
Turmeric is a member of the same family as ginger and produced mainly in India and Southeast Asia.
Curcumin is the active component in turmeric thought to possess the health benefits.
Curcumin has been found to be poorly absorbed. Pairing curcumin with black pepper has been shown to increase its absorption.
Black pepper contains piperine which has been shown to increase the absorption of curcumin.

Small clinical studies have been done on turmeric both human and animal trials. Although research is ongoing and human studies are limited, turmeric is thought to possess numerous health benefits.

Studies have found turmeric to:
- Work as a powerful antioxidant
- Contain anti-inflammatory properties
- Protect the liver from damage related to toxic chemicals
- Contain antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties
- Contain anticancer properties

Research has proven turmeric to be possibly effective for
- Treatment of allergic rhinitis
- Treatment of depression
- Decreasing triglycerides
- Treating NAFLD (Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)
- Management of pruritus due to different causes such as itching related to kidney disease

Although some research indicates improvement in the following conditions, the evidence is insufficient and further research is needed to confirm. These conditions include:
- Acne
- Dementia
- Dyspepsia
- Gingivitis
- Treatment for IBS
- Improve post op pain
- Treat PMS
- Psoriasis
- Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Decrease the risk of heart attack after coronary bypass graft.
- Beta Thallassemia treatment
- Diabetes
- Psoriasis
- Prostate Cancer
- Colon Cancer

Simple ways to add turmeric to your diet
- Create spice blends with multiple different spices. Some suggestions include black pepper, cumin, cardamom, star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and coriander.
- Make your self a turmeric latte but combining powdered turmeric and your favorite milk.
- Use as a marinade for fish, poultry or lamb.
- Season vegetables such as cauliflower, brussel sprouts and winter squash.
- Make your own curry.
Try out my Tandoori Seasoning and get cooking with turmeric!
References:
Natural Medicine Database
Singletary, Keith PhD Turmeric, Nutrition Today: 1/2 2020 – Volume 55 – Issue 1 – p 45-56. doi: 10.1097/NT.0000000000000392
Nagpal M, Sood S. Role of curcumin in systemic and oral health: An overview. J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2013;4(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.107253
Wongcharoen W, Jai-Aue S, Phrommintikul A, Nawarawong W, Woragidpoonpol S, Tepsuwan T, Sukonthasarn A, Apaijai N, Chattipakorn N. Effects of curcuminoids on frequency of acute myocardial infarction after coronary artery bypass grafting. Am J Cardiol. 2012 Jul 1;110(1):40-4. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2012.02.043. Epub 2012 Apr 3. PMID: 22481014.
Carroll RE, Benya RV, Turgeon DK, Vareed S, Neuman M, Rodriguez L, Kakarala M, Carpenter PM, McLaren C, Meyskens FL Jr, Brenner DE. Phase IIa clinical trial of curcumin for the prevention of colorectal neoplasia. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2011 Mar;4(3):354-64. doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-10-0098. Erratum in: Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2012 Dec;5(12):1407. Dosage error in article text. PMID: 21372035; PMCID: PMC4136551.
This article is for information purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your medical provider prior to any lab testing, diet changes or new supplement/medication.
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