Updated: 12/7/23
Are you looking for a superfood to add to your daily diet that has numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving mood? Then look no further than turmeric! This bright yellow spice is brimming with essential vitamins and minerals that can be extremely beneficial to one’s health. Not only does it have anti-inflammatory properties, but it also helps boost immune system functioning as well as provide mental clarity and improved outlooks. The active compound within turmeric – curcumin -is being studied more now than ever before due to its impressive array of health benefits. Could this ancient spice offer up the key solution for a healthy lifestyle? Read on to learn just how something so simple could pack so many powerful nutrients!
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa, a plant in the ginger family. It is widely known for its bright golden color and unique flavor that adds depth to any dish. It is commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Turmeric has also been used in traditional medicine, particularly Ayurvedic medicine, for centuries as a natural remedy for health issues.
What makes turmeric so special is its active ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce inflammation in the body, protect against oxidative damage, improve brain function, and promote healthy digestion. It works by inhibiting enzymes that cause inflammation in the body and activating the body’s natural antioxidant defense system.
Curcumin vs. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the turmeric plant. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, turmeric contains only about 2-5% curcumin by weight. Curcumin, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring polyphenol that is found in turmeric and is responsible for many of its health benefits.
So why is curcumin better than turmeric alone? Well, curcumin is more concentrated and has a higher bioavailability (meaning it’s more easily absorbed by the body) compared to regular turmeric. This means that with curcumin supplements, you can get a higher dose of this powerful compound without having to consume large quantities of turmeric. Plus, curcumin is known to have a wide range of benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving cognitive function and even potentially preventing cancer.
Where Does Turmeric Come from?
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is native to South Asia. It’s a member of the ginger family and has a warm, slightly bitter taste that pairs well with many savory dishes. In India, turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a natural dye, a spice, and a medicinal herb. Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, recognizes turmeric as a powerful anti-inflammatory and detoxifying agent that can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.
It’s cultural significance extends far beyond its medicinal properties, however. In Hinduism, turmeric is auspicious and is in use in religious ceremonies, as well as in cosmetics and skin care products. For South Asian weddings, the bride and groom may exchange garlands of fresh turmeric as a symbol of their union. Within many South Asian societies, turmeric is also valued as a natural remedy for skin problems, joint pain, and other health issues.
What is Turmeric Used For?
Ayurvedic medicine has been using turmeric for over 4000 years, primarily for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is to bring balance to the whole body, and it is this balance that is responsible for its numerous health benefits. In Ayurveda, turmeric can be effectively in use in treating arthritis, asthma, menstrual and digestive problems, diabetes, and skin diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the risk of developing cancer and prostate cancer, reduce joint pain, and ease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Moreover, the spice can be apply topically as an antiseptic for wounds, skin infections, and so on.
Turmeric’s cultural significance can be in Indian weddings, where it is an auspicious spice, representing purity, prosperity, and fertility. The bride and groom paint their hands and feet with turmeric paste before the wedding, as a purification ritual. In some Hindu cultures, turmeric is also in use to ward off evil and appease the gods. Its yellow color symbolizes knowledge and wisdom, which is why it’s often in use in religious ceremonies. A study from the University of California finds out that turmeric is a strong ritualistic symbol in the South Indian culture, and its presence is essential in the home’s protective rituals.
In Southeast Asia, turmeric is hailed as a beauty ingredient and is used in cosmetic formulations. In Indonesia, a traditional paste made from turmeric, rice flour, and water is applied to the face to cleanse the skin, tighten pores, and reduce redness. Its anti-inflammatory properties are known to reduce acne and minimize scarring. Many Thai beauty products, such as soaps, lotions, and clay masks, include turmeric as an ingredient.
Traditional Herbal Medicine
Turmeric is a major part of traditional herbal medicine, including in the practices of:
- Ayurveda – In Ayurvedic practices, participants believe turmeric can bring many medicinal properties such as strengthening the overall energy of the body, relieving gas, dispelling worms, improving digestion, regulating menstruation, dissolving gallstones and relieving arthritis.
- Siddha – Those who participate in Siddha systems of medicine know of and use turmeric’s medicinal values of turmeric, as well.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine – Turmeric is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, believed to treat liver and gallbladder problems, to stop bleeding, to relieve chest congestion and menstrual pain and to address depression.
- Austronesian-Speaking Cultures/Unani – Turmeric is also a major part of Unani medicine, a Perso-Arabic system of medicine based on the teachings of the Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen. It is also based on the rituals of Austronesian peoples, a large population in Taiwan, Malay Peninsula, Southeast Asia, Micronesia, coastal New Guinea, Island Melanesia, Polynesia and Madagascar.
