I Drank Turmeric Every Day – Here Are The Benefits

In my defence, science is on my side here. Turmeric, a pillar of South Asian cooking, is a powerful root that will turn your meals magical and your palms golden. It’s also one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory offerings and is jam-packed with compounds that can do the body some major good. Read: The juice is, indeed, worth the (root) squeeze

Here’s everything you need to know about turmeric shots.

What are the health benefits of turmeric?

Turmeric is a pantry powerhouse — and not just because it packs a flavourful punch. The ingredient and its health benefits have been studied for decades, and have shown promise in helping to prevent and treat a vast array of conditions, from Alzheimer’s to eczema. Much of turmeric’s power comes from its active compound curcumin, an antioxidant that’s proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties. Phew. Here are some of the biggest health benefits turmeric offers.

Reduced inflammation

Perhaps turmeric’s most-famed skill? Easing inflammation. Many studies have shown curcumin’s positive effects on inflammation, and this effect is shown throughout the body.

“Turmeric has a very strong anti-inflammatory effect,” says Zhaoping Li, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the division of clinical nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles, whose work as a physician and in the lab centres on extending people’s disease-free years. Low-grade inflammation — the body’s under-the-radar response to environmental and dietary stressors — “sets the stage for almost everything we have to fight as we get older,” she explains of her drive to study compounds like curcumin, the key polyphenol in turmeric. Her work has included an investigation into curcumin’s relationship to the microbiome, as well as a collaboration with the university’s psychology department to examine its effects on cognitive function.  Neurological health

Speaking of cognitive function: Research has also shown that curcumin displays neuroprotective activities. Studies also suggest that curcumin and its anti-inflammatory effects can help prevent and treat conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and others.

Healthier skin

Turmeric isn’t just beneficial for the skin when infused into toners and creams. Turmeric juice and turmeric supplements can help soothe the skin from the inside out.

“Given the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of turmeric, incorporating it into a well-rounded diet may be beneficial for most skin conditions including acne, eczema, and psoriasis,” explains Dr. Elyse Love, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

According to Dr. Saami Khalifian, a board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, California, turmeric’s interaction with the gut can also translate to healthier skin. “The antioxidants in turmeric, especially curcumin, can also help protect against UV-induced skin damage,” he says. “It also promotes a healthier gut microbiome, indirectly improving skin clarity and reducing redness.”

All this said, the ingredient can’t overhaul your complexion on its own. “The direct impact of a single turmeric [root] containing juice will be minor compared to the overall diet and lifestyle,” adds Dr. Love. “But given the option between a low-sugar turmeric shot versus a glass of orange juice, the turmeric shot will be the better decision for overall health and skin health.”

Cancer treatment

Turmeric and curcumin have been found to have anticarcinogenic properties, and have been researched as potentially promising supplemental treatments for multiple types of cancer.

What does turmeric taste like?

Whether it’s powdered and stirred into coconut milk or shotgunned straight in liquid form, turmeric boasts earthy, bitter notes with a slightly spicy kick akin to that of black pepper or ginger. Thanks to its brightness, it plays well with citrus, dairy and nondairy milks, root vegetables, broths… well, nearly everything.

How much turmeric is safe to consume per day?

Though there is limited data on safe dose ranges for oral consumption of turmeric, if you’re only consuming it through your meals, you’re more than likely in the clear. When taken as a supplement, clinical studies have suggested doses of 500 to 2,000 mg of curcumin per day are generally well tolerated. A small dose escalation trial found that a single oral dose of turmeric up to 12 grams was safe, but some adverse digestive effects included nausea, vomiting and stomach upset. Consuming larger amounts may lead to a greater risk of side effects.

High doses of turmeric can decrease or increase the effects of some medications, increase the risk of kidney stones and cause liver damage — among other potential side effects,” says Dr. Love. She adds that supplements should always be reviewed with your primary care physician in the context of other medications, supplements and health risks.

Who should avoid turmeric?

Turmeric, while beneficial for many systems in the body, isn’t suitable in high doses for everyone. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr Sophia Akhiyat, based in La Jolla, California, if you have a bleeding disorder or take medication to thin your blood, there could be risks involved.

“Consult your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner (e.g. aspirin, warfarin, apixaban), as turmeric can potentially increase the risk of bleeding,” she explains. She also notes that taking turmeric with other dietary supplements that also have blood-thinning effects, such as ginger and vitamin E, can further increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Additionally, she points out that studies have shown that turmeric can affect gallbladder-related concerns.

“For those with gallbladder disease, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction, this dietary supplement should be avoided, as it can stimulate the release of bile, which could aggravate these conditions,” she says.

What medications can’t be taken with turmeric?

As mentioned above, blood-thinning medications and supplements can potentially interact with turmeric. As for skin-specific medications, Dr Khalifian notes that, because turmeric has some blood-thinning properties, it could potentially enhance the effects of isotretinoin or other medications that increase skin’s photosensitivity, leading to sunburns and fragility that could lead to bruising or delayed wound healing.

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