6 Reasons Why Turmeric is Good for High Blood Pressure
What is a good diet for high blood pressure?
If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you might be worried about taking medication to bring your numbers down.
Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you might avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.
Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.
1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline
Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Being overweight also can cause disrupted breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea), which further raises your blood pressure.
Weight loss is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for controlling blood pressure. Losing even a small amount of weight if you're overweight or obese can help reduce your blood pressure. In general, you may reduce your blood pressure by about 1 millimeter of mercury (mm Hg) with each kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of weight you lose.
Besides shedding pounds, you generally should also keep an eye on your waistline. Carrying too much weight around your waist can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure.
In general:
Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters).
Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (89 centimeters).
These numbers vary among ethnic groups. Ask your doctor about a healthy waist measurement for you.
2. Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity — such as 150 minutes a week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure by about 5 to 8 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. It's important to be consistent because if you stop exercising, your blood pressure can rise again.
If you have elevated blood pressure, exercise can help you avoid developing hypertension. If you already have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring your blood pressure down to safer levels.
Some examples of aerobic exercise you may try to lower blood pressure include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing. You can also try high-intensity interval training, which involves alternating short bursts of intense activity with subsequent recovery periods of lighter activity. Strength training also can help reduce blood pressure. Aim to include strength training exercises at least two days a week. Talk to your doctor about developing an exercise program.
3. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. This eating plan is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
It isn't easy to change your eating habits, but with these tips, you can adopt a healthy diet:
Keep a food diary. Writing down what you eat, even for just a week, can shed surprising light on your true eating habits. Monitor what you eat, how much, when and why.
Consider boosting potassium. Potassium can lessen the effects of sodium on blood pressure. The best source of potassium is food, such as fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements. Talk to your doctor about the potassium level that's best for you.
Be a smart shopper. Read food labels when you shop and stick to your healthy-eating plan when you're dining out, too.
4. Reduce sodium in your diet
Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can improve your heart health and reduce blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure.
The effect of sodium intake on blood pressure varies among groups of people. In general, limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less. However, a lower sodium intake — 1,500 mg a day or less — is ideal for most adults.
To decrease sodium in your diet, consider these tips:
How To Lower Blood Pressure With Turmeric
Read food labels. If possible, choose low-sodium alternatives of the foods and beverages you normally buy.
Eat fewer processed foods. Only a small amount of sodium occurs naturally in foods. Most sodium is added during processing.
Don't add salt. Just 1 level teaspoon of salt has 2,300 mg of sodium. Use herbs or spices to add flavor to your food.
Ease into it. If you don't feel you can drastically reduce the sodium in your diet suddenly, cut back gradually. Your palate will adjust over time.
5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. By drinking alcohol only in moderation — generally one drink a day for women, or two a day for men — you can potentially lower your blood pressure by about 4 mm Hg. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol.
Drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.
6. Quit smoking
Each cigarette you smoke increases your blood pressure for many minutes after you finish. Stopping smoking helps your blood pressure return to normal. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health. People who quit smoking may live longer than people who never quit smoking.
7. Cut back on caffeine
The role caffeine plays in blood pressure is still debated. Caffeine can raise blood pressure up to 10 mm Hg in people who rarely consume it. But people who drink coffee regularly may experience little or no effect on their blood pressure.
Although the long-term effects of caffeine on blood pressure aren't clear, it's possible blood pressure may slightly increase.
To see if caffeine raises your blood pressure, check your pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a caffeinated beverage. If your blood pressure increases by 5 to 10 mm Hg, you may be sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of caffeine. Talk to your doctor about the effects of caffeine on your blood pressure.
8. Reduce your stress
Chronic stress may contribute to high blood pressure. More research is needed to determine the effects of chronic stress on blood pressure. Occasional stress also can contribute to high blood pressure if you react to stress by eating unhealthy food, drinking alcohol or smoking.
Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness. Once you know what's causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or reduce stress.
If you can't eliminate all of your stressors, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way. Try to:
Change your expectations. For example, plan your day and focus on your priorities. Avoid trying to do too much and learn to say no. Understand there are some things you can't change or control, but you can focus on how you react to them.
Focus on issues you can control and make plans to solve them. If you are having an issue at work, try talking to your manager. If you are having a conflict with your kids or spouse, take steps to resolve it.
Avoid stress triggers. Try to avoid triggers when you can. For example, if rush-hour traffic on the way to work causes stress, try leaving earlier in the morning, or take public transportation. Avoid people who cause you stress if possible.
Make time to relax and to do activities you enjoy. Take time each day to sit quietly and breathe deeply. Make time for enjoyable activities or hobbies in your schedule, such as taking a walk, cooking or volunteering.
Practice gratitude. Expressing gratitude to others can help reduce your stress.
9. Monitor your blood pressure at home and see your doctor regularly
Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure, make certain your lifestyle changes are working, and alert you and your doctor to potential health complications. Blood pressure monitors are available widely and without a prescription. Talk to your doctor about home monitoring before you get started.
Regular visits with your doctor are also key to controlling your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is well-controlled, check with your doctor about how often you need to check it. Your doctor may suggest checking it daily or less often. If you're making any changes in your medications or other treatments, your doctor may recommend you check your blood pressure starting two weeks after treatment changes and a week before your next appointment.
How To Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
10. Get support
Supportive family and friends can help improve your health. They may encourage you to take care of yourself, drive you to the doctor's office or embark on an exercise program with you to keep your blood pressure low.
If you find you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group. This may put you in touch with people who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who can offer practical tips to cope with your condition.
Does walking lower blood pressure immediately?
Need to drop your blood pressure by up to 20 points? One of the best ways to accomplish this feat is by returning to your ideal body weight. You can calculate it by determining your body mass index (use the BMI calculator at the bottom of the page).
To help reach your weight goal, and to help lower your blood pressure in the meantime, consider these six exercises/activities, says Wesley Tyree, MD, a cardiologist and independent member of the HonorHealth medical staff:
1. Ten minutes of brisk or moderate walking three times a day
Exercise lowers blood pressure by reducing blood vessel stiffness so blood can flow more easily. The effects of exercise are most noticeable during and immediately after a workout. Lowered blood pressure can be most significant right after you work out.
So, health professionals theorize, the ideal way to combat high blood pressure might be to break up your workout into several sessions throughout the day. In fact, one study found that three 10-minute walks a day more effectively prevented future blood pressure spikes than one 30-minute trek per day.
