Turmeric, the main ingredient in curry, has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat everything from arthritis to depression. It has also been touted as a natural remedy for everything from acne to cancer in recent years. So, is this true? Can turmeric really treat or prevent these conditions? We break down whether turmeric, the spice, is really worth the hype.
Turmeric is an herb that comes from the plant Curcuma longa and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial properties, making it an ideal dietary supplement. Turmeric supplements, whether in supplement form or as an ingredient in cooking, have been shown to help with pain relief, migraines, arthritis, depression, and even cancer.
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and it has been shown to have many health benefits when consumed in reasonable amounts. Curcumin, the bioactive compound that gives turmeric its color, has been shown to help fight inflammation, and this makes it a powerful antioxidant.
Turmeric is a spice found in the ginger family. It’s used all over the world and in the spice aisle of most supermarkets. It is most commonly used as a flavoring in curries, but it’s also used in dishes like mustard, applesauce, and jam. Additionally, turmeric is a spice used in traditional Indian medicine. It is commonly marketed as a supplement because of turmeric’s strong antioxidant properties. But is it really any good for you?
Some Best Turmeric Supplements
- Pure Formulas Curcumin – Curcumin is the star of the show; however, this bright yellow compound is what most people think of when they think of turmeric. It has been used medicinally in India for thousands of years, and it can help support healthy balanced inflammatory responses.
- Persona Turmeric Capsules – Turmeric capsules are a sub-sector of the turmeric market. In this category, manufacturers pack turmeric in flexible gelatin capsules. These capsules are coated on the inside and contain starch or gelatin as a filler. The coating is designed to protect the contents from stomach acid (which would otherwise degrade or destroy the curcuminoids in turmeric). Still, it also means that the turmeric capsules must dissolve in the stomach before they can be digested by the body.
- Persona Turmeric Capsules – Persona Turmeric Capsules contain curcumin, turmeric compound, and green tea extract. These ingredients work together to promote cardiovascular health, the immune system, brain function, and joint function.
- Georgia Gold Turmeric Oil Extract – Georgia Gold Turmeric Oil Extract is the best of the best. It contains the bioavailable curcuminoids in turmeric in an easy-to-take tincture.
The Potential Benefits of Turmeric Supplements
Turmeric is delicious, and its medicinal uses have been known for centuries. The delicious spice has been shown in studies to help treat a wide variety of ailments, including arthritis, colitis, depression, and cardiovascular disease.
Although turmeric has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, it continues to be studied by scientists around the world. One recent study has uncovered a link between curcumin, a yellow pigment in turmeric, and reduced inflammation, a finding which could have far-reaching implications. As inflammation is believed to play a large role in the development of many chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, reducing inflammation could have serious health implications.
Turmeric Side Effects and Risks
Turmeric has been dubbed “the new natural wonder drug” for its impressive anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits, but it’s also been found to have a bunch of other health benefits, including cancer prevention, reduced stress and anxiety, and a positive impact on blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Turmeric, the curry spice used to color, flavor, and preserve foods, is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In fact, it is so effective that the FDA is even studying it to see if it can help treat diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. But did you know that turmeric has many side effects, some of which are potentially dangerous?
While turmeric may be beneficial in certain conditions, it comes with a long list of potential side effects, including stomach pain, nausea, gas, and heartburn. It can also cause allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and hives. Turmeric is billed as a natural remedy for many health conditions, including cancer, dementia, depression, heart disease, liver disease, and stroke.