Health benefits of turmeric highlighted by Saudi authority
Antioxidant, relieves arthritis, says Saudi Food and Drug Authority
Turmeric long been used in Asia as a medicine and food additive
Updated 11 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Turmeric has numerous health benefits, including the ability to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority said on Sunday.
The plant known as Curcuma longa also has antioxidant properties, said the SFDA in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
Turmeric has long been used in Asia as a medicine and food additive.
The yellow chemical produced by the turmeric plant, known as Curcumin, has been approved by the World Health Organization as a food additive.
The SFDA, however, stressed the importance of using herbs with caution and recommended consulting a healthcare professional before ingesting.
“It is essential to note that turmeric may interact with blood thinners like aspirin and certain blood pressure medications,” the authority said.
It recommends a daily turmeric powder intake of 0.5 to 1 gram, divided into three smaller doses consumed between meals.
The SFDA also warned against using turmeric continuously for more than six weeks, as it may lead to gallbladder or stomach pain.
Women should avoid using it during pregnancy because it could negatively affect the uterus.
The SFDA has a comprehensive list online of the benefits and harm of various herbs, plants and cosmetic products.
Meteorology center warn of heavy rain across Kingdom, public told to avoid flood-prone areas
Stay away from valleys and waterways at least until Thursday, Civil Defense cautions
National Center for Meteorology center warns of possible thunderstorms and dust storms
Updated 10 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of thunderstorms across the Kingdom that could lead to flash floods, and officials cautioned the public against venturing in low-lying places prone to flooding.
In its weather forecast for Sunday, the meteorology center said “moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected, leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail showers and active winds that will stir up dust and sand” in several provinces of the Kingdom.
These include Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and parts of the Eastern Province. Light to moderate storms are expected in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf and Tabuk, the NCM said.
In a separate advisory, the General Directorate of Civil Defense urged the public to avoid places prone to flash floods and valleys at least until December 18.
A lake forms in the desert following days of rain in Rafha city in the Northern Borders Province, near the Saudi border with Iraq. (SPA)
On Saturday, various parts of Saudi Arabia had been blessed with light to moderate rain ushering in full winter weather.
In separate reports, the Saudi Press Agency published images of beautiful landscapes that have emerged after being revitalized by rain.
Deserts rejuvenated
Among these are Al-Nafud (The Great Nafud Desert) in the Kingdom’s north, where moderate to heavy rainfall have “transformed the landscape, turning the golden sand dunes into stunning formations,” and also created streams and lakes.
Plants are beginning to sprout in Al-Nafud Desert after getting rain. (SPA)
“The cool weather has since made the Nafud a prime destination for desert and camping enthusiasts from inside and outside (Rafha) governorate,” SPA said.
Rain have also rejuvenated the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, the Kingdom’s second-largest nature reserve, spanning parts of the Northern Borders, Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf and Eastern Province.
In the Northern Borders province, the Wadi Arar has come alive, refilling the province’s 11 operational dams.
With streams flowing into Wadi Arar, dams in the Northern Borders province are being replenished. (SPA)
“The deserts of Arar City ... have become an enchanting destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts following recent rainfall. The resulting rainfalls have created a stunning scenery, with flowing streams winding through sand dunes and ravines,” SPA said.
Cool, verdant mountains
In Asir and adjacent provinces in the southwest, fog shrouding mountain peaks and the city of Abha have resulted in beautiful winter sceneries, attracting nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Abha city in Asir shrouded with fog as full winter weather sets in. (SPA)
Futher south in Najran province, days of rain have increased vegetation cover and revitalized the valley’s natural streams.
One of the foremost attractions is the Wadi Mughaydid on the slopes of the Sarawat range’s Maghra Mountains in northwest Najran, renowned for its pristine natural beauty.
Stretching 25 kilometers from Bir Askar Park to Shaab Baran, the valley’s unique geography combines verdant plains with towering mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts, according to SPA.
View of Wadi Mughaydid in Najran coming to life following days of rain. (SPA)