Benefits of Turmeric
Powerful Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, curcumin shows to effectively reduce inflammation in the body. In fact, studies have found that turmeric is just as effective as some anti-inflammatory drugs without any of the harmful side effects.
Antioxidant Properties
One of the most notable benefits of curcumin is its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important for preventing cellular damage by free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is a potent antioxidant. Research shows that curcumin can help to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Improves Mood & Reduces Depression
Another benefit of curcumin is its effect on mood. Curcumin increases levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating mood and emotions. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. In fact, a study conducted on individuals with major depressive disorder found that curcumin was as effective as an antidepressant medication in improving mood.
Antifungal Properties
Curcumin has antifungal properties, making it a great natural remedy for fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot. A study conducted on the anti-fungal activity of turmeric found that the curcumin in turmeric was effective against several different types of fungi.
Antibacterial Properties
In addition to its antifungal properties, curcumin also has antibacterial properties. This means that it can help to fight off harmful bacteria and prevent infections. One study found that curcumin was effective against several strains of bacteria, including the bacteria responsible for causing urinary tract infections and salmonella.
Reduces Inflammation
One of the most significant benefits of curcumin is its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is essential for fighting off infections and injuries, but when chronic, it can lead to numerous health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation in the body and help prevent the onset of chronic diseases.
Helps with Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Curcumin is as effective as some over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen.
Boosts Brain Function
Curcumin shows to boost brain function. The brain is a complex organ that requires a lot of energy and oxygen to function properly. Curcumin shows to increase the production of a protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is essential to the growth and survival of brain cells. Low levels of BDNF links to depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders. By boosting BDNF, turmeric could help protect and enhance your cognitive function, and potentially lower your risk of developing these conditions.
Improves Digestion
Curcumin has long been in use in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, including bloating, gas, and indigestion. Curcumin can stimulate the production of bile, which aids in the breakdown of fats and improves overall digestion. Additionally, turmeric can reduce inflammation in the gut, which can help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease.
Helps Control Blood Sugar and Cholesterol
Curcumin shows to regulate blood sugar levels and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing the good cholesterol (HDL). This makes it a powerful supplement for those with type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
Promotes Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Turmeric improves heart health by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation. It also helps reduce the risk of heart disease by improving the function of the endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels.
Supports Healthy Skin
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a fantastic natural supplement for improving skin health. It can help reduce acne, psoriasis, and eczema while improving skin tone and reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes.
Cancer-fighting Properties
Curcumin may also have cancer-fighting properties. While more research is necessary in this area, some studies show that curcumin can help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. It does this by blocking the formation of new blood vessels in tumors and by inducing cell death in cancer cells. While turmeric isn’t a cure for cancer, incorporating it into your diet could help lower your risk of developing the disease, and potentially improve the effectiveness of other cancer treatments.
Side Effects of Turmeric
Stomach Issues
One of the most common side effects of curcumin is gastrointestinal problems. Consuming excessive amounts of turmeric can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Moreover, it can also worsen symptoms in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Increases the Risk of Bleeding
Another potential side effect of curcumin is that it can increase the risk of bleeding. Turmeric may interfere with blood clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding in people who’re already taking anti-clotting medications, like aspirin.
Cause Allergic Reactions
While turmeric is generally safe for consumption, some people can develop an allergy to it. Symptoms of turmeric allergy can include itching, hives, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming curcumin, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Lower Blood Pressure
Turmeric is a natural blood thinner and can lower blood pressure. While this is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, it can be dangerous for those who already have low blood pressure. If you are taking any blood-thinning medication, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking curcumin supplements to avoid any potential complications.
Iron Deficiency
Turmeric has been shown to inhibit the absorption of iron in the body. Iron is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in the formation of red blood cells and oxygen transport. If you have an iron deficiency or are at risk of it, it is best to avoid taking curcumin supplements or take them under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Liver Problems
Curcumin supplements can lead to liver complications. In rare cases, long-term use of turmeric has been linked to liver disease and hepatitis. Excessive amounts of turmeric can also cause jaundice and liver damage in people suffering from liver disease.
Risk of Kidney Stones
Individuals with a history of kidney stones should aim to avoid curcumin supplements since it contains high levels of oxalates that can accumulate to form kidney stones. Thus, it’s not advisable to consume turmeric in moderation or large doses for people with kidney stones.
Increases the Impact on Drug Interactions
Curcumin supplements can interact with certain medications, which can increase the risk of side effects. It’s especially dangerous for patients taking blood-thinning medications like Warfarin. It’s best to consult a doctor before including turmeric in your diet plan, particularly if you’re under medication.