2. Thirty minutes a day of biking or stationary cycling, or three 10-minute blocks of cycling
The same reasoning applies here as it does for walking.
3. Hiking
The muscle power needed to climb a road on an incline, a hill or a mountain can help you achieve a greater level of fitness. Physical activity such as hiking can lower blood pressure up to 10 points.
4. Desk treadmilling or pedal pushing
Blood pressure readings were even more optimal in a study when participants ambled along at a slow 1-mile-per-hour pace at desk-based treadmills for at least 10 minutes every hour, or pedaled stationary bikes under a desk for at least 10 minutes every hour.
5. Weight training
Although it sounds counterintuitive, weight training or lifting can reduce blood pressure. Strength training actually raises blood pressure levels temporarily, but can help overall fitness, which will improve blood pressure levels as well.
6. Swimming
This form of exercise can be beneficial in controlling blood pressure in adults 60 and older, another study found. Over a period of 12 weeks, swimmer-participants gradually worked their way up to 45 minutes of continuous swimming at a time. By the end of the study, the swimmers had reduced their systolic blood pressure by an average of nine points.
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"The benefits of exercise are not realized if the exercise is not sustained," Dr. Tyree said, "so the 'use it or lose it' theory is true. You can lose gains after stopping exercise for two weeks. Moderate exercise for 150 minutes per week or vigorous exercise for 75 minutes per week is the standard recommendation."
Does masturbation lower blood pressure?
There are many positive benefits of male masturbation such as reducing stress, helping infertile couples have a child through sperm donation and stimulating the immune system. Learn more about the 8 benefits of male masturbation:
Masturbation benefits your immune system (Human Reproduction, Vol 12, 2200-2207, Copyright 1997 by Oxford University Press)
Keeps you in good health. Recent research study suggests masturbation may decrease incidence of prostate cancer. (Leitzmann MF, Platz EA, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Giovannucci E. Ejaculation frequency and subsequent risk of prostate cancer. JAMA. 2004 Apr 7:291 (13): 1578-86.)
Release tension and stress. Masturbation can lower blood pressure in stressful situations. One out of five Americans has an anger management problem. There haven’t been any studies on this particular argument, but nobody disputes the relaxing affect of masturbation.
Masturbation releases sexual tension without any performance anxiety. There is also no need for a condom and embarrassing drug store checkouts.
It fights depression. Masturbation releases the mood –enhancing substances serotonin and dopamine. No more need for Prozac! (F.C. Denison, V.E. Grant, A.A. Calder, and R. W. Kelly Seminal plasma components stimulate interleukin-8 and interleukin-10 release. Mol Hum. Reprod., March 1, 1999; 5(3): 220-226)
Earn some extra income with it! Make money as a sperm donor at a local sperm bank. Donate sperm and see how much you could make.
Give the gift of life. Sperm donation can help couples struggling with infertility start a family with your help. See how happy you can make other families.
The ultimate practice of safe sex! No chance of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. There won’t be any next morning calls or child support requests.
Should I lie down if my blood pressure is high?
If you are one of the 75 million Americans with high blood pressure, you have probably already made efforts to lower your numbers with lifestyle changes. But what you may not know is that changing the way you sleep may help bring down those numbers, too. Not only does the length and quality of your sleep make an impact on your blood pressure, but the position you sleep in can make a big difference, too. Find out how changing your sleeping habits and position can help you lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health.
What is the connection between sleep and high blood pressure?
Sleep is the body’s natural way to process (and eliminate) stress hormones known to raise blood pressure. Without enough restful sleep, the hormone levels remain high which leads to inflammation. This, in turn, can cause your blood vessels to narrow and lead to high blood pressure. Most adults require 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep each night. If you are in the habit of skimping on sleep just to get through the week, it may be impacting your blood pressure. Make room for sleep in your daily schedule and avoid the temptation to think you can catch up later when life is less hectic. Making sleep a priority will reduce stress, improve your health and make you better able to tackle daily tasks.
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What are the best sleeping positions for high blood pressure?
Not everyone agrees on the best sleeping positions for high blood pressure, but sleep specialist, and medical director of the Martha Jefferson Hospital Sleep Medicine Center, W. Christopher Winter, says that sleeping on the left side is the best sleeping position for high blood pressure because it relieves pressure on blood vessels that return blood to the heart. These vessels are located on the right side of the body and may become compressed slowing your circulation if you sleep on your right side. Sleeping on your left side is important for pregnant women concerned with high blood pressure. Because the growing baby presses against internal organs and may cause circulation issues, sleeping on the left side will help with circulation and may prevent high blood pressure.
According to research conducted by Yasuharu Tabara and his colleagues from the Ehime University School of Medicine in Ehime, Japan, sleeping face down may be the key to lowering blood pressure while you sleep. Results of their study indicated that blood pressure may drop more than 15 points when you change from sleeping face up to face down.
Other Considerations
If you have difficulty sleeping face down or on your left side due to pain or other health conditions, talk to your doctor about your options. He can advise you whether sleeping in another position and getting a good night’s sleep outweighs the risks of restless sleep while trying to sleep in the best sleeping positions for high blood pressure.
Background and aim: Hypertension is a chronic condition that can lead to several health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction, stroke, retinopathy and renal failure. In the present study, a systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken with the main aim of estimating the quantitative effect of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on blood pressure (BP).
Methods: A systematic search was undertaken in Medline, Embase, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane library up to May 2019 to identify randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of curcumin/turmeric on systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). A random-effects model was used to analyze the impact of combined trials. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was applied to assess potential risks of bias.
Results: A total of 11 studies comprising 734 participants were eligible and included in the meta-analysis to estimate pooled effect size. Results of the meta-analysis did not indicate any significant effect of curcumin/turmeric on SBP (-0.69 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.01, 0.64; I2 = 18%) and DBP (0.28 mmHg; 95% CI: -1.12, 1.68; I2 = 53%). However, subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction only in SBP levels (-1.24 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.26, -0.22; I2 = 0%) but not DBP (0.29 mmHg; 95% CI: -0.65, 1.22; I2 = 1%) in studies with ≥12-week supplementation. No favorable effect of curcumin administration on SBP or DBP levels was found after stratification according to either participant's condition or type of intervention (turmeric, crude curcumin and high-absorption curcumin).
Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that consuming curcumin/turmeric may improve SBP when administered in long durations. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results.
Keywords: Blood pressure; Curcumin; Hypertension; Meta-analysis; Turmeric.
Turmeric is a flowering plant in the ginger family. Its scientific name is Curcuma longa.
People have used the herbal spice known as turmeric for thousands of years to make tea from the plant’s rhizome stems, or its underground root system.
This same type of turmeric is also used in cooking, for health purposes, in spiritual practices, and more.
It’s also commonly used in the ancient Indian health system Ayurveda. Thus, you might see turmeric tea called by one of its traditional Indian names, such as haldi or manjal (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
This article explores a few of the reasons why people now appreciate turmeric tea so widely. It also includes a list of 7 specific benefits of turmeric tea and instructions on how to make your own.
Treasures & Travels/Stocksy
What is turmeric tea?
Turmeric tea is made by steeping fresh or dried turmeric in water. It is yellow, orange, or golden in color and has an earthy flavor profile with a spicy kick that people often describe as bitter yet sweet.
The flavor is reminiscent of ginger root — which is understandable, since turmeric and ginger root are both in the Zingiberaceae family of plants (1Trusted Source).
Turmeric tea is easy to make at home, and packaged turmeric tea bags are usually pretty easy to find at grocery stores and specialty tea shops. It often makes appearances on coffee shop and cafe menus too.
How To Make Turmeric Tea + Why It's So Beneficial For Our Health || HEALTH HACK
SUMMARY
You can make turmeric tea by steeping fresh or dried turmeric root in hot or cold water. The herbal tea with South Asian roots is golden in color, earthy in flavor, and now popular around the world.
Notable benefits of turmeric tea
People have used turmeric in traditional medicine practices to treat various conditions for hundreds of years. However, scientists weren’t exactly sure why until they discovered a group of polyphenol antioxidants in turmeric called curcuminoids (1Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
Researchers believe the most potent of those components is curcumin.
Studies in humans have shown that curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).
However, most studies that have investigated the effects of turmeric and curcumin have used high dose supplements, not turmeric tea.
There’s currently no evidence that turmeric tea has the same effect as turmeric supplements. Results from studies on turmeric and curcumin supplements can’t be applied to turmeric tea.
What’s more, the body doesn’t absorb curcumin from turmeric very well, so the amount you consume from turmeric tea is likely quite a bit less than the amount researchers use in laboratory studies investigating concentrated turmeric supplements (2Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).
Still, turmeric tea is a nutritious, delicious beverage. And researchers are continuing to investigate exactly how to harness curcumin’s potent health properties (12Trusted Source).
Turmeric tea likely won’t cure any major issues for the time being, but its benefits could certainly support health (13Trusted Source).
Here are 7 potential benefits of turmeric tea.
1. Good source of some nutrients
Curcumin steals the show in most discussions of turmeric’s health features. But it’s not the only nutrient present in turmeric or turmeric tea.
One teaspoon (3 grams) of dried turmeric — an amount you might use to make a cup or two of turmeric tea — also contains (14Trusted Source):
Manganese: 26% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron: 9% of the DV
Copper: 4% of the DV
2. Contains bioactive compounds
Bioactive compounds are nutrients that promote health in humans. These include common vitamins and minerals, as well as lesser known compounds such as polyphenols and volatile oils.
Lower Your Blood Pressure with Herbal Teas
Curcuminoids such as curcumin are the largest group of bioactive compounds found in turmeric tea, although it contains hundreds of others, including many volatile essential oils and multiple types of antioxidants (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source, 17, 18Trusted Source).
3. Naturally low in calories
Without any additional milk or sweeteners, such as honey, 1 cup (237 mL) of turmeric tea likely contains somewhere between 10 and 30 calories, depending on how much turmeric you use and the type.
Thus, if you’re looking for ways to reduce calories in your diet, turmeric tea would be a great replacement for high calorie beverages such as soft drinks, juices, and alcohol.
4. A great bedtime tea
Plain turmeric tea doesn’t contain any caffeine. Therefore, it’s a great tea to have in the late afternoon or evening without disrupting your sleep cycle.
Plus, it pairs well with other non-caffeinated teas such as chamomile.
However, turmeric tea is often used in blends with other types of green or black tea, both of which are caffeinated. If you want to enjoy turmeric tea without the jolt of caffeine, be sure to find a tea that is caffeine-free.
5. Might promote heart health
Turmeric and curcumin may help keep your heart functioning properly in more ways than one.
Studies suggest that turmeric and curcumin supplements may lower blood pressure and levels of fat in the blood — both of which can be risk factors for heart disease when they exceed normal levels.
For example, one study found that taking turmeric for 12 weeks or longer significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, the first number in a blood pressure reading. This number represents how much pressure is placed on the arteries each time your heart beats (19Trusted Source).
A separate study observed that turmeric and curcumin supplements reduced some blood fat levels, including LDL (bad) cholesterol and total triglycerides (20Trusted Source).
Though turmeric tea may not contain as much concentrated curcumin as the supplements in these studies, these results suggest that turmeric tea could still make a good addition to a heart-healthy diet.
6. Could boost your mood
Scientists are also exploring how curcumin may be related to depression and mood disorders (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).
One or even a few cups of turmeric tea won’t contain nearly the same amount of concentrated curcumin that participants consumed in these studies, but it’s possible turmeric tea might still have some effect on mood.
For many people around the world, a hot cup of tea is a warm, calming, and soothing ritual in its own right. For some, this alone might have mood-boosting effects.
You can enjoy a cup of turmeric tea any time of day — have a cup to start the day, enjoy one after lunch, or sip one before bed.
HOW TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE WITHOUT MEDICATION: 10 Ways To Treat High Blood Pressure Naturally.
7. Works as a natural, plant-based dye
Turmeric is well known for its bright yellowish-orange color, which comes from the curcuminoids it contains (1Trusted Source).
In fact, turmeric’s color pigments are extremely powerful, which means they can easily stain many materials, such as teeth, clothes, and countertops.
In some situations, that might be exactly what you’re looking for. Turmeric tea — or simply turmeric infused in water — can be used to dye many different things, such as fabric and even eggs, without relying on any harsh chemicals or additives.
