Turmeric is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and other antioxidants that reduce the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. In addition, it's an excellent source of: Manganese. Iron.
One tablespoon of turmeric spice also includes trace amounts of vitamin E and vitamin K, with 0.21 mg of vitamin E and 0.9 mcg of vitamin K. Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin that helps fight the damage caused to the body by free radical molecules.
“Like other colorful plant-based foods, turmeric is rich in phytonutrients that may protect the body by neutralizing free radicals (pollution, sunlight) and shielding the cells from damage.” Diets rich in plant-based foods are associated with prevention of medical conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, and willow.
High doses of turmeric could have a blood-thinning effect; if taken on top of prescribed anticoagulants, this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. People with liver or bile duct problems should not take turmeric supplements, as they can increase bile production.
In India, it was traditionally used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system. Today, turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others.
Turmeric — and especially its most active compound, curcumin — have many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health and prevent against Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
Turmeric is among the spices known to inhibit iron absorption by 20%-90% in humans, reducing iron absorption in a dose-dependent manner [10].
Moreover, it has various essential vitamins and minerals like beta carotene, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), niacin (Vitamin B3), calcium, flavonoids, fibre, iron, potassium and zinc. Experts convey that turmeric can be used as an immunity booster and recommend having it regularly.
It boosts collagen production
It's been found that curcumin in turmeric has skin-healing and wound-healing properties, including by increasing collagen deposits in the skin.
Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects. Some people can experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. These side effects are more common at higher doses. When applied to the skin: Turmeric is likely safe.
Turmeric is a spice that dates back around 4,000 years and has a long history of being used medicinally in different cultures. More recently, it has gained popularity in cooking, as a dietary supplement and has even been termed a “superfood.”
Turmeric should be taken with meals to help with absorption. It's also a good idea to divide it into two doses taken 8 to 12 hours apart. This will help increase absorption and keep levels steady in the body. Dividing the dose may also help reduce possible side effects.
Seema Singh, chief clinical nutritionist & HOD, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, told indianexpress.com, “Besides reducing inflammation associated with obesity, consumption of turmeric increases the metabolic rate which helps burn calories faster in the body. Turmeric water or turmeric tea can help you reduce belly fat.
So, how long does it take turmeric to work? Depending on your body mass and condition, it will usually take around 4-8 weeks for you to start noticing improvements to your body and mind.
Yes, turmeric is a blood thinner. Though the researchers had found no published reports of patients bleeding from taking turmeric, it could increase the risk, especially if paired with another anticoagulating drug. They concluded that patients should “avoid concomitant use.”
And a recent analysis of research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food on turmeric extracts concluded that eight to 12 weeks of treatment with standardized turmeric extracts can reduce pain due to arthritis, compared with placebo.
Turmeric can also lower blood sugar and may enhance the effects of antidiabetic drugs or insulin ( 10 ). Since turmeric can lower blood pressure, it may have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs ( 10 ).
Side effects of Turmeric
Turmeric contains oxalates and this can increase the risk of kidneys stones. “The consumption of supplemental doses of turmeric can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels, thereby increasing risk of kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.”
“It's safe to take up to 8 grams per day, but my recommendation would be somewhere on the lighter side: 500 to 1,000 milligrams a day for the general population,” says Hopsecger. For optimal absorption, try taking with heart-healthy fats like oils, avocado, nuts and seeds, she adds.