Most Searched Questions About Turmeric Answered
Turmeric is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world given its abundant health benefits. But, for the most part, only a surface has been scratched in terms of understanding the utilization of this superfood and incorporating it in the daily diet.
So here are some of the most searched and frequently asked questions about Turmeric.
What is Turmeric?
The turmeric plant is native to South Asia and belongs to the Ginger family. Turmeric is a staple spice in Indian cooking and Indians have long used turmeric in treating cuts and wounds, reducing pain and swelling, and creating face and body masks.
What does Turmeric consist of?
Depending upon the region where it has grown, a Turmeric Root typically from Indian farms may have the following compositions:
Carbohydrates - 60–70%
Water - 6–13%
Protein - 6–8%
Fat - 5–10%
Dietary Minerals - 3–7%
Essential Oils - 3–7%
Dietary Fiber - 2–7%
Curcuminoids - 1–6%
What is Curcumin? Is Turmeric and Curcumin same?
Curcumin is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in Turmeric.
It is not the same as Turmeric because turmeric is a whole root from the ginger family and Curcumin is one of the key ingredients found in turmeric. It is a chemical element widely known for its proven health benefits.
What are the different ways to take Turmeric?
Indians have long used turmeric in cooking, treating cuts and wounds, reducing pain and swelling, and creating face or body masks.
The best way to take turmeric is make it part of your diet. Consuming Turmeric Milk is one of the most recommended ways for internal healing.
Does cooking/ heating turmeric destroy its benefits?
Unlike the perceptions about raw food being healthy, Turmeric can be used in cooking or boiling recipes and does not loose its benefits upon heating. On the other hand, research proves that the anti-oxidant power of turmeric increases with boiled to a certain degree.
However, prolonged heating of the spice can destroy a substantial percent of Curcumin.
How much Turmeric should I take?
The recommended daily dosage of turmeric for adults depends on two factors:
1. Turmeric for curative care or preventive care - An ideal dosage is recommended for the intake of Turmeric as a natural medicine.
2. Turmeric as a food consumption - We suggest making ground organic turmeric powder, the superfood golden milk OR an energizing cup of turmeric tea a part of your diet.
What are Turmeric supplements?
Turmeric supplements are mainly prepared with an extra percentage of curcumin. The process of making these supplements generally involve curcumin extraction from turmeric and then adding it back to increase curcumin levels in the final product.
However, most of the supplements only focus on supplying curcumin into the body which alone does not have adequate benefits.
For best results, only organic turmeric and its natural extracts must be consumed for overall health benefits.
Are there any side effects of Turmeric?
Taking very high dosage of turmeric can have mild side effects like upset stomach or heartburn. For people prone to bleeding or kidney stones, a daily overdose of turmeric might worsen the condition.
Additionally, any prolonged use of high supplement dosages can cause more severe issues.
Is Turmeric safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Mothers in countries such as India have been taking turmeric throughout their pregnancy and breastfeeding stages as a part of their daily healthy diet. However, an ideal dosage always needs to be consulted with the health practitioner.
Furthermore, it is not advisable to take supplements. In case you have never taken turmeric before, it's best to start after pregnancy in order to avoid upset stomach.
Should I stop taking turmeric after curing?
We would not recommend that. Turmeric is not like other medications that you need to stop taking after the ailment has been treated. It's an immunity booster that can have long-term health benefits when you take it everyday.
Can diabetic people take turmeric?
Yes and No. In most cases, turmeric is known to help in diabetes and even prevent it to some extent. Turmeric as a spice is very safe and millions of people take it everyday.
However, turmeric also has properties that can lower blood sugar levels. So, if you are on diabetic medications which treat hyperglycemia, high intake of turmeric should be avoided as it can lower the glucose levels drastically.
Why should I take black pepper with turmeric?
The combination of turmeric and black pepper has magical health benefits. Black pepper contains Piperine which when combined with Curcumin, increases its bioavailability or absorption powers by 2000%. Hence, black pepper helps our body to utilize nutritional benefits of turmeric better.
