19 Health Benefits Of Turmeric, How To Use It, & Side Effects

You would not want to miss out on the amazing effects this Indian spice has to offer.

Reviewed by Alexandra Hockens, MS (Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine) Alexandra Hockens Alexandra HockensMS (Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine) insta_icon
Written by , BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health Ravi Teja Tadimalla BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health linkedin_icon Experience: 10 years
Edited by , BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Fact-checked by , BTech (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach Sindhu Koganti BTech (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 6 years
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Turmeric benefits are numerous. The turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) belongs to the family of ginger. It has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties (1).

Turmeric has curcumin, which is a major bioactive compound. In herbal treatment, it is used in treating heart diseases, liver ailments, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and wound healing (1).

Learn more about turmeric, its nutrition, the health benefits it offers, and possible side effects from the article below. Scroll down to read further.

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Turmeric

What Is It?
A common spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa, considered one of the major curry powders.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may enhance bone and skin health, and reduce weight, diabetes, anxiety, depression, signs of aging, and urinary tract infections.

Who Can Consume It?
It is safe for all except for people taking anticoagulant medication.

How Often?
It can be consumed daily in moderation.

Caution
Pregnant women and people with iron deficiency, kidney stones, and bleeding disorders should avoid turmeric.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Turmeric?

1. May Offer Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

The curcumin in turmeric fights inflammation and boosts heart health. Studies show that its antioxidant effects also help prevent cancer, atherosclerosisi  A condition where the arteries become hard and narrow due to cholesterol plaque buildup in the artery walls, resulting in blood clots. , and other neurodegenerative diseases (2).

The antioxidants in turmeric protect the body from damage due to oxidation (3).

Curcumin plays a major role in many inflammatory diseases (including skin cancer) and fights them at the molecular level (4).

The curcuminoids and other volatile oils in turmeric have several medicinal properties (5).

2. May Help Treat Alzheimer’s Disease

Curcumin was found to improve cognitive functioning in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (6).

Alzheimer’s disease degrades the nerve cells through inflammation and oxidative damage. Curcumin fights this damage and potentially aids the treatment (6).

Another chemical in turmeric that shows promise is tumerone. Tumerone stimulated new brain cells in studies. It could support regeneration in neural disorders (7). In theory, this can help treat Alzheimer’s disease and other similar neurodegenerative conditions.

Curcumin also boosts brain function in individuals with diabetes. It prevents the onset of diabetic neuropathy by enhancing the glucose-lowering effects of insulin (8).

3. May Promote Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease accounts for 31% of the deaths in the world every year (9).  Regular intake of turmeric may help reduce this. The curcumin in turmeric was found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotici  The specific property of a substance or ingredient characterized by the reduction of blood clots. , and cardioprotective effects (10).

Animal studies state that curcumin can prevent heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy (abnormal enlargement of the heart muscle). The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric prevent arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) as well (10).

Curcumin had also treated hypertension in rats (11). The compound lowered total cholesterol and LDL (the bad) cholesterol levels in individuals with acute coronary syndrome (12).

4. May Help Reduce Cancer Risk

Turmeric may have a protective effect against cancers of the colon, oral cavity, and skin (13). Further research is being done to establish this effect.

Lab studies show that curcumin can cut cancer risk and slow down its spread. The compound also makes chemotherapy more effective and protects healthy cells in the process (14).

Curcumin also induces programmed cancer cell death. It achieves this by fighting inflammation and scavenging the reactive oxygen species (15).

Interestingly, curcumin shows similar effects on almost all kinds of cancer cells, including those of the prostate, lungs, and pancreas. It plays a selective role in killing cancer cells and protects the healthy ones (16).

5. May Aid Diabetes Treatment

Turmeric helps in diabetes treatment
Image: Shutterstock

Curcumin may lower blood sugar levels. It may also help treat fatty liver, a common concern associated with diabetes. The compound may also reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathy (17).

Turmeric relieves certain cognitive deficits associated with diabetes. It also treats related inflammation and oxidative stress (18).

Curcumin not only lowers blood glucose levels but also regulates high fat levels in the blood (19).

Turmeric supplementation also showed a better decrease in glycated hemoglobin levels when compared with the ingestion of metformin (a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes) alone (20).

Curcumin also improves the functioning of beta cells. Beta cells make insulin, the hormone that controls blood glucose levels (21).

6. May Fight Inflammatory Arthritis

The curcumin in turmeric reduces inflammation and modifies the responses of the immune system. Curcumin is recognized as a potential candidate for the treatment of joint inflammation and osteoarthritis (22).

Turmeric supplementation was found to be effective in the treatment of arthritis. However, more research must be done to confirm the clinical efficacy of turmeric in this regard (23).

