Turmeric extract, derived from the turmeric plant, has been used for centuries in Indian and Asian cultures for its medicinal properties. It contains curcuminoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s. However, it can also pose risks and should be used with caution, especially by pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions.
Turmeric extract is a dietary supplement that comes from the rhizome of the turmeric plant, which is a member of the ginger family. It can come in powdered form, which differs from ground spices found in supermarkets due to its higher potency, or in liquid form. Turmeric extract has a long history of use as a medicine in India and other Asian cultures. Studies and trials conducted in the West at the turn of the 21st century suggested that the extract may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Although turmeric only came to the attention of the Western world in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it has been a part of Indian culture for thousands of years. Many people living in India consume turmeric on a daily basis, not as a supplement but as a flavoring in their meals. Turmeric also plays a key role in Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient system of medicine, as a supplement used to treat muscle pain and arthritis. The plant has also been used for many years in China to treat chest pain and skin disorders. While turmeric extract is consumed in India, it is applied topically in China.
The health benefits of turmeric extract may be due to the presence of curcuminoids, fat-soluble pigments found in the plant that make it a bright yellow color. The main curcuminoid in turmeric is curcumin, which can help fight cancer and inflammation. The curcumin found in turmeric extract may also help prevent plaque buildup in the brain, which can potentially slow the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Taken with other supplements intended to lower cholesterol, such as fish oil or garlic, turmeric extract may help lower bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol. It can also lower blood pressure and blood sugar.
Although turmeric extract may have some health benefits, it may also pose some risks. Some people may be allergic to the plant, particularly people who are allergic to ginger root. If a person takes too much turmeric at one time, they may experience gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and nausea. It can also cause uterine contractions in pregnant women and increase bleeding in people, so it should not be taken before surgery. Additionally, a person who has a condition such as diabetes or arthritis who is considering using turmeric extract should first speak with their doctor to ensure that the supplement is safe to use with their current medication.
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