What happens to your cholesterol when you add turmeric to your diet

Known for its daring yellow shade and its long history in traditional medicine, Turmeric has drawn the attention of researchers for a surprising reason: its potential to help reduce cholesterol. Here’s what’s going on when you start adding it to your diet.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

Lowsets cholesterol and triglycerides levels

A 2017 review and a meta-analysis of seven randomized turmeric or curcumin controlled trials revealed that it lowered the levels of low density (LDL) and triglyceride lipoprotein cholesterol.

A review in 2023 and a meta-analysis of 64 randomized controlled trials of turmeric or curcumin found significantly improved levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and high density lipoproteins (HDL) but no improvement in apolipoprotein A or B. However, the authors noted that the evidence had been evaluated as weak or very low for the results.

There are other popular uses for turmeric that is not supported by scientific studies. They include the treatment of:

• Stomach and intestinal gas
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Eye inflammation
• Pontage surgery
• Crohn’s disease
• Diabetes
• Irritable colon syndrome
• Joint pain
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Reduces inflammation

Curcumin, active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels (bad) and prevent the accumulation of plate in the arteries. Some small studies suggest that it can modestly improve lipid profiles, although more research is necessary to confirm its effects.

Can prevent cancers

There are current studies to study how turmeric affects certain types of cancer. Animal studies have shown that this can prevent disease in rats exposed to colon, stomach and skin cancers. However, the results have been inconsistent and more evidence is necessary to confirm these advantages.

While turmeric is studied for its role in cancer prevention, its active compound curcumin has also shown potential in reducing cholesterol by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress – factors that contribute to high levels of LDL cholesterol (bad). However, more research is necessary to confirm these effects in humans.

Selection, preparation and storage

If you are interested in using turmeric in your kitchen, there are many recipes available. Some require fresh turmeric and you can buy the whole root in the product section of your local market. Many recipes call for turmeric on the ground, which you will find in the alley of spices of almost all supermarkets.

Since its capacity as lipid students is still being studied, there is no recommended quantity of turmeric to consume. Therefore, you must follow the instructions of your favorite recipes.

If you plan to include high levels of turmeric in your diet or want to consume it in addition, you must make sure to consult your health care provider first. High quantities of this spice can worsen certain medical conditions, including certain gastrointestinal conditions, diabetes, kidney stones and bleeding disorders.

Possible side effects

Curcuma – when consumed in moderation as food spice – generally does not cause significant side effects. But some people said they had stomach aches, nausea, dizziness or diarrhea.

Turmeric can lower blood sugar, slow down blood coagulation and prevent the body from absorbing iron.

Turmeric can interfere with several drugs, including (but without limiting itself):

• Drugs to treat diabetes
• Medicines metabolized by the liver
• Drugs that slow blood

He can also interact with many others.

The use of turmeric as a medicinal aid can worsen certain medical conditions, in particular (but without limiting itself) the problems of the gallbladder, kidney stones, bleeding problems, GERD and hormonal cancers.

It is important that you discuss the use of turmeric with your health care provider if you take medication or if you manage a medical condition.

Turmeric is probably dangerous when consumed in medicinal quantities by pregnant or breastfed women.

Main to remember

• Can reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, but the evidence is limited.
• Curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects that support heart health.
• High doses can cause side effects and interact with drugs – consult your doctor.