New opportunities come our way, new goals for this year and let’s not forget our yearly attempts to initiate and complete New Year resolutions!
So as we begin to spin a new story of this year, let’s make a promise to restore and maintain our vitality health.
For some this may mean a change in lifestyle, for some it may mean a change in diet; perhaps the way to achieve good health can be defined in various ways for different individuals.
But the key to good health is a healthy thought pattern and among these healthy thoughts should be one of pure commitment towards maintaining health and being your best version.
Multiple changes in diet, physical activity, lifestyle changes, mental health etc. are also necessary to restore and sustain health.
But there is this tiny key ingredient that has been lying in your spice cabinet since quite some time and it’s now time to make some good use of it. Let’s reap benefits from Turmeric for Health!
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25 Health benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric and its bioactive curcumin has the ability to transform various aspects of health and physical body.
Of course it is, not the only herb or natural ingredient that can transform your health.
Certain natural agents like ginger, aloe vera, green tea, omega 3s, resveratrol, cocoa flavonoids etc. are being proven by research to be beneficial for health.
Turmeric for Health is a portal dedicated to turmeric, curcumin and its health benefits since 2012. Over the years we have been covering the utility of turmeric and curcumin in various health conditions with the help of research studies and scientific evidences.
And with all the research being covered it is hard to identify a single natural molecule like curcumin that could exert multiple biological activities and demonstrate various pharmacological actions.
Here a couple of important health benefits that turmeric and curcumin can provide you with:
1. It is a strong and natural anti-inflammatory agent with activity comparable to NSAIDs.
2. It is a powerful antioxidant with activity comparable to vitamin E and C.
3. It is a broad spectrum anti-microbial agent with activity comparable to antibiotics and anti-fungals. (Read How Turmeric fight 7 Viral Infections, Turmeric for AIDS, Turmeric for Herpes, Turmeric for Candida)
4. It is a natural painkiller that finds its use in relieving migraine, fibromyalgia or other disorders characterised by pain. (Read Turmeric for Pain, Turmeric for Migraine, Turmeric for Fibromyalgia)
5. It has immune regulating property that benefits in autoimmune conditions. (Read Turmeric for lupus, Turmeric for psoriasis, Turmeric for diabetes)
6. It is an epigenetic agent and can control your gene expression and prevent expression of genetic defects.
7. It has anti-depressant like properties and we all know its activity is clinically proven to be as good as standard antidepressants. (Read Turmeric for depression, Turmeric for bipolar disorder, Turmeric for PTSD)
8. It helps in liver detoxification and protects from drug induced side effects. (Read How Turmeric protects from side effects of drugs, Benefits of Turmeric for Liver, Turmeric for Cirrhosis)
9. It is excellent for digestive health and benefits in acid reflux, IBD and IBS. (Read Turmeric for Stomach, Turmeric for Crohn’s, Turmeric for IBS, Turmeric for GERD)
10. It protects the heart and helps in myocarditis, atherosclerosis, hypertension and other heart risks. (Read Turmeric Benefits for Heart, Turmeric for Hypertension)
11. It is a neuroprotective agent and protects the brain from stroke, injury and neurodegenerative diseases. (Read Turmeric for Stroke, Turmeric for Alzheimer’s, Turmeric for Parkinson’s)