In other studies, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric were found to help treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis (24).

The curcuminoids in turmeric also provide pain relief by helping treat knee pain, including most forms of musculoskeletal pain (25).

7. May Help Treat Depression And Anxiety

Studies show that turmeric can be used to treat individuals with major depressive disorder (26). Another study shows curcumin to be a safe and tolerable treatment for depression. More robust studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further understand its benefits (27).

Curcumin was also found to enhance the effectiveness of antidepressants (28).

8. May Delay Signs Of Aging

As per studies, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin are highly likely to help slow down aging (29).

Curcumin also has antimutagenic properties. It protects the skin from the harmful UV rays and may have anti-aging effects (30).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that turmeric can treat dark spots, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. However, more research is needed to substantiate these effects.

9. May Help With Weight Loss

The curcumin in turmeric may prevent inflammation related to obesity (31). It is believed that turmeric may also boost fat burning, though there is no research to support this.

Turmeric extract could reduce the growth of fat cells in rodent models. It achieves this by suppressing angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Weight gain happens by the expansion of fat tissue. This can be prevented or slowed down by suppressing angiogenesis (32).

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. Since turmeric fights inflammation, it may have potential in treating obesity. The curcumin in turmeric also inhibits the production of adipocytes (cells that store fat) (33).

Curcumin also helps in weight management by preventing weight gain and improving metabolic control when followed by a period of weight loss through proper diet and exercise (34). Therefore, using turmeric for weight loss could be an effective solution.

10. May Enhance Digestive Health

Woman with digestive issues may benefit from turmeric
Image: Shutterstock

Curcumin can treat gastric ulcers due to its antioxidant properties (35).

The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin also help treat esophageal inflammation and gastroesophageal reflux diseasei  A digestive condition where the stomach acid irritates the food pipe lining, causing heartburn and throat issues. (GERD) (36).

Turmeric may also have a role to play in treating ulcerative colitisi  An inflammatory bowel disease that affects the innermost lining of the digestive tract with symptoms like bleeding, pain, and diarrhea. , and may also aid in digestion, though more large studies are needed to further understand the mechanism (37). It can help treat other digestive diseases too, including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, liver disease, and diarrhea (38).

11. May Help Treat Cough And Cold

Consuming powdered turmeric with boiled milk is an effective remedy for cold. This turmeric milk benefit can help you maintain your health and treat cough and other respiratory ailments (39).

Orally administered curcumin reduced cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation in mice. It also improved the health of rats induced with pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung tissue). Curcumin can have a role to play in the treatment of other respiratory infections like asthma and bronchitis (40).

Curcumin can also alleviate asthmatic inflammation. Treatment with the compound had prevented the accumulation of inflammatory cells (41).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may also reduce swelling in the sinus cavities.

Gay Kenney Browne, a blogger, shared her experience of taking turmeric supplements to treat her cold hands and feet. She writes, “Within several months of taking the capsules my cold hands and feet disappeared and so turmeric became part of my daily personal environmental plan (i).”

12. May Help Treat Fibromyalgia

Mice studies show that curcumin can help treat skeletal muscle atrophy (42). Skeletal muscle atrophy could be one of the symptoms of severe fibromyalgiai  A chronic health condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body. .

However, we need more research to understand how turmeric may directly help in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

13. May Promote Liver Health

Research states that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may help in the treatment of some liver ailments (43). More research is needed to further understand the role of turmeric in this aspect.

Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of liver damage. Curcumin can fight oxidative stress. This can potentially prevent liver injury and boost hepatic health (44).

Curcumin may also aid the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in humans (45).

14. May Relieve Symptoms Of Premenstrual Syndrome

The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin modulate neurotransmitters. This can reduce the severity of PMS symptoms like menstrual pain (46).

15. May Help Treat Urinary Tract Infections

Turmeric powder may heal UTIs
Image: Shutterstock

Curcumin was found to treat urinary tract infections in rat studies. The compound’s anti-inflammatory properties could be responsible for this effect (47).

16. May Help Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that causes abdominal pain and diarrhea. Turmeric may play an important role in managing this condition. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate gut microbiota, which may be effective in treating IBS. Further, it appears to be safe and well-tolerated (48).

A study conducted on 207 adults found a significant improvement in symptoms and a favorable shift in self-reported bowel patterns after 8 weeks of treatment with turmeric tablets. Further, the abdominal pain and discomfort reduced significantly by 22% and 25% in the one- and two-tablet groups, respectively (49).