SUMMARY
Turmeric tea is low in calories, caffeine-free (so it’s a great tea for the evening hours), and rich in nutrients such as manganese and iron. Its bioactive compound curcumin has been linked with several potential health benefits.
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Types of turmeric tea
Turmeric tea has a unique flavor that some people call earthy or sharp. It’s delicious all on its own but is also commonly paired with other spices and flavors.
Turmeric tea pairs well with these spices:
ginger
cinnamon
nutmeg
anise
basil
cardamom
You might also want to try mixing it with another beverage, such as:
dairy or plant-based milk
green tea
orange juice
pineapple juice
And you might enjoy adding flavorings like these:
lemon
lime
honey
maple syrup
coconut
vanilla
black pepper
Black pepper might sound like an odd pairing for tea, but when it comes to turmeric tea, it’s not as far-fetched as you might think.
Black pepper not only adds depth to turmeric’s spicy punch but also contains a nutrient called piperine that helps your body absorb significantly more curcumin from turmeric. Remember, your body doesn’t absorb curcumin very well, so this can help (10Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).
What’s more, curcumin is a fat-soluble nutrient, so pairing turmeric with fats like coconut oil or milk — such as in popular golden milk turmeric tea recipes — might also help you absorb more of the nutrient (25Trusted Source).
How to Lower High Blood Pressure Immediately | High BP Remedy
SUMMARY
Turmeric tea is tasty and has health-promoting features all on its own, but you can certainly spice it up even more with herbs, spices, and ingredients that add both flavor and nutrition.
How to make turmeric tea: 3 ways
Turmeric tea is very easy to make at home with fresh or dried turmeric and just a few tools. Here are 3 ways to make it.
1. Fresh turmeric tea
To make turmeric tea using fresh, whole turmeric:
Cut a 1-inch (2.5-cm) piece of fresh turmeric into small slices.
Combine turmeric with 1 cup (237 mL) water.
Bring water and turmeric to a boil.
Let sit for 3–5 minutes.
Strain turmeric pieces out of liquid.
2. Dried, ground turmeric tea
To make turmeric tea using dried, ground turmeric (14Trusted Source):
Using a whisk or similar tool, combine 1/2 tsp (1.5 grams) ground turmeric with 1 cup (237 mL) water.
Bring water and turmeric to a boil.
Let sit for 3–5 minutes.
Stir well to make sure turmeric is well blended.
3. Cold-brewed turmeric tea
To make cold-brewed turmeric tea:
Place 4 tbsp. (37.6 grams) dried turmeric tea, or a 4-inch (10-cm) piece of fresh turmeric cut into 1/2-inch (1-cm) cubes, in 4 cups (946 mL) water.
Let sit in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Strain tea using cheesecloth or a wire mesh sieve.
With any of these base recipes, you can easily add honey to sweeten the tea to your taste or include other ingredients as you like.
SUMMARY
You can make turmeric tea at home with just two ingredients and a couple of minutes. Fresh turmeric root is commonly used to make tea, but you can use dried turmeric pieces or ground turmeric instead.
Who should drink it?
In general, turmeric tea is considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation.
That said, a few groups of people should use caution with turmeric tea or, in some cases, even avoid it completely.
It’s currently unclear whether turmeric is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people in amounts greater than those commonly found in food. Thus, it’s best to keep your turmeric intake to moderate amounts if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (13Trusted Source).
Some people have been known to experience allergic reactions to curcumin. If you notice any type of skin irritation after handling or consuming turmeric, check with a healthcare professional before drinking turmeric tea (26Trusted Source).
If you’re taking any medications, it’s best to check with your doctor before drinking turmeric tea. Curcumin might interact with some medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, antibiotics, and cancer drugs (27Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Turmeric tea is safe for most people in moderate amounts, but avoid it if you experiencing allergy symptoms after handling or consuming turmeric. If you’re pregnant or taking medications, consult a healthcare professional before drinking it.
The pressures of high blood pressure
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a unique and healthy drink to add to your day, turmeric tea might be right for you.
Many people find that drinking turmeric tea is a lovely ritual. Plus, the tea is low in calories, is caffeine-free, and shows great potential for health benefits in laboratory settings, although more research is needed.
It’s also super easy to make at home and a blank canvas for your culinary imagination, since you can add many different ingredients.
Give turmeric tea a try and see what you think.
Turmeric is one of the most used spices in Asian cuisine. This yellow spice has been hailed for its healing properties for centuries. A turmeric latte is touted for its myriad health benefits. Turmeric contains several anti-inflammatory compounds collectively called curcuminoids. It is used as a natural remedy for several conditions, including aches and pains, fever, arthritis, itching and managing high cholesterol. Turmeric, however, may do more harm than good if a person has certain health conditions or is taking certain medications. This is specifically true if turmeric is taken as a supplement in a tablet or lozenge form (which has a higher concentration of curcuminoids). Hence, consult a doctor before trying any herbal or natural products including turmeric.
If taking any blood pressure medicines, ask the doctor to know if turmeric can be taken as well. The turmeric may cause the levels of some blood pressure medications to spike. This is because turmeric lowers the activity of an enzyme system called P450 3A4 or CYP3A4 in the liver. This, in turn, increases the effects and side effects of blood pressure medications, such as
Calcium channel blockers (including diltiazem, nicardipine and verapamil)
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (such as losartan)
Furthermore, cells have certain pumps (called P glycoprotein pumps) that transport some blood pressure medications (such as diltiazem and verapamil). Turmeric retards this movement of the drug inside the cell, which leads to an increased blood concentration of the drug. This may increase the risk of the side effects of the medication.
Doctor gives 4 drinks to lower Blood Pressure
Can any other health supplements interfere with the blood pressure medications?
Several medications with varying mechanisms of action are available to manage blood pressure. While on any of these medications, a doctor’s approval is a must before taking any natural remedies or supplements along with them. Some of the other herbal supplements that may be dangerous along with medications for high blood pressure are:
Ginseng: This ancient herb is popular for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Certain studies have suggested that ginseng may cause changes in blood pressure as well (raise or lower it). Hence, avoid the herb if there are blood pressure concerns or if taking medications for high blood pressure.
Bitter orange: It is native to Asia and is popular for its alleged role in promoting weight loss and improving athletic performance although no evidence exists to support either. This supplement has been banned by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) due to its role in increasing the heart rate and blood pressure and the potential to cause cardiovascular side effects, such as heart attack and stroke.
