turmeric
Is the tuber really a superfood?
Turmeric, pepper and ginger are the main ingredients in golden milk
© Elena Schweitzer / Shutterstock.cm
As the main ingredient in golden milk, turmeric promises lots of healing effects. What can the tuber really do?
For years, turmeric was best known as a popular ingredient in curries. But in the meantime the tuber, which belongs to the ginger family, has, so to speak, conquered its own fan base: whether as golden milk, flavor note in porridge or as a dietary supplement in capsule form. The rootstock of the plant that is processed consists largely of essential oils, sugar, protein and the coloring agent curcumin, which is responsible for the yellow color. Turmeric is a so-called superfood. Does it deserve it too?
Turmeric has these effects
Turmeric has been used as a medicinal plant in Asia and India for thousands of years. Above all, turmeric is considered to be digestive, as the ingredients stimulate the liver to release more bile acids. The tuber also promotes fat digestion. The spice can also relieve bloating and gas. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. There are already studies on this that prove these effects.
Turmeric is also said to have these healing powers
Turmeric is also said to have other powers: It is said to have anti-cancer and antidepressant effects. The properties of promoting cell growth, being antimicrobial and preventing osteoarthritis are also touted. The curcumin is also said to prevent Alzheimer’s. However, these positive effects, because of which turmeric is also traded as a superfood, have not yet been extensively investigated.
Who Should Use Turmeric With Caution?
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) advises not to exceed two milligrams of isolated piperine per day with food supplements, especially when using turmeric in capsule form. Since turmeric primarily promotes digestion, it can also lead to unpleasant reactions such as nausea, diarrhea or heartburn.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women can enjoy turmeric without hesitation, but should keep their hands off turmeric as a dietary supplement, warns the consumer advice center Germany. The same goes for people who suffer from gallstones.