There are many claims on social media about the spice’s ability to cure cancer or detoxify the liver, which experts say are false and misleading.
Turmeric is a staple in Indian cuisine – it is widely used to flavour food, to give it colour and of course for its medicinal value. It contains an active ingredient, curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that promote brain health and improve digestive problems.
However, there are claims on social media that this spice can cure cancer or detoxify the liver, but experts say these are false and misleading. Doctors claim that cooking with ground turmeric is safe, but excessive use of its supplements can lead to stomach ulcers or kidney stones.
How Much Turmeric Is Safe For You??
So is there a way to tell if you’re consuming too much turmeric? Nutritionists say that while there’s no standard or recommended dosage of turmeric you should take daily, the standard dosage is 3 mg per kilogram of body weight, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Studies suggest that taking 500 mg of curcumin extract twice a day may help reduce inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also helps improve memory and attention in older adults.
What damage does excess turmeric cause??
Consuming more than prescribed can lead to a variety of side effects, which experts say are primarily due to contamination with low levels of lead. Additionally, while many turmeric supplements promote liver health, doctors warn that these same products can damage the liver if consumed in excess. For those who suffer from hepatitis or have reduced or blocked bile flow from the liver, it is recommended that they avoid taking turmeric altogether. One study suggested that turmeric-related liver injuries are on the rise in the United States, in part due to a combination of consuming turmeric along with black pepper.
Many experts also suggest that it is best to avoid turmeric supplements, as there are no health regulations and it is difficult to decipher which products are effective and safe.
Which is better: ground turmeric or a supplement?
According to doctors, if you already add ground turmeric to your daily meals, no supplementation is necessary.
Who should not take turmeric?
According to Medical News Today, doctors recommend not taking turmeric if you:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Those who are receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
- Those who have liver or bile duct problems.
- Those taking anticoagulants or antidiabetic medications.
- Those who underwent surgery in the last two weeks.
What are the benefits of ground turmeric??
Doctors say curcumin helps, prevents and even reverses inflammation, which is a common problem in many diseases, including:
- Heart disease
- Dementia
- Obesity
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart failure
- Myocarditis
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