Ephedra: This is another alleged weight-loss supplement that has been banned in the United States. It has several safety concerns, such as raising the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, seizures and heart attack.
Ma-huang: It is a Chinese supplement that contains ephedra and has similar safety concerns, such as a higher risk of high blood pressure, stroke, seizures and heart attack.
St. John's wort: It is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries for managing mental health conditions, including depression. It increases metabolism. This may cause a faster metabolism of blood pressure medications, thereby decreasing their therapeutic effect. This may increase blood pressure.
Yohimbine: It is a supplement derived from an African evergreen tree. It has been used in the past for treating erectile dysfunction. It has several safety concerns, including the ability to raise blood pressure. Thus, it may counter the effect of blood pressure medications.
High blood pressure is one of the leading ailments that people in India deal with. High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition which can contribute to various heart ailments like heart attack, stroke and even kidney ailments. These are the reasons why it is extremely important to keep a check on your blood pressure and make sure that it is at normal levels. Exercising and diet are two important factors that determine blood pressure. And as it turns out, turmeric is that wonder spice which has surprising benefits in regulating blood pressure.
Not only is the golden spice of turmeric immensely valued as part of Ayurveda, it is also known for its numerous medicinal properties. It is a spice which is included in almost all Indian dishes and cuisines.
turmeric is good for health
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This World Hypertension Day, learn all about the benefits of turmeric for high blood pressure
1. Curcumin helps in lowering blood pressure
Turmeric is popular for its antioxidant curcumin which helps in lowering blood pressure. Its antioxidant properties are the responsible for regulating blood pressure in the body. Curcumin also protects against vascular dysfunction in the body.
Also read: Use Turmeric To Improve Your Memory And Mood
2. Turmeric prevents arterial damage
Apart from regulating blood pressure, turmeric also helps in taking care of the damage caused by high blood pressure. As mentioned above, high blood pressure in the body can lead to various heart ailments. A common reason behind heart ailments is accumulation of plaque in arteries. Plaque narrows arteries and slows blood flow to heart, brain and various other body parts.
Having high blood pressure in this case, causes further damage to tissues in arteries. LDL (or bad) cholesterol begins to deposit in arteries in the form of plaque in the walls of arteries. Curcumin in turmeric can help in preventing further damage caused to arteries because of high blood pressure.
turmeric has various health benefits
3. Turmeric helps in regulating high blood sugar and high cholesterol
Apart from regulating blood pressure, turmeric can significantly help in reducing cholesterol levels in the body and keeping blood sugar levels under control. Both these conditions are reasons for heart ailments. Antioxidant properties of curcumin help in dealing with these conditions effectively.
Also read: Is Turmeric More Effective Than Popular Painkillers? Our Expert Explains
4. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties help in lowering blood pressure
The anti-inflammatory property of turmeric is another reason which contributes to the popularity of the spice. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties which help in keeping hypertension at bay. Inflammation in the body is risky because it can contribute to stiffness in heart's arteries - which in turn may raise blood pressure. Consuming turmeric regularly can help in keeping blood pressure under control.
5. Platelet changes caused by high blood pressure are prevented by turmeric
High blood pressure can causes changes in the platelet count in the blood. Constantly changing blood pressure can make platelets go hyperactive. This leads to creation of clots in arteries - which can block supply of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. But studies claim that turmeric can prevent changes in platelet activity caused by high blood pressure.
white turmeric
6. Turmeric inhibits ACE enzyme
Angiotensin-converting enzyme can be inhibited by turmeric. This enzyme can narrow down your blood vessels. Inhibition of ACE by turmeric can help in relaxing blood vessels, thereby regulating blood pressure. It is interesting, however, that many medications for blood pressure work through the same mechanism.
Also read: 5 Proven Health Benefits Of Having Turmeric And Black Pepper Together
Things to keep in mind when consuming turmeric for high blood pressure
Consuming turmeric in excessive amounts must be avoided. It can lead to an upset stomach or ulcers in an even worse case scenario. People who have gallstones or are suffering from any obstruction in their bile passage must consume turmeric in limited amounts and consume it only under the supervision of their doctor.
Since turmeric can lower blood sugar levels in the body, it can lead to low blood sugar in case of people suffering from diabetes - who are also taking medications to deal with the condition.
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Turmeric can cause thinning in the blood. This is the reason why it is recommend to stop having turmeric before a surgery.
Happy World Hypertension Day!
How can I bring my blood pressure down immediately?
If you face any complications of high blood pressure such as a stroke or heart attack, contact your physician without any delay. Do not attempt home remedies in such grave situations. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), without any complications, the first thing to do is to calm down and lie flat. Leave aside the task you were engaged in and slowly start taking deep breaths. This stress-relieving technique helps to bring down the blood pressure to a certain extent. If calming techniques don’t help, then consult a physician immediately. Additionally, do not forget to take your antihypertensive medications for blood pressure that is uncontrolled by lifestyle changes and diet.
Medication is the main option for treating high blood pressure. As blood pressure improves with lifestyle modifications, medications can be withdrawn gradually. Medications in combination with a healthy diet reduce the risk of a stroke, a heart attack, and other complications.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force applied by the blood to the inner walls of the arteries. It shows minor fluctuations throughout the day—declining while relaxing and momentarily increasing while being excited or under stress. An increase in the resting blood pressure can scar, stiffen, or harden the arteries.
What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
Blood Pressure Chart
Blood Pressure Chart
High blood pressure or hypertension is the silent killer that affects 80 million Americans. As many as 16 million Americans are unaware of the condition. Untreated hypertension can increase the risk of heart diseases or strokes. High blood pressure occurs due to the tightening of very small blood vessels called arterioles. As a result, the heart has to pump harder to overcome the resistance in the narrowed blood vessel bed. This leads to elevated pressure inside the vessels.
High blood pressure or hypertension is when readings consistently range from 140 or higher for systolic or 90 or higher for diastolic.
Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are dangerously high and require immediate medical attention.
High blood pressure is more likely to cause
heart attack
stroke
heart failure
vision loss
kidney failure
dementia
erectile dysfunction
weak bones
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What are the other ways to lower blood pressure?
Lifestyle changes are effective in controlling high blood pressure. A healthy lifestyle can avoid, delay, or reduce the need for blood pressure medications.