12. It improves cognitive function and benefits in memory lapse and cognitive disorder.
13. It is an anti-obesity agent and improves diet and exercise induced weight loss outcomes. (Read Turmeric for weight loss)
14. It balances metabolic health and benefits in diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, fatty liver disease and other metabolic health conditions. (Read Turmeric for Cholesterol, Turmeric for fatty liver disease, Turmeric for diabetes)
15. It is a natural anti-cancer agent and is proven to act against almost all cancer cells in experimental conditions. (Read Turmeric for Cancer, Turmeric for Metastasis, How Turmeric Protects from Side effects of Cancer Therapy, Turmeric as Chemosensitizer, Turmeric as Radiosenstizer)
16. It is beneficial in various respiratory system related conditions like asthma, COPD etc. (Read Turmeric for Asthma, Turmeric for COPD)
17. It is excellent for skin health and benefits in psoriasis, acne, sunburns and other skin disorders. (Read Turmeric for skin, Turmeric for Eczema, Turmeric for Sunburn, Turmeric for Psoriasis)
18. It is an anti-arthritic agent and comes as a powerful remedy in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. (Read Turmeric for Arthritis, Turmeric for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Turmeric for Osteoarthritis)
19. As an antioxidant it benefits in blood disorders like thalassemia, anemia and hemachromatosis. (Read Turmeric for Anemia, Turmeric for Thalassemia)
20. It protects kidney from various conditions like nephritis, poly cystic kidney disease, UTI etc. (Read Turmeric for kidney disorders, Turmeric for UTI)
21. It benefits in various disorders related to eye and ear health. (Read Turmeric for Uveitis, Turmeric for Tinnitus)
22. It is fantastic for oral health and hygiene. (Read Turmeric for Oral health)
23. It benefits various female reproductive health related disorders. (Read Turmeric for Female Health, Turmeric for Menopause, How Turmeric benefits Female reproductive system)
24. It benefits in male reproductive health related disorders. (Read Turmeric for Male health)
25. It has multiple properties that benefit in age related deficits. (Read Turmeric for Ageing)
5 Awesome Ways To Take Turmeric This Year
Since we know that turmeric benefits us in so many ways, let’s go over some of the best ways to take turmeric.
1. Turmeric/Golden Paste
Curcumin found in turmeric is poorly absorbed in the body. (Read How To Improve Turmeric’s Absorption) One agent that can improve turmeric’s absorption is piperine, the compound that imparts pungent taste to black pepper. Research states that it can improve curcumin’s absorption by 2000%
Curcumin is poorly soluble in water and this again hinders its absorption in the body. However, it is soluble in fats. So taking turmeric with healthy fats also helps in absorption.
Golden/Turmeric paste combines these 3 elements. Turmeric is combined with black pepper and healthy oil like olive or coconut oil to enhance absorption in the body. Cooking turmeric also increases its absorption.
For recipe click here.
Benefits: Great for overall health, to alleviate pain, to boost immunity, for stomach disorders, to fight colds and infections, for arthritis, for migraine, for depression
Ideal dose: 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day for adults
How to take: Start with a dose of ¼-1/2 tsp a day and continue for a week. If no side effects are observed increase the dose by ¼ or ½ tsp every week till you reach the ideal dose. The ideal dose differs with every individual.
Some may require higher doses in case of chronic pain. Increase gradually to minimize side effects.
Avoid taking it on an empty stomach and close to the time of taking medicines. (Read Does Black pepper in GP cause Drug Interaction? Can Turmeric cause Acid reflux) Maintain a 3-4 hour gap.
Here are 10 easy ways to take Golden Paste
2. Turmeric/Golden Milk
If you are hoping for a more delicious way to take turmeric, then Turmeric Milk is the answer. Traditionally known as ‘Haldi Doodh’, Turmeric Milk is a home remedy in India.
In this recipe, turmeric is combined with dairy fat and protein that enhances its absorption. Other ingredients like the addition of ginger, cinnamon, black pepper add to its therapeutic value.
For recipe click here.
Benefits: Fights cold, Boosts immunity, Alleviates Pain, Improves sleep, Improves Mood, Relieves Pain
Ideal dose: 1-2 cups per day
How to take: You can prepare turmeric milk with other non dairy milk versions. 1 cup a day suffices. It can be taken at any time of the day. Most readers take 1 cup of Turmeric Milk at night before sleeping.
3. Turmeric Tea
For tea lovers, Turmeric tea comes as a treat. Now we know that curcumin found in turmeric is not soluble in water but traditionally or say as a home remedy many people boil turmeric root or powder in water and consume it as a tea.
Interestingly these individuals experience the reduction in pain, improvement in mood, reduction in skin related symptoms etc.
Researchers have shown that by boiling curcumin and turmeric powder in water for 10 minutes they have observed a 12 fold increase in solubility of curcumin and 3 fold increase in solubility of turmeric. This perhaps explains the therapeutic effect.
For recipe click here.
Benefits: Excellent for cold, fever and flu, Great for pain relief
Ideal dose: 1-2 cups per day
How to take: You can use turmeric powder or turmeric roots to prepare the tea. It is advisable to take it after or with a meal to avoid acid reflux symptoms.
