Do you wonder Can turmeric reduce inflammation?Then you have come to a right place. Yes, turmeric can reduce inflammation in your body. Turmeric is known for its anti inflammatory properties and has been used for its medicinal uses since centuries. Natural and herbal products have been used since centuries to treat medical conditions. Long before we had modern science and medicines spices and herbs were used to treat people of any and everything. Aside from being used in the culinary world, they represent strong anti-inflammatory agents that often help the body deal with numerous health conditions.
Turmeric is one of the most abundantly used health spice which is found in almost every household in India. It has many medicinal uses. Turmeric has been widely used in the cosmetics industry, cooking recipes, and it is frequently used to heal wounds, prevent cancer and reduce pain and inflammation. Turmeric has been used in various forms and state such as dry turmeric, fresh and ripe turmeric root, turmeric powder and turmeric paste to name a few.
Due to the various state of turmeric, often people get confused about how to use turmeric so as to utilise the full potential of turmeric. In this article we will discuss on this topic and by the end of the article your doubts will be cleared.
Defining Turmeric
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Turmeric contains numerous compounds all bringing different kick to the body. Curcumin makes up most of turmeric, and it is also present in other healthy plans like ginger.
Some of the turmeric benefits include:
- anti-inflammatory properties
- Anticancer benefits
- Anti- allergies properties
- Reduces Arthritis pain
- Deals with depression
- Stabilizes diabetes
- Lowers the risk of heart attack
- Turmeric for Inflammation
Your body may be suffering from inflammation and you might not even know it. Inflammation can occur in your body due to innumerable reasons. This inflammation can cause weight gain and bloating which gives rise to so many other medical issues that the healing process can be very long and annoying. Inflammation is also categorised under two types:
- Acute inflammation
- Chronic inflammation
You have to understand the type of inflammation to completely understand and treat it from its root which is very cumbersome.
Acute inflammation starts after an injury happens, and can drastically escalate, while chronic inflammation is persistent and can last for months and even years. Inflammation can disrupt the health in many ways. Often, it can cause cancer, asthma, arthritis, obesity, heart disease and others, especially if we’re talking about chronic inflammation. According to Dr. Mercola’s article, chronic inflammation can lead to heart disease and cancer. It can also release free radicals in the body.
Turmeric inflammation study
In a clinical trial, the use of turmeric extract significantly reduced inflammation and improved the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. However, it did not affect the composition of cartilage or synovitis.
The Difference between Whole Turmeric and Supplements:
One of the main differences between the two is that while taking supplements can provide you with a large amount of Curcumin in a single capsule, the powder version is only 15mg in one tsp. The flavor of the spice can be overpowering for some people which is why supplements can be a better option for most people. Taking a supplement is better suited for those who suffer from this issue. In addition to being filled with essential oils, supplements also contain other nutrients that can help improve the health of your body.
The downside of consuming turmeric supplements
It is not recommended you take supplements if you: are pregnant –miscarriage risks are higher are trying to conceive or you’re struggling with conceiving suffer from gallstones or gallbladder disease have a scheduled surgery within the next two weeks are one meds that prevent clotting, like aspirin – sometimes it results in more bleeding and bruising have stomach issues – it is known to trigger gastric irritation, nausea and/or diarrhea are on diabetes medication – can provoke hypoglycemia are iron deficient Proper use of turmeric and dosing.
One study, conducted by the University of in i Maryland’s Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide, suggests these doses as the optimal to get favorable effects:
- Cut root: 1.5-3 grams/day
- Dried, powdered root: 1-3 grams/day
- Fluid extract (1:1): 30-90 drops/day
- Tincture (1:2): 15-30 drops 4 times a day
- Standardized powder supplement: 400-600 mg 3 times a day
Turmeric should become a part of your daily nutrition plan and the same goes for other spices as well. A little goes a long way, so give it a try.
What is turmeric good for?
Curcumin, which is the main active component of turmeric, has many health benefits. It can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, as well as improve the heart health. It can also help treat arthritis and depression. Unfortunately, due to its limited availability, these benefits are not yet apparent.
Is dried turmeric as effective as an anti-inflammatory as fresh turmeric?
Curcumin is an important component of turmeric, and it is easily absorbed by the body when used fresh. Compared to powdered versions, the quality of fresh ones is more potent. They also have a more vibrant and flavorful taste.
It is always better to have fresh fruits and vegetables than old ones. Antioxidants tend to oxidize when exposed to air, which is why all types of fruits and vegetables should be fresh. While some people prefer to eat raw, powdered versions of the spice are also commonly used.
Fresh turmeric can be used for a wide range of dishes, such as raw vegetables, dairy products, and even shakes. Although powdered versions of the spice work better when cooked, fresh ones can still taste better.
How much turmeric powder should I take per day, for it to have anti-inflammatory benefits?
According to studies, taking around 500 to 2,000 mg of turmeric daily can help improve its absorption. However, if you are using a powdered version instead of a natural extract, you’ll need to take at least a quarter of a cup of it to be fully absorbed. To make it more absorbable, you can add a small amount of black pepper to the mix. To easily absorb turmeric it should be boiled with something which is a little fatty such as milk or oil. You can easily boil turmeric in milk and enjoy the benefits of turmeric milk.
How do I take turmeric powder?
Take it in its root form.
The curcuma longa plant’s stem is where the aromatic spice known as turmeric can be found. Although it can be eaten raw, this can have a bitter taste. You should eat around 1.5 to 3 grams of its root daily.
Add powdered turmeric to food and liquids.
Powder form of turmeric is commonly available. You should add around 400 to 600 milligrams of this spice to a daily diet. It can be used in various food and beverage preparations, such as soups, sauces, and milk. To make a cup of tea, dissolve 2 grams of the spice in a cup of water. You can also add honey, ginger, and lemon to enhance its flavor. If you’re not a fan of tea, you can add a small amount of this to a glass of milk to add its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Use a turmeric tincture.
The benefits of this herb can be extracted from a liquid. In its tincture form, which is easily taken orally, two to three drops of this spice can be added to a wide range of beverages, such as tea, soup, or water. You can purchase this product from health food stores or the vitamin section of a grocery store.
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Disclaimer:
The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Dr. Susanna Ashton has been practicing medicine for over 20 years and she is very excited to assist Healthoriginaltips in providing understandable and accurate medical information. When not strolling on the beaches she loves to write about health and fitness.