Here are some lifestyle changes that may help to lower blood pressure:
Weight loss: Obesity can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Weight loss has been the most effective way of reducing blood pressure.
Daily exercises: Daily exercise is an excellent way to lose fat and reduce high blood pressure. Exercising daily for 30 minutes can bring down the blood pressure by about 5-8 mmHg.
Reduce sodium intake: Most Americans consume about 3,400 mg of sodium a day, whereas the recommended daily intake of sodium is 2,300 mg with an optimal limit of less than 1,500 mg for those with high blood pressure.
Eat healthy: Avoid foods that contain a high amount of sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol. This approach to stop hypertension by dietary control is known as dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH).
Increase potassium intake: Add more potassium to the diet because it regulates the heart rate and nullifies the effect of sodium in the body. Potassium-rich foods include:
Fruits such as bananas, melons, avocadoes, and apricots
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale
Vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes
Tuna and salmon
Beans
Nuts and seeds
Abstain from heavy alcohol drinking: Alcohol in moderation does not do much harm to the body. Do not exceed one drink a day. Avoid binge drinking.
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Quit smoking: Cigarette smoking can increase blood pressure. Cutting down on smoking helps the blood pressure return to normal.
Avoid excess stress: Stress hormones or cortisol constrict the blood vessels and can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure. Stress can also result in overeating, poor sleep, and misusing drugs and alcohol.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure at home: Monitor blood pressure at home because it avoids unnecessary stress that may occur in a clinic setting.
How long does it take for turmeric to lower blood pressure?
Whether you’re hoping to improve your skin or reduce inflammation – there are a number of health benefits that turmeric is said to possess.
Whether you’ve just bought your first turmeric shot box, or you’re thinking about getting started on your turmeric journey, you might be wondering how long it takes for turmeric to work. So, how long does it take for turmeric to work and when will you start to notice the benefits? Luckily for you, we’ve got all the answers.
When Will I Start to Notice the Benefits of Turmeric?
For those looking for a quick fix like a caffeine boost, unfortunately that’s not what turmeric can provide – it’s a bit more of a slow burner. When it comes to taking turmeric, it takes a little while for the curcumin to build up in your system. However, once you’ve gone through a loading period, that’s when you will start to notice some of the proposed benefits.
turmeric latte
So, how long does it take turmeric to work?
Depending on your body mass and condition, it will usually take around 4-8 weeks for you to start noticing improvements to your body and mind.
Whether you’re incorporating raw ground turmeric into your meals or taking it as a tasty and convenient daily shot, it’s important to make sure you take it consistently in order to reap all the benefits.
What is the Most Effective Way to Take Turmeric?
So, you know about the benefits of turmeric and you know how long it usually takes to notice them, but what is the most effective way to take turmeric to maximise the results?
Although turmeric might make a tasty addition to a curry, this isn’t the most bioavailable form, meaning it’s unlikely that you’ll notice the benefits of turmeric by simply incorporating it into your meals.
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turmeric curry
Additionally, there’s a secret ingredient that helps to unlock the full potential of turmeric – black pepper. That’s because black pepper contains a compound called Piperine, which can increase the absorption of turmeric by up to a whopping 2000%.
However, the most effective way to take turmeric is as an ingredient in a drink, such as one of our raw turmeric shots, in order to maximise absorption. When taken as a tablet or in food form, the body has to break down the solids before the active ingredients can be utilised by the body, meaning it takes longer for the compounds to be absorbed and less may be available at that stage of digestion.
A raw turmeric shot is a convenient and effective way to get your turmeric fix each day. The combination of raw turmeric root, black pepper and flax oil makes for a potent shot that your body will thank you for. Simply enjoy one each day for 4-8 weeks to really start noticing the benefits.
How Long Does Turmeric Stay in Your System?
How long turmeric stays in your system for largely depends on your body composition, activity levels and general health. Studies have suggested that traces of curcumin could be detected in the brain up to 96 hours after consumption when taken at the correct dosage.
However, we recommend taking a dose of turmeric every day in order to maintain the levels of curcumin within the body.
If you’re eagerly awaiting a delivery of a delicious, nutritious box of turmeric shots, then you might start noticing the benefits in as little as 4-8 weeks. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your turmeric journey today with The Turmeric Co.
Is turmeric tea good for high blood pressure?
Most of us to tend to gravitate towards natural and herbal solutions for our everyday health concerns. You could sip on a healing cup of ginger tea for that awful cold, flu, or sore throat ; or you could make yourself a Matcha green tea face pack to deal with acne and blemishes etc. But is that the extent to which holistic or herbal solutions work? What about the larger health concerns that weigh on our mind ?
For instance, High Blood Pressure or Hypertension. A serious health problem that impacts more than 1..13 Billion people in the world and less than 1 in every person living with hypertension receives proper treatment. Fortunately, we have several natural solutions to help you control your Blood pressure and improve your heart’s health.
Yes, it is your favorite and most ultimate superfood - Turmeric to the rescue again .
The health benefits of turmeric are incredibly powerful, many of which have also been scientifically proven. But did you know that this golden spice can also have a positive effect on your blood pressure? Yes, Turmeric and blood pressure is a topic that has attracted a lot of active research and many studies have proven turmeric's abilities to control high blood pressure.
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WHAT IS HYPERTENSION ?
Often referred to as the ‘silent killer’, high blood pressure or hypertension is a serious clinical condition that elevates the risk of heart and brain diseases. To define blood pressure, it is the force exerted with the circulating blood on the various arteries in the body. When this blood pressure is too high, it is called Hypertension.
There is no specific underlying cause for high blood pressure, as it is a lifestyle-related disease. There are a couple of triggers that increase the risk of getting hypertension or elevated blood pressure, some of which are :-
Unhealthy Diet - Diet with a high salt content leads to more fluid retention in the body, thereby increasing blood pressure. Also more of unsaturated fats and less of fruits or leafy vegetables pose a high risk of developing hypertension.
Age - The risk of hypertension increases with age.
Smoking - When we smoke our blood pressure rises temporarily, but with prolonged and heavy smoking one can develop hypertension.
Alcohol consumption - Prolonged and heavy consumption of alcohol not only damages your liver but also poses a significant heart risk with elevated blood pressure.
Physical inactivity - People with less or no physical exercise tend to have an elevated resting heart rate, which tells you that the heart has to work harder and thus exerting a higher pressure on the arteries.
