Turmeric is a plant from the same plant ‘family’ as ginger. It’s native to Asia and you might know it from your kitchen, as it’s often used as a spice in cooking. But it’s also been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Turmeric is a plant from the same plant ‘family’ as ginger. It’s native to Asia and you might know it from your kitchen, as it’s often used as a spice in cooking. But it’s also been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
There are substances in turmeric called ‘curcuminoids’, which are thought to provide health benefits. The main one is curcumin, which gives turmeric its yellow colour. In the past few years, turmeric has become popular as a ‘superfood’ – but are its health benefits proven?
Unfortunately, while some studies have suggested turmeric’s effectiveness for certain conditions, the evidence so far isn’t conclusive. The way it breaks down in our bodies also makes it hard to study the benefits.
With this in mind, read on to find out if taking turmeric is right for you.
Some scientific studies have had results that suggest turmeric may help with several health conditions. But you should bear in mind that the evidence is limited for all the points below, and more research is needed.
The curcumin found in turmeric is understood to have ‘anti-inflammatory’ properties – so it’s thought it may help reduce inflammation in the body.
With this in mind, a review of several studies found that curcumin can reduce pain and inflammation in people with
, while another study suggested it could help prevent bone breakdown in people with .Several small studies found turmeric may help reduce symptoms of
.Some trials have found curcumin to have a possible beneficial effect on the symptoms of
(IBS) but this is not conclusive and more evidence is needed. Again, this is thought be to down to its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the fact that it might help protect the lining of the stomach.It’s thought that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric have benefits when applied to the skin. Some small trials have found it may help with skin issues such as acne and dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
There are also some small studies that suggest turmeric may help to lower
, reduce symptoms of and help control blood sugar levels.Turmeric and curcumin products are generally thought to be safe when taken orally or applied to the skin in recommended amounts.
However, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor before taking turmeric – especially as it can interfere with other medicines, such as blood thinners and some anti-cancer medications.
Although side effects from taking turmeric aren’t very common, they can include:
Turmeric supplements should be avoided if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you have gallbladder disease, or you’re about to have surgery.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.