TURMERIC
Turmeric is an ingredient in our Hawaiian Superfood blend, below you will find fascinating information and key benefits about this ingredient.
Spice up your life with the most powerful antioxidant of the natural world. Reduce your risk of inflammatory diseases and flush out the oxidants with the bright yellow curcumin found in turmeric.
Are you ready to introduce the most highly effective nutritional supplement in existence to your life? Say hello to turmeric.
Used in Indian medicine and cooking for thousands of years, turmeric is blessed with a warm, peppery flavour and earthy aroma. It comes from the ginger family of plants and is native to south-east Asia. Turmeric produces a yellow chemical called curcumin and it’s this that gives turmeric the majority of its powers.
Today, turmeric is mostly used as a spice in Asian dishes but it was originally used as a dye to colour the robes of Hindu and Buddhist monks and priests. Later, its medicinal properties were discovered, and it became an important ingredient in folk medicine.
Multiple studies show that curcumin is an extremely powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Scientists believe that low-level inflammation within the body is a major factor in the development of almost every common disease in the West. This includes cancers, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and heart disease. Therefore, anything that can combat inflammation is highly beneficial to your overall health and can significantly lower your risk of chronic disease.
Curcumin has been shown to have the same effect on inflammation as anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects. This makes turmeric an attractive option for anyone looking for a more natural remedy to their inflammatory problems. It is also widely believed that oxidation and inflammation play a large role in ageing, so turmeric could well have an effect in helping you retain youthful good looks for longer!
There is a lot of evidence that suggests that turmeric is excellent for relieving pain, aiding digestion and boosts immunity but possible side effects may mean that it isn’t suitable for everyone. Always consult with your doctor before deciding to add turmeric to your diet.
Key benefits of turmeric include:
- Anti-Cancer Properties: Curcumin has demonstrated anti-cancer effects in various types of cancer cells. It can help inhibit tumour growth, prevent angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels to support tumour growth), and induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.
- Brain Health: Curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can have neuroprotective effects and potentially help with conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It can also improve cognitive function and mood.
- Diabetes Management: Curcumin can help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It can also have protective effects on pancreatic cells, which produce insulin.
- Digestive Health: Turmeric has traditionally been used to support digestive health. Curcumin can help reduce symptoms of digestive disorders such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. It can also have potential benefits for inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
- Exercise and Recovery: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of turmeric make it an amazing supplement to help with exercise- induced muscle soreness and help facilitate and promote recovery.
- Pain Relief: Curcumin has analgesic effects and can help alleviate pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.
Avoid turmeric if taking the following medications:
- Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs: Turmeric has blood-thinning properties and may enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin, heparin) or antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), increasing the risk of bleeding. Use caution and consult a healthcare provider.
- Diabetes Medications: Turmeric may affect blood sugar levels and could interact with diabetes medications. Combining it with these medications could potentially enhance the medications' effects, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult a healthcare provider.
- Gastrointestinal Medications: Turmeric may increase stomach acid production, potentially interacting with medications used to treat gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers or acid reflux. Use caution and consult a healthcare provider.
- Medications Metabolised by the Liver: Turmeric may affect the liver's ability to metabolise certain medications(e.g., hepatotoxi drugs). It could potentially increase or decrease the effectiveness of drugs metabolised by the liver. Consult a healthcare provider before combining turmeric with such medications.
- Immunosuppressants: Turmeric may enhance the effects of immunosuppressant medications, increasing the risk of infections or other complications(e.g., tacrolimus). Consult a healthcare provider before combining turmeric with immunosuppressants.
- Antibiotics: Turmeric may interact with certain antibiotics, affecting their effectiveness(e.g., norfloxacin, sulfasalazine). Consult a healthcare provider before combining turmeric with antibiotics.
- Iron Supplements: Turmeric may inhibit iron absorption, potentially reducing the effectiveness of iron supplements. Use caution and consider spacing the intake of turmeric and iron supplements apart.
- Medications for High Blood Pressure: Turmeric may interact with medications used to treat high blood pressure (e.g., amlopdipine). Consult a healthcare provider before combining turmeric with these medications.
Individuals with the following allergies or medical conditions should use caution or avoid turmeric:
- Allergy to Curcumin or Turmeric: Some individuals may be allergic to curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, or to turmeric itself. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like itching or rash to severe reactions such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.
- Gallbladder Issues or Gallstones: Turmeric may stimulate bile production, which could exacerbate symptoms or complications in individuals with gallbladder issues or gallstones. Consult with a healthcare provider before using turmeric if you have gallbladder problems.
- Bleeding Disorders: Turmeric has blood-thinning properties and may inhibit blood clotting. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should use turmeric cautiously to prevent excessive bleeding.
- Stomach Ulcers or Acid Reflux: Turmeric may increase stomach acid production, potentially worsening symptoms in individuals with stomach ulcers or acid reflux. Use turmeric with caution if you have these conditions, and consult with a healthcare provider.
- Diabetes: Turmeric may affect blood sugar levels and could interact with diabetes medications. Individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely when using turmeric and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for them.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Limited information is available on the safety of turmeric during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult with a healthcare provider before using turmeric due to potential risks to the fetus or nursing infant.
- Iron Deficiency: Turmeric may inhibit iron absorption, which could worsen iron deficiency in susceptible individuals. Use turmeric with caution if you have iron deficiency, and consider monitoring your iron levels.
DIVE DEEPER
Explore the tabs and discover links between TURMERIC and various elements
Ailments & conditions it helps
Associated organs & body parts
Properties it has
Vitamins & minerals it has
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Description goes here
Ground 100 grams
Vitamins present |
Value |
Minerals present |
Value |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vitamin B1/Thiamine |
0.058 mg - 5% |
Calcium |
168 mg - 17% |
|
Vitamin B2/Riboflavin |
0.15mg - 12% |
Copper |
1.3mg - 0.14% |
|
Vitamin B3/Niacin |
1.35mg - 8% |
Iron |
55mg - 689% |
|
Vitamin B5/Pantothenic acid |
0.54mg - 11% |
Magnesium |
208mg - 51% |
|
Vitamin B6/Pyridoxine |
0.107mg - 8% |
Manganese |
|
|
Vitamin B9/Folate/Folic Acid |
20µg - 5% |
Phosphorus |
299 mg - 43% |
|
Vitamin C |
0.7mg - 0.7% |
Potassium |
2080mg - 90% |
|
Vitamin E |
4.43mg - 30% |
Selenium |
6.2µg - 11% |
|
Vitamin K |
13.4µg - 11% |
Zinc |
4.5mg- 41% |