Turmeric: Amazing Health Benefits

Q: Frequently Asked Questions

. Who should not take turmeric? While turmeric is generally safe, individuals with gallbladder issues, kidney stones, or those on blood-thinning medications should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric supplements. People scheduled for surgery should discontinue turmeric two weeks before, as it may increase bleeding risk. Individuals with allergies to ginger, as turmeric is a related spice, should also avoid it. Always consult a healthcare expert to ensure turmeric is safe based on individual health conditions and potential interactions with medications or existing treatments. Q2. What is the best way to eat turmeric? The best way to consume turmeric is by incorporating it into your cooking. It adds flavor to various dishes, such as curries, soups, and stews. Pairing turmeric with black pepper enhances the absorption of its active compound, curcumin. Golden milk, a beverage made with turmeric and milk, is another popular and tasty option. Turmeric supplements are also available, but it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking them regularly. Overall, integrating turmeric into your diet allows you to enjoy its potential health benefits while adding a distinctive and aromatic element to your meals.

Written by : Healthpind Staff
Reviewed by: Mónica Sayuri Ramos Imuro

Turmeric is a spice mainly grown in India and parts of Southeast Asia. Since immemorial, it has been used in many ayurvedic medicines, and Ayurveda is India’s old system of medicine. Turmeric’s main bioactive ingredient is Curcumin, a non-toxic, natural antioxidant compound with a wide range of biological functions. Scientific research shows that Turmeric has excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties, and there is sufficient evidence to show that it also has some cancer-protecting features.

Here are some evidence-based health benefits of turmeric:

Turmeric mixed in milk has been used since ancient times in India to heal wounds quickly. It lowers inflammation and oxidative stress, speeding up wound healing. Research studies have found that Curcumin has a positive effect on various stages of healing. It can enhance collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation, remodeling, and wound contraction. You can also apply it on wounds as a paste. ^[1]

Turmeric has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

Curcumin and other chemicals present in it help to decrease inflammation. It can help to control the swelling and redness associated with inflammation. Turmeric might help treat many inflammatory conditions in your body. ^[2]

Osteoarthritis occurs due to inflammation in the joints, resulting in chronic pain. Due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric has a beneficial effect on osteoarthritis. Preliminary research studies have found that Curcumin can control knee pain from osteoarthritis and is as good as ibuprofen in relieving osteoarthritis pain.^[3]

Free radicals, highly reactive molecules with extra electrons, attack our body cells. They readily react with compounds in our body, like DNA, proteins, and lipids, damaging them. Curcumin is very active in neutralizing these radicals.

Many pieces of research have demonstrated that the rate of certain cancers in regions where people have more turmeric intake is low. The anticancer property is due to Curcumin, which appears to kill cancer cells and stop more from growing. It has shown the best results in stomach, bowel, breast, and skin cancer.^[4]

Our liver detoxifies the various harmful chemicals and toxins in the body, and Hepatocytes are the primary liver cells that do this job. Curcumin has a protective effect on hepatocytes against multiple chemicals, and it also helps to prevent the build-up of fat in the liver. ^[5]

Turmeric can help to protect you from various common diseases by boosting your immunity. Antibacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal agents present in Turmeric can stimulate our immune system.

Turmeric can protect you from diabetes.

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities, it can help to delay the onset of diabetes in people with pre-diabetes. Turmeric can help decrease blood sugar levels in diabetic people, and curcumin prevents diabetes-related cataract formation. Curcumin also decreases other related complications of diabetes mellitus in diabetic people. ^[6]

Enhances cognitive function and fights depression.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a kind of growth hormone in our brain. It helps the neurons in our brain form new connections and maintain cognitive functions. Decreased levels of this hormone can result in many brain disorders, including depression. Curcumin can increase the levels of BDNF. Due to its antioxidant properties, Curcumin also has a positive effect on Alzheimer’s Disease.^[7]

Turmeric can control skin conditions.

It is known to have many antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Due to these properties, it has a beneficial role in many skin diseases, including acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. The potent antioxidant nature of Curcumin has a positive effect on aging.^[8]

Frequently Asked Questions

. Who should not take turmeric?

While turmeric is generally safe, individuals with gallbladder issues, kidney stones, or those on blood-thinning medications should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric supplements. People scheduled for surgery should discontinue turmeric two weeks before, as it may increase bleeding risk. Individuals with allergies to ginger, as turmeric is a related spice, should also avoid it. Always consult a healthcare expert to ensure turmeric is safe based on individual health conditions and potential interactions with medications or existing treatments.

Q2. What is the best way to eat turmeric?

The best way to consume turmeric is by incorporating it into your cooking. It adds flavor to various dishes, such as curries, soups, and stews. Pairing turmeric with black pepper enhances the absorption of its active compound, curcumin. Golden milk, a beverage made with turmeric and milk, is another popular and tasty option. Turmeric supplements are also available, but it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking them regularly. Overall, integrating turmeric into your diet allows you to enjoy its potential health benefits while adding a distinctive and aromatic element to your meals.