Turmeric is a spice made from the root of curcuma longa, a perennial member of the ginger family. Its major active ingredient is curcumin.
Although doctors recommend 500mgs two times daily with your food, the amount that is right for YOU depends on your overall health. Talk to your doctor.
Who should avoid turmeric? Pregnant or nursing women should not consume turmeric. Although it's safe to eat in small amounts, it could be harmful if used for medicinal purposes. Turmeric should be avoided if used before or after scheduled surgery. Turmeric could thin the blood, causing blood clot complications.
Numerous trials have shown curcumin's antiinflammatory properties by inhibiting key inflammatory markers. Turmeric's antioxidant properties help reduce oxidative stress which is a process that causes low-grade inflammation.
Turmeric could lower blood sugar levels. The combination of turmeric and diabetes medications could cause blood sugar to drop too much. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties are some of the most promising benefits of curcumin for migraines and headaches. Although it is still not clear how turmeric affects inflammation and pain, it is known that turmeric can directly reduce oxidative stress.
Numerous trials have shown curcumin's ability limit liver damage from harmful substances. It does this by interfering with inflammatory pathways. Turmeric stimulates the production of bile and its release from the gallbladder. This helps eliminate waste from the body.