The benefits of turmeric
A spice full of benefits
A staple of Indian cuisine and traditional medicine, this yellow-orange spice has many benefits. The turmeric is a beige rhizome about the size of a small finger, which reveals its beautiful orange color when cut. It is consumed fresh or dried in cooked dishes, as an infusion, or in natural remedies.
This root has renowned antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is one of the most powerful known natural anti-inflammatories. As such, it is used preventively to stay healthy and strengthen immune defenses, and to treat pains and minor ailments. Turmeric is especially good for treating digestive disorders, improving bile function and treating inflammatory diseases. It is recommended to relieve joint pain such as osteoarthritis and arthritis. It may even have anti-cancer properties due to its antioxidant actives, notably curcumin.
Also read our tips for buying turmeric capsules
Consumption varies by country
Turmeric is traditionally consumed in Asia, especially in India, where this spice is central. This daily consumption would also explain why Indians have a particularly low rate of digestive system cancers compared with Westerners.
In the West, turmeric is consumed as a superfood: it can be added to dishes as a spice, or taken as a supplement. It can be consumed fresh-cut, dry as a powder, or in capsules. It is recommended to consume 3 grams of powder per day or, in capsules (dry extract), 1.5 grams per day.
Could turmeric be dangerous?
Sprinkling turmeric on your dishes would be pointless
The recommended dosage of turmeric for a therapeutic effect is fairly high: you would need to consume more than a teaspoon per day. Moreover, turmeric is fairly volatile and the body absorbs it poorly. It is advisable to combine turmeric with pepper (or rather its active compound, piperine) so that its effects are actually noticeable.
Furthermore, it is recommended to consume turmeric with oil to help retain its active substances in the body. Taking advantage of the therapeutic effects of turmeric is therefore quite difficult: sprinkling a few pinches over your dishes once in a while would not be enough to stay healthy (but it still helps color them yellow!).
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Side effects of turmeric and contraindications
Taken in small doses, turmeric poses no danger to the body. However, when consumed in high doses, turmeric can cause effects on the digestive system. A body not accustomed to daily consumption of turmeric may be prone to heartburn, bloating, or even vomiting.
As a spice, turmeric is not harmful to health. When taken in capsule form or as an extract, it can be consumed in excessive doses.
If turmeric is excellent for relieving painful periods or heavy bleeding, it is not recommended as a treatment for pregnant women or breastfeeding women. Indeed, at high doses it could cause bleeding or contractions.
Turmeric is contraindicated in cases of gallstones, liver disease, and stomach ulcers. It is also not recommended to consume it in high doses if you are scheduled to undergo surgery within the next 15 days, as turmeric can increase blood flow.
You can also develop an allergy to turmeric, which manifests as dry mouth and nausea. That is why it is recommended, for a first dose, to take only a small pinch, especially in individuals who already have allergies to other foods.
Turmeric interactions
Turmeric’s effects can be enhanced by the consumption of certain plants or medications. Thus, to better absorb turmeric, it is recommended to consume it in combination with black pepper. Consuming turmeric with ginger or cinnamon is also suggested to boost its anti-inflammatory effects.
However, it is not recommended to consume turmeric with certain medications:
- The anticoagulants: aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), vitamin K antagonists. Turmeric already has an anticoagulant effect that can amplify the medication’s effects.
- Antacids: they are used by people suffering from gastric acidity, gastroesophageal reflux. Turmeric could negate the effects of the medication, or even increase acid secretions.
- Antidiabetics: turmeric already has antidiabetic effects, so it is not recommended to consume turmeric in high doses if you are being treated for diabetes.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: likewise, turmeric should be avoided if you are already taking anti-inflammatory medications. However, some studies show that turmeric may be more effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, without harmful side effects for the body.
So if you take these types of medications, it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting a turmeric regimen. However, a few pinches of the powder in food will not cause a problem!
Experts’ views on consuming turmeric
Thus, turmeric is not dangerous if consumed occasionally, or if you follow the doses prescribed by a professional. Occasional consumption of turmeric will have no harmful effect on the body: at worst, it will be ineffective because it is not absorbed by the body.
If you wish to follow a turmeric-based treatment to relieve digestive disorders or joint pain, it is recommended to seek the advice of a specialist. An overdose of turmeric can lead to effects opposite to those intended.
However, this type of natural remedy is less likely to cause side effects than drug treatment.
