This golden spice is rich in curcumin, an antioxidant that research suggests may help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar in people with prediabetes.
“There is some promising research on turmeric and women’s health and symptoms of perimenopause and menopause,” says Dandrea. More research is needed, especially since many studies involve taking high doses of turmeric in supplement form. High-dose curcumin supplements have also been shown to improve pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.
“If someone is experiencing severe joint pain and wants to give turmeric a try, that teaspoon in their meal is probably not going to be the therapeutic amount that they need,” says Dandrea. “We may look at supplements, but I’ll make sure to look carefully at the studies.” She always recommends checking with a doctor first, too.
“If someone is on certain medications (blood thinning, diabetes meds, etc.), or has certain health conditions (liver disease, allergies, etc.), high doses of supplements of some spices can interfere or cause adverse effects,” says Caroline Susie, RD, a licensed dietitian.
If the doctor gives you the OK, buy a product tested by a third party so you know what you’re actually getting.
As for cooking more with turmeric? Go right ahead. Stir it into curries, stews, golden milk, or sauces, suggests Susie. Add turmeric to a tofu scramble with mushrooms and onions to give it more earthy flavor and a bright yellow-orange hue, Dandrea suggests.
TRY IT: Gobi Biryani
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