical for the immune system and metabolic functions—as well as other necessary vitamins and minerals are abundant in ratanjot. While Ratanjot does not make a major contribution of macronutrients, its unique plant components and low calorie content make it a helpful complement to a health conscious diet.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
One of the most significant health benefits of ratanjot is its anti-inflammatory qualities. Numerous medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and arthritis, are greatly accelerated by chronic inflammation. Further studies have revealed that the ingredients of Ratanjot prevent the release of cytokines, which are responsible for promoting inflammation. According to International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences published research, eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can greatly enhance general health and lower your risk of developing inflammatory disorders. However, traditional Indian medicine has utilised Ratanjot for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases.
Topical applications of ratanjot oil or powder are thought to reduce discomfort and aid in the healing process for people with arthritis, chronic pain, and skin irritations. And a rapidly growing number of scientific studies are backing up these traditional usages, calling for more study into the possibility of ratanjot as a natural treatment for inflammatory disorders.
Antioxidant Benefits
Because of its antioxidant qualities, ratanjot is a strong fighter of oxidative stress. Antioxidants help in neutralising the free radicals that can do harm to the cells. Studies, like those provided in the NIH and in the journal Food, indicate that antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of significant health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. It has been discovered that the components in ratanjot, particularly alkannin, have potent antioxidant properties. Because of this quality, ratanjot is advantageous for both internal health and skin care since it can shield the skin from oxidative damage brought on by pollutants and UV rays.
Skin health, firmness, and symptoms of ageing can all be improved by topically using Ratanjot extract. Ratanjot is an excellent addition to any good health and beauty regime due to its double positives; internally and externally.
Image Credit: Openverse
Traditional Uses Of Ratanjot
Within Ayurveda in particular, rânjot has a well-established role in traditional medicine. On the other hand, it has been employed for treating many disorders, including digestive, respiratory and skin diseases. The journal Natural Product Radiance reports that when used topically, ratanjot is very beneficial in treating wounds, controlling scalp infections, and promoting the health of hair. The antibacterial qualities of the ratanjot oil have been acknowledged; these qualities may aid in the prevention of illnesses. Moreover, there are significant potential advantages for the respiratory system; steam infused with ratanjot may reduce respiratory discomfort and congestion symptoms.
Culinary Uses Of Ratanjot
Apart from their medicinal qualities, Ratanjot is a colourful addition to culinary traditions. Historically a versatile spice Ratanjot has often been used to add colour and flavour to a variety of cuisines. It adds a unique flavour and deep scarlet colour to rice and meat dishes that are frequently used in Indian cooking. Its distinct flavour complements both savoury and sweet foods because of its slightly earthy undertone. The spice is considered valuable because it lends itself to improvements in health, specifically, to help with digestion. Spices with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, however, can improve general health. Incorporating Ratanjot into your diet can also be as easy as adding it to stews or soups, where it can improve flavour and offer health advantages.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties combined with its nutritional composition, ratanjot has numerous culinary and medicinal benefits as well.