Obesity - More amount of blood is required to be pumped in obese people’s bodies and hence the heart has to work a lot harder. This subsequently increases the blood pressure.
Hereditary - Presence of high blood pressure history in the family.
Diabetes or renal disorders - Diabetes, kidney disorders, thyroid problems can often increase the risk of hypertension.
Most people who develop hypertension are usually unaware of it. But thankfully, there are a couple of visible symptoms that can warn you of high blood pressure and for you to get it checked and measured at your local GP’s clinic. Some of these visible symptoms are:-
Frequent headaches
Blurred visions
Irregular heart rate or rhythm.
A constant buzzing sound in the ears
Treating High Blood Pressure
Fatigue or confusion
Some of the more serious symptoms of chronic hypertension are :-
Pounding in the chest
Breathing difficulties
Chest pains
Nausea
Anxiety and tremors
With several prescribed medications available to keep blood pressure in control, we recommend including a sprightly cup of turmeric tea in your diet as one of the many ways to lower blood pressure naturally.
TURMERIC AND BLOOD PRESSURE
Turmeric is a revered golden spice that has held a godly reputation in South Asian countries, especially India. Mentioned first in 250 B.C. in the Vedic book of holistic medicine, Susruta Samhita, where this vibrant yellow spice is a prime ingredient in treating carminative (gastric) issues; in healing wounds and injuries; and also in treating cold, flu symptoms etc. This gave way to the much popular turmeric latte and also herbal turmeric teas .
This is courtesy of turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, this time-honored spice has a plethora of health benefits. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help treat a variety of conditions and also help strengthen your overall immunity, improve heart health and a lot more! But several scientific studies have proven Turmeric’s amazing property of regulating blood pressure and being beneficial for the heart’s health. Let’s take a look at how does turmeric and blood pressure work in synchrony.
1. TURMERIC REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE
One of the key factors that contribute to hypertension is the dysfunction of endothelial cells. Endothelial cells line the walls of our blood vessels and help expand or contract the vessels for the proper functioning of the heart. But with age, this endothelial function gets weaker and the oxidative stress promotes inflammation, plaque build-up, and eventually blocked arteries leading to a heart attack.
Curcumin helps in improving the functioning of endothelial cells. It inhibits an enzyme that narrows blood vessels. By widening and relaxing the blood vessels, curcumin helps in bringing down the blood pressure.
2. TURMERIC PROTECTS ARTERIES FROM DAMAGE
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Curcumin has been proven to improve the functioning of the arteries and also reduce the risk of cardiac arrests, stroke, and heart diseases. With more plaque deposition in the arteries, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the arteries and the force, pressure of this causes damage to the arterial walls over time. Also with bad cholesterol (LDL Cholesterol) depositing on the walls, the arteries become narrower, thereby leading to a further increase in the blood pressure.
Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, helps in significantly bringing down the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Also curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties help in preventing irregular heartbeat, blood clots etc. thereby preventing high blood pressure.
3. TURMERIC REDUCES BAD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Cholesterol and sugar are two other parameters that you would want to have in control. High levels of LDL (Bad) cholesterol and high blood sugar levels, characteristic of diabetes, can also contribute to high blood pressure and subsequent cardiac risks. Curcumin has been known to prevent the oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol, thereby preventing any fat deposition in the arteries which may otherwise cause heart blockades and heart failure.
4. TURMERIC REDUCES BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Additionally, curcumin also helps in reducing blood sugar levels and other complications that arise due to diabetes. As we know, increased blood sugar levels of diabetic conditions can also significantly increase blood pressure ; curcumin works well to keep these factors in control.
Curcumin improves the functioning and life of pancreatic cells, It also reduces the production of glucose in the liver, while also increasing insulin resistance. All of this cumulatively leads to a dramatic decrease in overall blood sugar levels, which in turn reduces any risk of developing high blood pressure.
Turmeric Tea has a plethora of incredible and robust health benefits, out of which, its ability to regulate blood pressure and control the risk factors of high blood pressure, is truly commendable. Science proves that it’s truly beneficial for your heart’s health! So why not make it a part of our daily diet and reap such amazing benefits from this humble Indian spice!
Is turmeric good for lowering blood pressure?
Turmeric, an ingredient in most curries and mustards, has a nearly 4000-year history of use as more than just a spice. Turmeric's deep-orange pigment has been used as a dye, and both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine traditions use turmeric in treatments. Turmeric has also held a place in religious ceremonies across India for thousands of years.
Today, supplement makers say turmeric may be useful for people with inflammation or joint pain, or for those who want to take antioxidants, which turmeric contains. Turmeric is also purported to treat heartburn, stomach ulcers, gallstones, allergies, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, depression, wounds and eczema. Some claim turmeric can aid digestion and regulate menstruation.
The turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) is an herb closely related to ginger. It's cultivated in tropical climates across Asia for its rootstocks, which supply the flavor and pigment of the plant. The rootstocks — which grow underground, but are more of a stem than a true root — can be ground into a paste, or dried and ground into a powder.
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Turmeric contains more than 300 naturally occurring components including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc and other nutrients. But the chemical in turmeric linked to its most highly touted health effects is curcumin.
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Does turmeric work?
Few studies have been done to reliably prove or disprove turmeric's purported benefits. But there is some preliminary evidence to suggest curcumin has some health benefits, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Turmeric has shown some effectiveness in treating peptic ulcers, and there is some suggestion it helps to prevent and treat cancer. In one study of human saliva, curcumin interfered with cell signals that drive the growth of head and neck cancer, according to the 2011 study published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research. There is also evidence that topical application of turmeric can relieve itching caused by skin cancer. It has been found that turmeric with all of its components working together is more effective than curcumin alone when used to in cancer research studies.
However, turmeric's primary effect on the body is that it decreases inflammation, which is associated with many health conditions.
One experiment in rats showed that curcumin may ease joint swelling from rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers gave rats turmeric extracts before and after inducing rheumatoid-arthritis symptoms in the animals. Some extracts contained only curcuminoids, the family of chemicals that include curcumin, while other extracts contained curcuminoids along with other compounds. The study, published in 2006 in the Journal of Natural Products, found that pure curcuminoid extracts were more effective in treating rheumatoid-arthritis symptoms, and that curcuminoids worked better in preventing new joint swelling than in treating existing swelling.
