{"id":17691,"date":"2020-12-22T09:00:41","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T14:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=17691"},"modified":"2026-02-25T10:54:02","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T15:54:02","slug":"turmeric-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/turmeric-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"14 health benefits of turmeric"},"content":{"rendered":"

Turmeric has popped up seemingly everywhere\u2014as a trendy healthy spice in everyday snacks such as popcorn and crackers and in Instagram-worthy golden milk lattes and soups. But what\u00a0 are the potential health benefits of turmeric, and is it really effective?<\/span><\/p>\n

What is turmeric?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A member of the ginger family, turmeric is a <\/span>plant<\/span> native to Southeast Asia that\u2019s commonly found in India, where it has a long history of use for upper respiratory tract conditions, skin disorders, joint health, and digestive health. The root of the turmeric plant is the part that\u2019s used for its medicinal properties. It is dried and made into a paste or capsules.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Curcumin, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, is a major component of turmeric and gives the supplement its yellow color. Today, turmeric root is a widely available dietary supplement that\u2019s touted for a range of uses including allergies, digestive issues, respiratory infections, liver disease, depression, and other chronic conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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14 health benefits of turmeric<\/span><\/h2>\n

Turmeric isn\u2019t a new trend: Its medicinal use dates back to approximately 1700 BC, according to<\/span> Anna Cabeca<\/span><\/a>, MD, triple-board certified OB-GYN and holistic lifestyle author. Although some health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) are more studied than others, the spice is thought to reduce inflammation and fight certain cancer cells. Keep reading to find out which turmeric benefits could be helpful to you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. It\u2019s an anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/h3>\n

Use of turmeric as an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic dates back centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and in Eastern Asian medicine. Turmeric not only reduces existing inflammation but can stop your body from producing the chemicals that initiate inflammation in the first place, similar to the way over-the-counter pain medications work, says Dr. Cabeca.<\/span><\/p>\n

The body’s inflammatory response is designed to protect us from harm and keep us safe, but that response sometimes goes into overdrive, explains<\/span> Carrie Lam<\/span><\/a>, MD, the medical director at Lam Clinic. Turmeric\u2019s main active ingredient, curcumin, interacts with many molecules responsible for inflammation to reduce excess or chronic inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Early research indicates that curcumin has the potential to relieve inflammatory conditions, such as stomach ailments, arthritis, and pancreatitis, adds Dr. Lam. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. It aids in digestion<\/span><\/h3>\n

Turmeric’s health benefits are known to be <\/span>supportive<\/span><\/a> of digestion, says Dr. Cabeca. The compound is especially beneficial in helping with digestive disorders such as gas, bloating, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>20 home remedies for constipation<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

3. It has anticancer properties<\/span><\/h3>\n

Some studies show that turmeric has anti-cancerous properties, specifically for breast, bowel, stomach, and skin cancer cells, according to Dr. Cabeca. <\/span>Laboratory research<\/span><\/a> in this area is limited; however, it does not replace your regular cancer treatment. Routine screening tests, such as mammograms, Paps, and colonoscopies are strongly suggested as ingestion of herbal supplements will most certainly not make a cancer go away.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. It helps control blood sugar levels<\/span><\/h3>\n

Curcumin, the highly active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to help<\/span> lower blood sugar<\/span><\/a>, potentially helping treat or prevent <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>. More research is needed on human subjects, but turmeric may be useful in helping prevent prediabetes from developing into diabetes. Maintaining a healthy BMI (20-25), moderate exercise 30 minutes most days of the week, and avoiding carbohydrates are proven methods to help prevent diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. It improves heart health<\/span><\/h3>\n

Turmeric has been <\/span>shown<\/span><\/a> to help improve cholesterol and high blood pressure, two conditions that often go hand-in-hand. By lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, turmeric has the potential to improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease or even heart attacks. Those taking blood-pressure medications should consult a doctor before beginning a turmeric regimen to discuss the risk of bleeding. Continue to monitor cholesterol with blood work and blood pressure by frequent readings.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. It has antioxidant properties<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cAnti-inflammatory foods like turmeric can reduce circulating levels of free radicals in the body,\u201d says<\/span> Andrea Paul<\/span><\/a>, MD, medical advisor of Illuminate Labs.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. It aids in virus protection<\/span><\/h3>\n

At low doses, curcumin has the ability to enhance antibody responses, helping the body mount a response to viruses. \u201cAs an immune system enhancer, curcumin shows significant promise,\u201d says Dr. Lam. Early research indicates that curcumin may even help alleviate some<\/span> symptoms of COVID<\/span><\/a>-19, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. It may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease<\/span><\/h3>\n

Native to southeast Asia and India, turmeric may help <\/span>prevent Alzheimer\u2019s<\/span><\/a> or help slow its progression. India has a relatively low rate of occurrence of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, something that may be connected to Indian citizens\u2019 average daily intake of<\/span> 125 mg curcumin<\/span> per day. Further, turmeric may act as a<\/span>\u00a0neuroprotective<\/span><\/a> in treating Alzheimer\u2019s. Confounding this decrease in Alzheimer\u2019s disease is their radically different diet\u2014with less processed foods and meat intake.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. It eases symptoms of arthritis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Turmeric\u2019s anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated to help with rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and osteoarthritis. While more clinical trials are needed to determine the specific efficacy of curcumin supplements on arthritis, initial studies indicate turmeric may provide<\/span> similar results<\/span><\/a> to NSAID therapies for arthritis.<\/span> For example, a <\/span>meta-analysis<\/span><\/a> found evidence that using turmeric extract in addition to conventional therapy is an effective treatment option.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Arthritis treatments and medications<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

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