Turmeric, and its active ingredient curcumin, may have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and other benefits. The spice known as turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. Many high-quality studies show that turmeric has major benefits for your body and brain. Many of these benefits come from its main active ingredient.
Benefits Of Turmeric
- Turmeric contains bioactive compounds with medicinal properties
- Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound
- Turmeric can increase the antioxidant capacity of the body
- Curcumin can boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Curcumin may lower your risk of heart disease
- Turmeric may help prevent cancer
- Curcumin may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease
- Arthritis patients respond well to curcumin supplements
- Curcumin has benefits against depression
- Curcumin may help delay aging and fight age-related chronic diseases
Nutritional Facts Of Turmeric
One tablespoon of turmeric contains:
- 29 calories
- 0.91 grams (g) of protein
- 0.31 g of fat
- 6.31 g of carbohydrates
- 2.1 g of fiber
- 0.3 g of sugar
That same 1-tbsp serving provides:
- 26 percent of daily manganese needs
- 16 percent of daily iron
- 5 percent of daily potassium
- 3 percent of daily vitamin C
Risks Of Turmeric
Turmeric in food is considered safe. However, taking large amounts of turmeric and curcumin in supplement form for long periods of time may cause stomach upset and, in extreme cases, ulcers. People who have gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric.
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking turmeric supplements. Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels. When combined with medications for diabetes, turmeric could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements.
Because turmeric may act like a blood thinner, you should stop taking it at least 2 weeks before surgery. Tell your doctor and surgeon that you have been taking turmeric.