17. May Help Treat Acne

The antibacterial effects of turmeric/curcumin can help treat many skin conditions, including acne (50). Turmeric fights inflammation as well. This could be especially helpful in treating the inflammation and redness associated with acne.

Using a turmeric face mask may help. You need 2 tablespoons of regular flour, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 3 tablespoons of milk, and a few drops of honey. Mix the ingredients until you get a smooth paste. Apply this paste to your face and let it dry for 20 minutes. You can then rinse off in the shower and follow with a moisturizer.

Ensure you do a patch test before applying turmeric to your face as some individuals may react to the spice.

Studies show that combining curcumin with lauric acid can fight acne-causing bacteria (51).

18. May Treat Psoriasis And Eczema

Curcumin can offer therapeutic benefits for skin health (52). The anti-inflammatory properties of the spice may aid the treatment of psoriasis and eczema. Curcumin can help relieve psoriasis when combined with antibiotics (53).

The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin may help treat skin issues like psoriasis and eczema.

Curcumin can also work as a treatment for psoriasis without the side effects of conventional medications (54).

19. May Promote Hair Health

Anecdotal evidence has people using turmeric for promoting hair health, but there are no concrete results recorded.

As turmeric doesn’t usually have any negative effects on hair, you may give it a try. However, check with your doctor beforehand.

In the aforementioned paragraphs, we saw some of the potent compounds in turmeric. The following section discusses the other major nutrients in the spice.

What Is The Nutrition Profile Of Turmeric?

Calorie Information
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Calories 23.9(100 kJ) 1%
From Carbohydrate 16.8(70.3 kJ)
From Fat 5.6(23.4 kJ)
From Protein 1.5(6.3 kJ)
From Alcohol 0.0(0.0 kJ)
Vitamins
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Vitamin A 0.0 IU 0%
Vitamin C 1.7 mg 3%
Vitamin D ~ ~
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) 0.2 mg 1%
Vitamin K 0.9 mcg 1%
Thiamin 0.0 mg 1%
Riboflavin 0.0 mg 1%
Niacin 0.3 mg 2%
Vitamin B6 0.1 mg 6%
Folate 2.6 mcg 1%
Vitamin B12 0.0 mcg 0%
Pantothenic Acid ~ ~
Choline 3.3 mg
Betaine 0.7 mg
Minerals
Amounts Per Selected Serving %DV
Calcium 12.4 mg 1%
Iron 2.8 mg 16%
Magnesium 13.0 mg 3%
Phosphorus 18.1 mg 2%
Potassium 170 mg 5%
Sodium 2.6 mg 0%
Zinc 0.3 mg 2%
Copper 0.0 mg 2%
Manganese 0.5 mg 26%
Selenium 0.3 mcg 0%
Fluoride ~

*Values sourced from USDA, spices, turmeric, ground

Though the spice contains several nutrients, it is important to keep be mindful of the dosage.

How Much Turmeric Can You Take In A Day?

The normal dosage of turmeric could range between a few tablespoons a day. There is less data on this. However, for osteoarthritis, you can take 400 mg to 600 mg of turmeric per day, thrice a day (55).

For treating rheumatoid arthritis, the dosage would be 500 mg, twice a day (55).

Turmeric may take anywhere between four to eight weeks to show results. You can take it as it is, in its powdered form, though that may not always be palatable. There are other ways to use turmeric.

How Can You Use Turmeric?

Woman adding turmeric powder into water
Image: Shutterstock

Adding turmeric to your diet is easy. The following ideas can help:

  • Add a pinch of ground turmeric to roasted vegetables. This makes for a delectable evening snack. The spice goes especially well with roasted potatoes and cauliflowers.
  • Sprinkle some turmeric on your evening green salad. This will up the nutritional value.
  • Add some turmeric to soups, and you are all set for a healthful treat.
  • Turmeric can be a brilliant addition to your morning/evening smoothie.
  • You can make turmeric tea. Simmer turmeric with coconut milk for a comforting beverage. You can also add honey for taste.

protip_icon Fun Fact
Turmeric also works well as a coffee substitute in your lattes as it contains a small amount of caffeic acid.

You can take raw turmeric as it is, but only a pinch. The spice is taken best when added to food preparations.

Turmeric pills/supplements are flooding the market. While they may have certain benefits, it is important to exercise caution as not all brands are reliable. Make sure you check with your doctor or dietitian before opting for these supplements.

Turmeric is usually included in toothpaste, cosmetics, gels and gums, soaps, and face washes. In supplements, it usually is combined with bioperine for enhanced absorption (56).

protip_icon Trivia
Turmeric is a part of many holy rituals in Indian tradition. It is used in weddings (Haldi ceremony) as a cleansing herb to purify the body.

