There are many turmeric benefits and side effects, it’s not just for flavour in your favourite dishes.
Turmeric is a herb that has long been used in cooking and Ayurvedic medicine. It is well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and improve brain function. Now turmeric supplements are becoming increasingly popular as people become more health conscious. If you want to know the benefits of turmeric or turmeric supplements, this article will tell you everything you need to know.
Turmeric, where does it come from?
Turmeric is a plant that is native to South Asia and other tropical regions throughout the world. The turmeric root has been used as an Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat inflammatory issues, indigestion and respiratory conditions such as bronchitis. Turmeric can be found in many different forms including powder, capsules, tablets, kombucha and other specialty drinks and more.
Turmeric Benefits and Side Effects
Turmeric has been studied for its effects on joint pain and inflammation, turmeric can be a great alternative to other medications. Studies have shown turmeric may decrease swelling and stiffness caused by arthritis as well as reduce the risk of heart disease which is often associated with chronic inflammatory issues such as those experienced in arthritis patients.
Read on to find out some of the things that turmeric can help with:
Turmeric for arthritis and joint pain
Turmeric can be used to treat arthritis because it contains turmerones which are anti-inflammatory compounds. Studies have shown turmeric may decrease swelling and stiffness caused by arthritis as well as reduce the risk of heart disease associated with chronic inflammatory issues such as those experienced in arthritis patients.
Turmeric for skin conditions & wounds
Turmeric can help with certian skin conditions and some wounds because it contains a compound called turmerone which is an immune system booster. Small studies have shown turmeric to be more effective than antibiotics in some cases when used for skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.
Turmeric for digestive health
If you’re experiencing any problems with your gut then turmeric can help because it has anti inflammatory properties. It can be used to treat indigestion, heartburn and constipation. Some turmeric supplements are formulated with pepper which enhances turmerone’s absorption in the gut so it is more effective.
Turmeric is anti bacterial
Turmeric also has anti bacterial properties so turmeric may help you recover from a stomach bug faster or prevent one from happening if taken regularly.
Are turmeric supplements safe?
Turmeric is generally considered safe for most people, however turmeric supplements can cause some side effects. Common turmeric supplement side-effects include nausea and diarrhea. You should also be aware that turmeric may interfere with medication such as blood thinners and diabetes medications. If you are thinking about taking a turmeric supplement, it is important to check with a health professional before you take the supplement.
Turmeric curcumin benefits: Mayo Clinic
Turmeric’s main active component — curcumin — is what gives the spice its yellow color. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, including reduced pain and increased ease of movement in people with osteoarthritis.
See full article at Mayoclinic.org
What are the side effects of turmeric or turmeric supplements?
Turmeric has few side effects but it is important to check with your doctor before you start turmerone. It can interact with medications so make sure that your GP knows what supplements or medication you are taking. Turmeric may also cause diarrhea, stomach irritation and nausea in some people if taken on an empty stomach. Like with most supplements it’s best to take them with a meal.
Turmeric side effects in women
Turmeric side effects in women are few and turmerone is a very safe supplement for them to take. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with their healthcare provider before taking turmeric supplements however.
There may be some interactions between turmeric and anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinners such as warfarin, as well as with blood pressure medication. This would apply to both men and women.
Can turmeric cause constipation?
Turmeric is a popular supplement that has been linked to gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhoea and constipation. Typically turmeric does not cause constipation by itself, but it may be more likely when you are consuming turmeric-rich foods in combination with fiberless food like meat or whole grains. The best way to avoid the risk of getting constipation is to start with a smaller dosage than is recommended and slowly increase if there are no side effects.
Will turmeric help joint pain?
Turmeric has been studied for its effects on joint pain and inflammation, turmeric can be a great alternative to other medications. Studies have shown turmeric may decrease swelling and stiffness caused by arthritis as well as reduce the risk of heart disease which is often associated with chronic inflammatory issues such as those experienced in arthritis patients.
Turmeric benefits for liver
Turmeric helps the liver to process fat. It helps processing fat in the liver by helping the liver cells produce more enzymes that break down fat. The benefits of the fat in your lover being broken down are that it makes less work for the liver, and turmeric also helps to remove toxins from the body.
Turmeric powder vs turmeric root
Turmeric powder is made by grinding down the root of the turmeric plant. Turmeric root is turmeric in its whole form. Turmeric powder has more of the turmerics curcumin, which gives it anti-inflammatory properties. The turmeric roots have an essential oil called turmerone that helps to fight cancer cells and may help with osteoarthritis pain relief .
What are the benefits of qunol turmeric?
Qunol Turmeric is one of the many brands of turmeric available in capsules. This turmeric supplement is made from turmeric root which has been standardized to 95% curcuminoids.
Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, and it’s the curcumin that gives turmeric its bright yellow color. Curcumins have antioxidant properties which are good for your health in many ways too – so eating turmeric in your food or taking it as a supplement could benefit you in many ways.
Turmeric nutrition facts
Turmeric is in the ginger family and turmeric powder is made from grinding up turmeric root, which contains curcumin (the main active ingredient). Curcumins are what gives turmeric its golden color and anti-inflammatory properties.
A tablespoon of ground turmeric has
- 29 calories
- 1 g of protein
- 2 g of fiber
- 6 g of carbohydrates
It also includes 26 percent of daily manganese needs, 16 percent of daily iron, 5 percent of daily potassium and 3 percent of daily vitamin C
Is turmeric spicy or not?
Turmeric is not spicy. If turmeric has a flavor, it would be close to ginger in taste and bitter or earthy almost musky, with a bit of peppery spice.
Turmeric drink recipe
Turmeric Tea recipe: turmeric, honey, lemon juice and hot water.
What you need: – turmeric powder (one tsp to one tbsp depending on preference) – boiling water – black pepper (optional) – honey or cinnamon for taste (a dash of each should be fine)
Add all ingredients into some hot water and stir.
Turmeric soap
Turmeric soap is made by adding turmeric to soap. This means turmeric is often found in soaps as a natural additive. Turmeric soap can have many benefits, such as fighting acne and other skin conditions . However turmeric does contain oxalates that may not be great for certain people with kidney problems or rheumatoid arthritis.