15 Turmeric Benefits For Men And Women
Turmeric appears to be everywhere around us; it is a trendy healthy space that gives that tawny hue to golden milk latte, healthy smoothies, and everyday snacks. This ancient spice, praised for its anti-inflammatory properties and native to South Asia, is one of the fast-growing dietary supplements. It is the third best-selling botanical dietary supplement, racking up $12 million in sales.
Turmeric – A Promising Solution To Many Health Issues
A member of the ginger family, it has been used since 500 BCE in Ayurveda, and early research proved that it could be a promising solution to many health issues, with very few side effects.
It can hold a special place in your beauty routine and show excellent results through both topical use and consumption; it is probably the product to use for the rest of your life.
Turmeric is a great spice used in cooking with a warm and fragrant flavor, but it is interwoven into our daily lives. If you apply to wounds, it will heal them, if you mix it with milk, it will calm your nerves, tint it to the entrance of your house, it will bring prosperity.
This precious herb imparts its amber color and earthy flavor to dishes, and it has a rich cultural significance for people of Indian origin.
But, most notably is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have a significant effect on both male and female health.
Turmeric Benefits For Men
Its bioactive component, curcumin, offers benefits for overall health in men and for their vitality and fertility. Let's see how it can be beneficial for man's health:
1. It Is Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular remedy for conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Joint Pain
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Heartburn
- Kidney Problems
- Colitis
2. It May Protect The Lungs From Damage
Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. However, one animal study showed that curcumin, the yellow pigment, can combat the adverse effects of smoking for those who haven't succeeded in quitting this unhealthy habit. (1) If you smoke or work in a smoky environment, it might be an excellent way to consume it to protect your lungs.
3. May Reduce The Blood Sugar Level
If you have diabetes, you must follow a strict diet and prevent your blood sugar levels from becoming very high. One animal study showed it could significantly lower blood glucose and HbA 1c levels and lower the body weight in mice. (2)
It can also help people with prediabetes from actually being diagnosed with diabetes later on. In addition, to follow the strict diet and lifestyle changes they can add this supplement to their diet. One nine-month study showed it can prevent diabetes type 2. (3)
4. It May Prevent Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when malignant cells are formed in the prostate, a small gland between the man's rectum and bladder and it is one of the most common cancers in men. One study found that curcumin prevents the formation of cancer cells and modulates multiple cell-signaling pathways simultaneously, thus preventing different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. (4)
5. It May Be Effective In Boosting Fertility
Curcumin, a polyphenol that is responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may improve testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is the sex hormone in men that is responsible for libido and for the overall sexual body function.
One animal study found that treatment with Curcumin C. longa L. (family, Zingiberaceae) showed reverse and positive effects in the spermatogenic process and fertility. (5)
It also protects the male reproductive system from oxidative stress.
6. It May Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
India has a relatively slow rate of Alzheimer's disease. This may be related to the fact that Indian citizens take 125 mg curcumin per day due to their genetics and specific diet. (6)
How does it work? It increases levels of one protein found in the brain (BDNF) and the spinal cord that is charged with keeping the neurons healthy and regulating between the nerve cells.
7. It May Prevent Heart Disease
As cardiac diseases are leading factors for mortality worldwide, numerous studies were conducted to show the therapeutic potential of curcumin for this health issue. Curcumin has been shown as favorable in reversing the heart disease process. Still, additional research is needed. (7)
8. If May Fight Depression
It may help fight depression as it increases serotonin and dopamine levels. It is even more effective when in combination with black pepper, as shown in studies. (8)
Still, suppose you plan to treat depression with curcumin. You should consult your doctor before taking it or plan to substitute anti-depressants as more research is needed to confirm that it is safe and effective in treating depression.
9. It Plays A Significant Role In Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
If taken as a dietary supplement, 200 to 1000mg daily can be effective as an anti-inflammatory drug. One study compared the effectiveness of turmeric to that of an anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac and found that it has similar efficacy. (9)
Turmeric Benefits For Women
As mentioned, turmeric has been getting all the attention lately, and it is omnipresent in healthy food aisles. It can be found in pills in powders. But for you ladies, it is probably a beauty product you might haven't heard of it before. In addition to all health benefits already mentioned above, it can also be:
1. A Great Ingredient To Make A Beauty Face Mask
There are endless recipes for making face masks with turmeric, but we have chosen two simple ones:
- Turmeric and honey
- Turmeric and plain yoghurt
Mix them, make a paste and apply to your face for 15 – 20 minutes and rinse. It reduces inflammation and redness and prevents wrinkles.
Note: Do not keep it very long on your skin, as it might turn yellow.
2. A Great Detoxifying Agent
It can reduce acne scarring and detoxify your body from all the harmful toxins in your body that can provoke ageing, scars, and skin darkening. Its antioxidants elements remove all the toxins, and your skin is more shiny, glowing, and smooth.
3. Acne Treating Agent
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial properties, it is believed to treat acne. Still, there are any clinical trials to support this claim, but you can give it a try, it is harmless. So, if you see acne spots on your face, mix a pinch of turmeric powder with lemon juice and apply it to the spots. Stir the ingredients and make a smooth paste. Apply it with a cotton ball to all the problematic areas and leave it for up to 15 minutes. Wash it away with cold water and dry.