Turmeric may also help prevent bone loss resulting from osteoporosis. In a 2010 study, researchers induced menopause symptoms in rats, because menopause often leads to bone loss. The rats were then treated with high and low concentrations of curcuminoids, before and after the induced menopause. Low concentrations of curcuminoids had little effect, but the rats treated with curcuminoids extracts that were 94 percent pure showed up to 50 percent less bone loss during the two-month experiment, according to the study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
While these and other animal studies of curcumin indicate a possible medicinal use, results in animals don't always translate to humans. More evidence is needed to examine turmeric's effect on the conditions it is purported to treat, including jaundice, hepatitis, fibromyalgia, liver and gallbladder problems, headache, ringworm, bruising, eye infections and skin rashes.
Preliminary evidence from studies in people suggests turmeric may be effective in the management of pain, dyspepsia (upset stomach), or hyperlipidemia (high lipid levels in the blood).
"However, currently, high-quality clinical evidence for the use of turmeric in any human indication is lacking," said Catherine Ulbricht, senior pharmacist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and co-founder of Natural Standard Research Collaboration, which reviews evidence on herbs and supplements.
Overall, the Natural Standard Research Collaboration graded turmeric as a "C," on a scale of A to F, for the strength and amount of evidence supporting claims for any health benefit.
Is turmeric safe?
Turmeric is safe for most people when consumed in amounts found in food. But turmeric can have side effects when taken in large doses. Some supplements contain up to 500 milligrams of turmeric extract, and their labels recommend taking four capsules per day.
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High doses of turmeric can lower blood sugar or blood pressure, Ulbricht said, which means people taking diabetes or blood-pressure medication should use caution while taking turmeric supplements. People preparing for surgery should avoid turmeric supplements because turmeric can increase the risk of bleeding. Turmeric may also interfere with how the liver processes certain drugs, so it is best to consult a doctor before taking large doses of turmeric alongside medication.
Blood thinners can interact with large doses of turmeric, as can drugs that reduce blood clotting. People may experience bleeding or bruising when combining large doses of turmeric with aspirin, warfarin, anti-platelet drugs and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen. Turmeric also increases the blood-thinning effect of herbal remedies, including angelica, clove, Danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, red clover, and willow, Ulbricht said. Other medications, such as those for reducing stomach acid and diabetes, can also have their effects affected by turmeric supplements.
Little research has been done on excessive doses of turmeric. A few medical reports of people taking extremely high doses of turmeric suggest it can cause an altered heartbeat. Excessive doses of turmeric may also cause delusion, mild fever, upset stomach or kidney stones. Turmeric may exacerbate gallbladder problems or worsen acid-reflux or heartburn symptoms. Large doses of turmeric may also worsen arthritis symptoms and cause skin rash.
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Pregnant women should avoid taking large amounts of turmeric, Ulbricht said. Turmeric at supplement doses may promote menstruation, or stimulate the uterus enough to put the pregnancy at risk.
Turmeric should not be confused with Javanese turmeric root (Curcuma zedoaria), which has its own medicinal uses and side effects.
Additional reporting by Rachel Ross, Live Science contributor.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a member of the ginger family. Its roots, which have a notable orange color, have been used as a natural dye, food additive, and medicinal herb for centuries.
Native to southern India and Indonesia, turmeric has a peppery aroma and strong, slightly bitter flavor. It’s a main ingredient in curry powder mixes, but can be added to numerous other dishes. In some parts of Asia, it’s added to water and applied to the face for glowing skin.
Turmeric can be found in the spice aisle of any grocery store. It’s also available in more concentrated amounts as a supplement. You can even consume it as a tea by steeping the root in hot water. Bagged turmeric tea can also be found at most health food stores.
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric — it’s what gives the root its distinctive color. While several studies indicate that there are potential benefits to turmeric and curcumin, further research is needed to confirm the degree of its positive effects.
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Nutrition Information
You can make turmeric tea by steeping ground, freshly sliced, or grated turmeric in hot water and letting it steep for about 10-15 minutes. A single cup of turmeric tea made with one teaspoon of ground turmeric provides:
Calories: 8
Protein: 0 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 1 gram
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 0 grams
Turmeric also contains:
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Calcium
Copper
Manganese
Iron
Potassium
Zinc
The root itself has flavonoids, beta-carotene, and curcumin. These powerful antioxidants may all provide several health benefits, such as reduced inflammation and the prevention of chronic diseases.
Potential Health Benefits of Turmeric Tea
Curcumin is the most potent ingredient in turmeric. That said, it has low bioavailability, meaning that the body doesn’t absorb it well.
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Still, research has found that turmeric tea may have several potential health benefits:
Immune SystemSupport
The curcumin in turmeric contains antioxidants that can boost your immune system. Curcumin could act as an immune modulator, which means that it may aid in the regulation of immune cells.
Reduced Inflammation
One of the most popular applications of turmeric tea is in the treatment of arthritis pain. Curcumin provides powerful anti-inflammatory properties. One study shows that it may be effective in the management of osteoarthritis pain. Some studies show that it may be as effective as some medications, without the side effects.
Heart Health
Curcumin from turmeric tea may help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) as well as total cholesterol levels. Taking curcumin before and after coronary artery bypass surgery may help decrease the risk of having a heart attack.
Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Numerous studies show curcumin’s promise as an anticancer drug. It may slow the growth of cancer cells. It can also help prevent the development of cancer, especially in the digestive system.
Brain Health
Curcumin in turmeric tea may slow or prevent changes in the brain linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. It has the potential to aid in the treatment of depression as well.
Potential Risks of Turmeric Tea
In general, turmeric tea is well-tolerated by most people. However, there are some potential risks to keep in mind:
Medication Interference
How do I lower blood pressure?
The curcumin in turmeric may lower your blood sugar or blood pressure. If you take medications for high blood pressure, like Warfarin, or diabetes, you should consult with your doctor before adding turmeric tea to your diet.
Pregnancy Concerns
While there is little evidence to support this claim, some believe that turmeric may stimulate labor contractions. Pregnant women may want to avoid turmeric tea or speak with their doctor before drinking it.
Bile Duct Blockages
Turmeric can increase bile production, which may cause problems for those who have had bile duct blockages, gallstones, or liver disease. Again, consult with your doctor if you have (or have had) any of these conditions.
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