4. Turmeric Face Mask
Apart from taking turmeric orally, topical application of turmeric is beneficial for various aspects. (Read Topical Turmeric for Inflammation, Topical Turmeric for Cancer, Turmeric for skin)
Turmeric is really good for any skin related ailment and regular usage can help relive various conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema etc. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, skin regenerative and wound healing properties are at play in such conditions.
One really easy way to use turmeric for skin is Turmeric Face Masks. Not only do they improve skin health but also help in conditions like acne or dry skin.
Read 10 Awesome Turmeric Face Masks, 10 Ayurvedic Turmeric/Ubtan Face Masks
Benefits: Improves skin health, gets rid of skin infections, benefits in acne and rosacea
Application frequency: 1-2 times a week
How to use: Regular application for once a week for a month can help. If need be it can be applied twice a week. Conduct a patch test prior. Be careful about stains on clothes (Read How to tackle Turmeric stains).
Turmeric does not stain skin but may cause a yellow tinge which disappears on washing. To buy good quality organic turmeric click here.
5. Turmeric for pets
Turmeric can be safely given to pets; many readers give turmeric to their pets for general health or to treat disorders.
There is no separate method of giving turmeric to pets. All you have to do is to take the same Golden Paste that you make for yourself and add it to your pet’s diet. It is preferable to mix some water so as to cut the sharp taste and make it more palatable. It is preferable to mix it with food.
Some people avoid giving black pepper to pets; that is absolutely fine because the oil takes care of the absorption then. If your pet gets a funny odour after taking turmeric, adding a dash of cinnamon say 1 tsp to the entire batch can help get rid of this odour.
Benefits: Helps in arthritis, cancer, allergies, great for pain relief, helps get rid of infection, improves general health For more details check Turmeric for pets
Dose:
Dogs– Start with ¼ tsp a day for a week and increase gradually over weeks to reach ideal dose say 1-2 tsp a day. The frequency or ideal dose depends on your pet’s weight. For more detail dosage please check Turmeric for dogs dosage
Cats– Start with 1/8 tsp a day for a week and gradually increase to ¼ tsp twice or thrice a day.
Horses– Start with ½- 1 tsp a day for a week and gradually increase to 1-2 tablespoon a day preferably mixed with food.
Apart from taking turmeric in these ways, a simple thing you could do is just add it to your cooking or regular diet. Just a dash of it in your salad or soup or curry or smoothie is just fine. (Read Recommended Turmeric Brands)
Fresh turmeric can be used for juicing or eaten raw or as a pickle. (Read Turmeric Recipes)
Taking turmeric to treat and manage health conditions is great but making it a part of your life and diet is even better.
In fact adding turmeric to diet reduces the risk of cancer, enhances nutrient absorption, protects from food pathogens etc.
So this year let’s make turmeric a part of our diet and move a step forward towards better health. We wish all our readers a Very Happy New Year and welcome to a new year of fresh updates on Turmeric For Health!
Lots of Great info here and are going to give it a try.. Thanks
Can Turmeric help with Glucoma ?
Turmeric as an antioxidant can benefit in glaucoma.
https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-benefits/turmeric-benefits-for-glaucoma
Hi, suffering with a ulcerative colitis flare and need advice on how best to take turmeric please
Turmeric for u.c. sufferers should not be taken with pepper because pepper aids turmeric absorption. For u.c. you want it to get to the colon, not be absorbed in the gut before the colon.
Hi Wendy. We would advise you take Golden Paste. It contains black pepper and/or oil for better absorption of turmeric.
Start with small doses such as 1/4-1/2 tsp and if you see no side effects then increase the dose gradually to 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day over a few weeks.
Best taken with food to avoid acid reflux. Avoid taking it at the same time when you take other meds. https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-recipes/how-to-make-turmeric-paste-or-golden-paste
Use of turmeric will not cause any change in urine.(colour)
hi , iam eating raw turmeric roots with black pepper, my question is ive got yellow urine color which is freaking me out does it normal or curcumin is not absorbed.
A couple of readers have mentioned yellowing of skin, sweat, stools and urine on consuming turmeric. We have not come across any scientific evidence about this. Fresh turmeric roots already have natural oils that help in absorption of curcumin. There is no need to worry; the yellowing should reduce gradually as your body gets used to it.