The benefits of turmeric include encouraging digestive and gut health, healing inflammation, and boosting immunity. Watch as integrative gastroenterologist Robynne Chutkan, MD, shares all the healthy benefits of adding turmeric to your diet.
Turmeric
Turmeric, an herbal supplement, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties. Health benefits of turmeric include treatment of indigestion, ulcers and osteoarthritis. Turmeric contains curcumin and is a yellow-orange powdery substance. Learn more about turmeric from our experts
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersA ginger-like plant that has curcumin as its active ingredient, turmeric seems to activate PPARs (substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect). Just add the right dose—a pinch (1/8 of a teaspoon). Add any more and your food will taste like mustard. -
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Discovery Health answeredTurmeric is an amazing substance. It is used medicinally to prevent and treat a variety of health issues. Unless you use it in massive quantities there aren't any real side effects.
Of course, if you are allergic to turmeric you shouldn't use it topically or ingest it. If you've never used it before, it's a good idea to rub a small amount on your skin and look for a rash before you consume turmeric orally. Due to its ability reduce the clotting of blood, if you're being treated with medications for high blood pressure or with other blood-thinning drugs, you should avoid using turmeric. And like any other medicine or herb, there can be interactions between drugs so check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other substances.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet issued any recommendation regarding turmeric. However, a similar governing body in Germany has declared turmeric hazardous only to those suffering from biliary obstruction. It has also cautioned those with ulcers or gallstones or other gastrointestinal ailments to avoid turmeric.
Studies have concluded that ingesting vast amounts of turmeric is harmful to red and white blood cells. However, the amount of turmeric involved is enormous to cause this type of damage. It also should be noted that the effects of turmeric on pregnant and nursing women are unknown.
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Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answeredSee All 2 AnswersTurmeric (curcuma longa) has a strong anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin, which is responsible for the yellow color of Indian curry and American mustard. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and a native of southern Asia (probably India). Whole turmeric is more powerful than isolated curcumin. -
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Dr. Tasneem H. Bhatia, MD , Pediatrics, answeredSee All 8 Answers
Turmeric's reputation as a health-booster is well deserved. In this video, integrative medicine specialist Tasneem Bhatia, MD, talks about the spice's effects in your body and how you can benefit from it.
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Lisa Marie Rosati , Herbal Medicine, answeredTurmeric (Curcuma longa) is a commonly used culinary spice in India and the Middle East. It is historically known as Indian Saffron. Turmeric is often used to prepare Indian curries, and it’s the source of our popular American condiment mustard’s bright yellow color. Turmeric, a rhizome and a close relative of the adaptogenic herb ginger has been used as both medicine and food for centuries.
In its natural state, turmeric is a horizontally shaped rhizome (root) which is dug up out of the ground, baked and then ground into a fine powder. Recent studies suggest that turmeric is a promising preventive agent for a wide range of diseases, most likely due largely to its anti-inflammatory properties. The chief active compound in turmeric is curcumin.
The health benefits of Turmeric have been recognized by Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. That’s a long time! As far as health benefits go, here are some common ailments and diseases that turmeric can help fight against:
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Arthritis
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- HIV
- High Cholesterol
- Heartburn
- Jaundice
- Liver Disorders
- Menstrual disorders
- Turmeric can also be applied topically in poultices to reduce inflammation and to relieve wounds, cuts, and bruises.
TIP: Sick with a cold or flu? Turmeric’s anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal agents can help your body fight against colds, cough and flu. When symptoms of these infections are present, simply mix one teaspoon of Turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk once per day. Also drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Now, that’s an impressive list! If you’re looking for a simple New Year’s resolution for health, I suggest you add turmeric to your diet.
To make that easier for you, here is a tasty recipe to try from www.naturalnews.com:
Anti-Inflammatory Lemonade:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice (approximately 4 -6 lemons)
- 4-6 cups of clean water (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon organic ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon
- pinch Himalayan salt
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid stevia (or to taste)
- 1 tsp. ground or fresh ginger, optional
Directions:
- Combine ingredients and enjoy!
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1 AnswerA
Dole Food Company answeredGreen and black teas contain flavonoids, antioxidant compounds thought to block the production of a type of prostaglandin that exacerbates inflammation and pain.
Try adding turmeric to your tea for an extra dose of relief. For centuries, this deep-yellow spice (common in Indian dishes) has been used to treat wounds, infections and other health problems. In recent years, researchers have attributed antioxidant, anticancer, antibiotic and antiviral properties to curcumin, the compound responsible for turmeric’s yellow pigment, as well. Turmeric tea is thought to lubricate the joints and help relieve pain in arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis sufferers—or in anyone with chronic joint pain.
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Sunita Mohan , Alternative & Complementary Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersTurmeric is the main spice in Ayurvedic cooking. It contains the flavonoid curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This spice helps detoxify the liver, balance cholesterol levels, fight allergies, stimulate digestion, boost immunity and enhance the complexion. It is also an antioxidant. Ayurveda recognizes it as a heating spice. Turmeric is a bright yellow-orange spice, and, is used in tiny quantities; this spice imparts a rich color and look to cooked white rice, potatoes or yellow lentils. Add it to the water in which rice or lentils are being cooked. It combines well with other spices such as cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Turmeric can also stain clothes and surfaces, so be careful when using it.
Cumin is not just popular in Indian dishes; it is also used in many other cultures (Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines). According to Ayurveda, it is a cooling spice. When used in recipes, it is supposed to aid digestion and help flush toxins out of the body. Cumin can be used either as whole seeds or ground, raw or dry-roasted. Ground raw cumin has a dull brown color, which is enriched by being sautéed in Ghee or oil. Whole dry-roasted cumin is a rich brown in color and is used as a garnish in yogurt. Both sautéing and roasting make the aroma and flavor of cumin come alive. Cumin combines well with a wide range of other spices, including turmeric, ground fennel, ground coriander, ground dry ginger and cinnamon.
Asafoetida (hing) - Asafoetida has been held in great esteem amongst indigenous medicines from the earliest times in India. It is reputed as a drug which expels wind from the stomach and counteracts any spasmodic disorders. It is also a digestive agent and a sedative.
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Dr. Julie T. Chen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 2 Answers
Turmeric is a great natural solution for joint pain, as well as muscle aches and pains; it also has cancer-fighting properties. In this video, integrative medicine expert Julie Chen, MD, discusses the benefits, warnings and dosages for turmeric.
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dLife - It's YOUR Diabetes Life! answeredTurmeric is a spice that contains a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory compound. That makes it intriguing, since chronic inflammation raises the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. It has long been part of curry spice blends used in southern Asian cuisines. Turmeric is also available as a dietary supplement.
It's considered safe for most adults, but in very high doses, it may cause indigestion, nausea, or diarrhea. It is advised that people with gallbladder disease not take turmeric as a supplement.