The reason we need to be aware of the ideal dosage is that excess intake of turmeric may not be safe. There have been reports of turmeric causing adverse effects in some individuals. We have covered a few side-effects of turmeric in the following section.

What Possible Side Effects Can Turmeric Cause?

Kidney issues are a side effect of turmeric
Image: Shutterstock
  • Possible Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding (If Taken In Excess)

There is no evidence that intake of turmeric during pregnancy or lactation may cause problems. Turmeric, when taken in food amounts, may be safe. However, there is insufficient information about its safety when taken in excess. Stick to normal food amounts and consult your doctor.

  • May Aggravate Kidney Stones

Turmeric contains 91% oxalate (57). It may cause kidney stones at very high doses. Those with kidney stones or with a history of the condition must avoid turmeric.

  • May Cause Iron Deficiency

Turmeric may prevent iron absorption and cause iron deficiency. Individuals deficient in iron must avoid high doses of turmeric. This effect has been observed with turmeric supplements. More research is needed to understand if ground turmeric may have similar effects (58).

  • May Cause Bleeding Issues

Curcumin has anticoagulant properties (59). It may slow down blood clotting and cause excessive bleeding in susceptible individuals. Avoid turmeric if you have bleeding disorders or a surgery scheduled in less than two weeks.

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Turmeric

Turmeric plays a major role in herbal treatment because of its innumerable benefits for your health, hair, and skin. The bioactive compound called curcumin in it makes it an irreplaceable ingredient in home remedies. You can use turmeric to treat heart issues, diabetes, and acne.

Check out the infographic below for the top 5 benefits of turmeric.

top 5 benefits of turmeric (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Turmeric benefits you in multiple ways. It can help manage Alzheimer’s disease and promote heart, digestive, liver, and hair health. It can reduce the risk of cancer and aid in managing diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, anxiety, and depression. It may also help manage Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis (60) (61).

You can reap the benefits of turmeric by adding it to roasted vegetables, salads, and smoothies. However, overconsumption may cause some undesirable effects. Hence, moderation is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is turmeric different from ginger?

While the most important compound in turmeric is curcumin, ginger contains gingerol. Turmeric is primarily used in curries, while ginger is used in baked foods and beverages.

What medications should you not take with turmeric?

Since turmeric may slow down blood clotting, avoid taking it with medications that have similar purposes. One such medication is warfarin (62). Others can include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, heparin, and dalteparin. Consult your doctor before consuming turmeric if you are on any of these medications.

What is a good substitute for turmeric?

You can substitute turmeric with ginger or cumin to replicate its health benefits in a dish.

How is turmeric powder different from turmeric supplements? Which is better?

Only 3% of the weight of turmeric powder is curcumin. But in the case of supplements, this concentration can be as high as 95%. Hence, if you have any specific ailment, turmeric supplements may have better therapeutic properties. Otherwise, you can include turmeric powder in your diet.

What is turmeric called in other languages?

Turmeric is called haldi in Hindi, la curcuma in Spanish, Safran des Indes in French, açafrão in Portuguese, jiānghuáng in Chinese, and kurkuma in German.

What is the best time to take turmeric in a day?

You can take turmeric after fasting or 3 hours before or after a meal. Some believe taking turmeric this way can increase its absorption.

Is it good to drink turmeric water everyday?

Yes, you can drink turmeric water everyday. The water can treat many intestinal disorders, infections, flu, allergies, and colds. Its antioxidants may boost the body’s immunity (1).

Can I take turmeric on an empty stomach?

Yes, you can take turmeric on an empty stomach. The curcumin it contains may keep existing gastric lesions from aggravating when consumed on an empty stomach (63).

Can I add turmeric to my coffee?

Yes, you may add turmeric to coffee along with milk; this can make a healthy and nutritious drink.

How long does it take for turmeric to work?

With regular intake, one is likely to experience the initial benefits of turmeric within 4-8 weeks. However, this also depends on the individual’s life condition and habits. Consult your doctor for more information in this regard.

Key Takeaways

  • Turmeric fights against cancer-spreading cells and improves the actions of chemotherapy.
  • It reduces weight, anxiety, depression, signs of aging, and urinary tract infections.
  • Turmeric improves the functioning of the heart and liver, enhances bone and skin health, and reduces diabetes.
  • Pregnant women and people with iron deficiency, kidney stones, and bleeding disorders must not consume turmeric because of its curcumin content.

Illustration: Health Benefits Of Turmeric How To Use It & Side Effects

Turmeric Benefits

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Learn the top health benefits of consuming turmeric! Discover how this ancient spice can boost your immunity and improve your overall health. Get health tips and advice on how to incorporate turmeric into your diet in the video below.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

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