Potential health benefits from turmeric

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What is turmeric?

Many people may be familiar with turmeric as an ingredient in their favorite curry dish, but the golden yellow spice might have more to recommend it beyond its savory flavor. In fact, thousands of years ago in Southeast Asia, traditional medicine practitioners turned to the plant (a relative of ginger) for its purported health-promoting properties. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to have antioxidant properties.

Turmeric supplements

To reap the potential health benefits of turmeric, the body needs to be able to use the active ingredient, curcumin, which is available in extremely low amounts in this particular spice. Selecting a curcumin supplement that also contains piperine (the active compound in black pepper) may improve the absorption of curcumin. In one study, it was associated with an increase in curcumin's bioavailability by about 2,000 percent.

What may turmeric be good for?

Remember, any time someone is considering adding a supplement to their diet, they should be sure to consult their health care provider to ensure that it’s a good fit and won’t aggravate existing allergies or interfere with other medications or supplements.

Can turmeric play a role in a nutritional anti-inflammation strategy

"Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which may aid in reducing inflammation," says Roxana Ehsani, RD, CSSD, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Miami and a national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. While acute inflammation is an important part of the body's healing process, persistent or chronic inflammation can contribute to serious health complications. Anyone considering adding a supplement to their routine should speak to their health care provider first.

Turmeric for depression

Curcumin may also help increase levels of two important mood-related hormones: serotonin and dopamine. If someone is struggling, they should be sure to consult with a health care provider. They can find an expert near them through the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Who should not use turmeric?

People should always talk to their health care provider before starting turmeric supplements. According to Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition Now Counseling in Charleston, South Carolina, this is especially true for pregnant people. There's not enough research yet to confirm turmeric's safety for expecting parents and their babies and for anyone taking a prescription medication.

Due to potential complications, those with diabetes, bleeding disorders, iron deficiency (anemia), kidney stones or gallbladder disease should also only use turmeric supplements under the direction of their medical care team.

Estas declaraciones no han sido evaluadas por la Administración de Medicamentos y Alimentos. Estos productos no están hechos para diagnosticar, tratar, curar ni prevenir ninguna enfermedad.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.