Is Turmeric Bad For You?
Also Known As: Curcuma longa
Short answer
For most people, turmeric is extremely beneficial. It’s often recommended to be included in diets for people with certain medical conditions because of the multitude of benefits.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Many health professionals boast about the benefits of adding the spice turmeric to your diet regularly, and for good reason. Studies have shown that turmeric alone can be more powerful than some major medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and anti-inflammatories. Turmeric is formed from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa, with curcumin being the active ingredient.
Let’s look at numerous benefits turmeric can offer. Turmeric naturally thins your blood with studies showing it to be just as effective, if not more effective, than some of the commonly prescribed medications. Aside from that, turmeric has very little adverse side effects, most of which appear when too much is consumed. Similar to anti-depressants, turmeric can correct depression issues as effectively as Prozac. The natural option seems like a no-brainer here!
The anti-inflammatory action of turmeric is it's most powerful. In fact, curcumin is accepted as the most effective anti-inflammatory agent in the world! Umm…Why do we still veer towards over-the-counter and pharmaceuticals for inflammation? This action best benefits those with arthritis, ulcerative colitis, chronic pain, high cholesterol and can even help prevent cancer - which often begins from inflammation.
Turmeric can lower cholesterol by improving liver function. This improved liver function also helps to detoxify the body by helping to form the enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST). Cholesterol is lowered by increasing the number of LDL receptor mRNA which helps the liver process more "bad" cholesterol at one time.
Some people that should be aware of the potential side effects of the regular consumption of turmeric are those that are pregnant, have diabetes, stomach or gallbladder issues, and those that take blood thinning medications. Pregnant women should avoid this spice as it can stimulate the uterus at an unwanted time. Turmeric can interact with antacid medications to increase stomach acid production and cause pain. It can also worsen gallstones and bile duct obstruction.
People with diabetes can actually benefit greatly from turmeric as it can lower blood sugar and reverse insulin resistance. However, if you have diabetes and are taking medication for it, you shouldn't combine that medication with turmeric as it will amplify the effect. On the other hand, if you trying to manage your diabetes with diet alone, using turmeric has been shown to be 400 times stronger than the most common diabetes medication, Metformin.
Turmeric can also be applied to the skin for pain relief, reduce swelling and bruising, treating ringworm and infected wounds, and inflammatory skin sores like acne.
Possible short-term side effects
- diarrhea
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nausea
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dizziness
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hypotension
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allergic reaction
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uterine contractions in pregnant women
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interacts with certain medications
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worsen gallbladder issues
Benefits
- powerful anti-inflammatory
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antidepressant
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improves liver function
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decreases cholesterol
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helps detoxify the body
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thins the blood
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lowers blood sugar
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promotes skin health
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natural pain reliever
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reduces swelling / bruising
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treats ringworm / infected wounds
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-11-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 07-11-2016
Last updated: 11-28-2023