Turmeric

Origin and history

The typical yellow-orange powder of turmeric ( Curcuma longa ), which is used as a spice and coloring agent, is well known to many and is related to ginger. The plant is native to India and Southeast Asia. The rootstock is used to obtain the powder. In addition to its typical, slightly spicy taste and its use as a spice, especially in curries, it is also anchored in Asian folk medicine and traditional rituals. In folk medicine it is used to relieve minor digestive problems such as bloating and flatulence.  

Turmeric contains vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E, minerals such as iron, potassium and manganese, as well as a high concentration of antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body  

Researching the health benefits of turmeric is difficult and no clear health-related statements have been made so far. This is because the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is unstable and breaks down quickly. This means that few tests are possible with the active ingredient. In addition, it is one of the substances that leads to false-positive results in many experiments. This means that many studies are not completely trustworthy and many have already been withdrawn.  

Turmeric is thought to be anti-inflammatory, but this requires further study. There is also the assumption that it can have a positive effect on blood sugar and regulation. Turmeric could be helpful in treating diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and even some types of cancer. In addition, its possible role in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's is being investigated  

However, what currently remains undisputed is that turmeric has a digestive effect. This can alleviate or prevent minor symptoms such as flatulence or a feeling of fullness after eating.  

Possible side effects  

In larger quantities, turmeric could be unhealthy during pregnancy and for people with gallstones. Therefore, turmeric should be avoided in these conditions. People taking blood thinning medications or medications to control diabetes should exercise caution when using turmeric as interactions may occur  

In spice quantities, turmeric is considered a safe food. However, since turmeric is an allergen, even small amounts of it can cause side effects in some people.  

Intake  

To reap the full health benefits of turmeric, it is recommended to use it with black pepper and fat (such as oil or ghee) as this improves the absorption of curcumin  

Which AgilNature® products contain turmeric?  

*Nutrient Reference Value = Percentage of the reference value according to Appendix XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

** No recommendation available.  

Literature:  

1. "Turmeric". National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, US National Institutes of Health. May 2020. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric (accessed on January 19, 2024)  
2. Turmeric - a plant for all occasions? In: Consumer advice center. December 15, 2021. Retrieved on January 19, 2024  
3. Armin Ebrahimzadeh, Fatemeh Abbasi, Anahita Ebrahimzadeh, Aliyu Tijani Jibril, Alireza Milajerdi: Effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. In: Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Volume 61, September 2021, p. 102773.  
4. Armita Mahdavi Gorabi, Mitra Abbasifard, Danyal Imani, Saeed Aslani, Bahman Razi: Effect of curcumin on C‐reactive protein as a biomarker of systemic inflammation: An updated meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. In: Phytotherapy Research. Volume 36, No. 1, January 2022, pp. 85-97.  
5. Pathomwichaiwat, T., Jinatongthai, P., Prommasut, N., Ampornwong, K., Rattanavipanon, W., Nathisuwan, S., & Thakkinstian, A. (2023). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation on glucose metabolism in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome: An umbrella review and updated meta-analysis. PloS one, 18(7), e0288997.  
6. Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017 Oct 22;6(10):92. doi: 10.3390/foods6100092. PMID: 29065496; PMCID: PMC5664031.