How Does Turmeric Work?
Turmeric is popping up everywhere these days—from spicing up stir-fries and smoothies to coloring soups, curries and even teas. It may be beneficial for many facets of your overall health. It may be much easier on the body than taking an over-the-counter NSAID, which could lead to unwanted side effects such as stomach ulcers and heartburn.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric that provides the body with numerous health benefits. It is a bioactive compound, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, making it useful in many medical conditions. It has the ability to block molecules that trigger inflammation, such as cytokines and interleukins. Studies have shown that curcumin has the ability to prevent and even treat a range of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and arthritis. In simple words, curcumin acts as a shield for our body, protecting it from the damage that inflammation causes.
Curcuminoids
Curcuminoids, on the other hand, are a group of compounds found in turmeric that enhances the benefits of curcumin. There are three main curcuminoids: demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and the most potent, curcumin. All three have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but curcumin is the most famous.
They are the group of compounds present in turmeric that contribute to its medicinal properties. Out of these, curcumin is the most studied compound. It is also the one that has the most significant role in treating several health issues. Did you know that turmeric contains only about 3% of curcumin? That’s why it’s best to consume curcumin supplements that are to optimize with curcumin for maximum benefits.
Why Take Turmeric?
While there is no specific medical evidence that turmeric can successfully cure or treat any disease directly. There are a number of benefits with it as a natural or alternative form of medicine.
Capsules, teas, powders and extracts are just some of the turmeric products available on a commercial basis. Yet it’s curcumin, at the heart of and the active ingredient in turmeric, that boasts powerful biological properties. Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian medicinal system, often covets turmeric for a variety of health reasons including its possible ability to help relieve chronic pain and inflammation. Meanwhile, experts in western medicine have begun to study turmeric as a pain reliever and healing agent.
Furthermore, to gain the maximum advantage from curcumin with turmeric, you need to be aware of the best time of day to take curcumin supplements and how much you need to take in order to reap the rewards. We will cover the amount of turmeric to take in the next section, but with regard to when to take turmeric, research suggests that the best time is three or more hours before or after eating a meal—in other words, after fasting.
Are Turmeric Supplements Good for You?
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your overall health and well-being, curcumin supplements might be worth checking out. Whether you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, joint pain, digestive issues, or simply want to boost your immune system, turmeric has a range of health benefits that make it worth considering. Just make sure to choose a high-quality supplement that contains a sufficient amount of curcumin. It is free of additives and contaminants.
Can Turmeric Raise Blood Pressure?
One of the primary reasons people consider that curcumin may increase blood pressure levels is that it’s a natural blood thinner. However, while it can prevent blood clots, there is no evidence that suggests it increases blood pressure levels. In fact, research suggests that curcumin can significantly lower blood pressure levels. Studies conducted on animals and humans indicated that consuming curcumin could prevent hypertension, which is an ailment that leads to high blood pressure.
Another reason people might believe that curcumin increases blood pressure is that they consume curcumin supplements. They contain other ingredients that may cause an increase in blood pressure levels. It is essential to be cautious about the form of turmeric that is for consumption. Synthetic turmeric supplements may contain added substances, including black pepper, which could cause an increase in blood pressure levels.
How Much Turmeric to Take
The key, when discussing how much turmeric to take daily, is to understand that this daily dose should be enough to yield significant health benefits to those who remain consistent with the supplement. As always, though, we recommend a doctor’s approval before you dive head-on into trying any new supplements. Additionally, we must stress that supplements do not directly treat any health condition, but aim to improve overall health.
As a dietary supplement, the recommended dosage for turmeric root extract powder is 1,000 mg daily unless a physician instructs otherwise.
Where to Buy Turmeric Extract
You can purchase turmeric root extract (95% curcuminoids) in both powder and capsule form at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Do you have an interest in trying curcumin as a dietary supplement? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
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Bottom Line
Taking turmeric is a fantastic decision for your health as it has a myriad of benefits. From reducing inflammation to improving brain function, digestion, skin health, and aiding in weight loss, it’s an all-around superfood. To optimize the advantages of taking turmeric, make sure to take curcumin supplements. Incorporate the powder spice in your cooking. With its natural and safe benefits, you can’t go wrong with adding curcumin to your daily routine.
Turmeric is a potent spice with numerous health benefits. However, like any other supplement, turmeric can have side effects if taken in excess or without proper guidance. By knowing the potential side effects of turmeric, you can avoid any unwanted complications and get the maximum benefit from this wonderful spice. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements, including curcumin. With the right information and guidance, you can safely and effectively incorporate turmeric into your health regimen.
The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