You can drink turmeric tea or use a topical application to treat acne.
4. It Helps With Weight Loss
Few studies have shown that it can help dieters to lose extra weight. (10). However, people who took turmeric supplements lost nearly 5% more weight than those who did not take it and lost 8 & more body fat.
Turmeric Use For Hair
Use It As A Dandruff Remedy
Due to its amazing anti-inflammatory properties, it's no surprise that it could alleviate an irritated scalp. No matter if you have problems with dandruff or buildup, a mixture of turmeric and coconut oil can help you with these bothersome health conditions. Mix up a batch, slather it all over your head, and leave it on for 1-3 hours. Then, rinse with warm water and live a dandruff-free life.
People are searching for natural remedies for dandruff, as there are many remedies rich in synthetic chemicals that can damage hair and, in some extreme cases, hair loss.
The Benefits Of Turmeric For Hair Growth
By incorporating turmeric into your daily hair care routine, you could promote scalp health, but turmeric's antioxidant properties could also help your hair grow longer and stronger. Its antioxidative properties can lower oxidative stress and promote hair growth.
It can also improve the blood flow, which means more nutrients are delivered to the scalp, leading to healthier and stronger hair.
Here Are Different Ways To Have Turmeric In Your Diet:
Turmeric Milk/Golden Milk
Turmeric milk is beneficial for many ailments and problems. For example, drinking a glass of warm turmeric milk every night before bedtime can significantly benefit your overall health.
It can be beneficial for the following health conditions:
- It can Improve Mood
- Protect Against Heart Disease
- It Can Lower Blood Sugar Levels
- It Can Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
- It Can Help Reduce Inflammation and Joint Pain
- It Can Improve Memory and Brain Function
- It is a remedy against cold
- Contribute to stronger bones
Golden Milk Recipe
Golden milk is very simple to prepare, and you can prepare it at home. For a single serving, you need this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 pinch of ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder or 1 small piece of grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 pinch of ground black pepper
Preparation:
Make a nice mixture in a small pot and simmer it for about 10 minutes or until getting a pleasant smell and taste. Strain it through a fine strainer into cups and season it with a pinch of cinnamon.
Turmeric Ginger Tea
Both ginger and turmeric are enriched with antioxidants and anti-microbial properties. Turmeric ginger tea, brewed using grated root or pure powder, is believed to be one of the most effective ways to consume this herb.
It is a natural medicine and to prepare it all you need is:
- One piece of fresh turmeric (½ teaspoon of its dried version)
- One-piece fresh ginger (½ teaspoon of its dried version)
- Fresh lemon slices
- Honey (optional)
- Water
Preparation:
- Chop the turmeric and ginger into a small saucepan
- Add a few lemon slices
- Cover with water and bring it to boil
- Simmer it for about 10 minutes
- Strain it and serve it with honey or Marple syrup if desired
There is a widespread belief that drinking turmeric ginger tea can have many benefits for your overall health, some of which are described in more detail in this article.
- Alleviates arthritis symptoms
- Boosts immune function
- It helps reduce cardiovascular complications
- It helps prevent and treat cancer
- It may prevent Alzheimer's disease
- It is a strong protection against liver damage and gallstones
- Prevents and controls blood sugar levels
- Adds in treating and managing the lung conditions
Recommended Daily Intake
There are no approved recommendations that are clearly defined. However, if we look at the available research, it is suggested to take it daily depending on the disease that is treated.
10 Serious Side Effects Of Using Turmeric
1. It Can Irritate Your Digestion System
If taken in large amounts, it can provoke your stomach to produce more gastric acid.
2. It May Stimulate Contractions
Pregnant women should avoid taking it in supplements, but a small amount taken as a spice may not cause any problems.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
If taken in high doses, it can lower your blood pressure even more and you should be very careful when taking it.
4. It May Thin Your Blood
If you take any blood-thinning drugs like warfarin you should also avoid taking it in high doses as it can thin your blood.
5. Nausea And Diarrhea
In some people, even taking in a small amount may cause nausea and diarrhea and they should stop taking it if they notice these symptoms.
6. It May Cause Allergic Reactions
It can cause allergies in some people and some people stated contact dermatitis when their skin was in contact with turmeric. It also belongs to the ginger family and if you are allergic to ginger, you should be careful when taking turmeric.
7. May Cause Iron Deficiency
Few clinical trials have shown that if taken in high doses, it may bind to iron from food and lead to iron deficiency.
8. It Can Cause Gallbladder Issues
It contains oxalate, and in some studies, when higher doses of turmeric were taken (20 – 40 mg), it caused some gallbladder issues. Therefore, if you have gallbladder health issues, you should avoid taking turmeric.
9. It Can Cause Infertility In Man
It can negatively affect testosterone levels in men and decrease sperm movement, leading to infertility.
10. Increased Risk Of Kidney Stones
Like gallbladder issues, it can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones and you should avoid it if you have kidney problems.
Conclusion:
- Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, has been used since 500 BCE in Ayurveda and early research proved that it can be a promising solution to many health issues, with very few side effects.
- There are different ways to add turmeric to your diet and turmeric ginger tea is believed to be one of the most effective ways to consume this herb.
- If taken in high doses it may cause some serious side effects. It is also not recommended for people with gallbladder and kidney issues.
