Is Turmeric Is Good for Cholesterol?
Traditional medical practices like Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine frequently use turmeric. It was used to treat skin, joints, upper respiratory tract, and digestive issues in India. The potential of turmeric to lower cholesterol levels has been gaining the attention of Western medical professionals.
Is there a way to reduce cholesterol with turmeric?
Many researchers have looked into how curcumin and turmeric affect different biological components, such as cholesterol.
The waxy material known as cholesterol is created by the liver and consumed from some animal products. "Good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), may aid in protecting the heart. A buildup of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as "bad" cholesterol, can restrict the blood vessels.
Excessive amounts of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, another dangerous form of fat, can raise an individual's risk of heart-related illnesses, including heart attacks, strokes, and coronary artery disease.
A 2017 meta-analysis stuied how turmeric affected blood cholesterol levels. When compared to the control group, it showed that curcumin and turmeric significantly reduced blood triglycerides and LDL.
The researchers also noted the following:
Turmeric and curcumin may help avoid heart attacks in individuals who are at risk by lowering serum LDL levels.
Curcumin may be more tolerable to people than conventional drugs.
To determine the best dosage, type, and strength of curcumin, more research is required.
A 2018 study of 70 people looked into whether taking curcumin with dietary phytosterols helps decreases cholesterol. Dietary substances can be found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. The findings suggested that consuming curcumin with dietary phytosterols may enhance the cholesterol-lowering impact.
Overall, turmeric’s effect on cholesterol is promising, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
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How To Take Turmeric
People can take turmeric by:
Use it as a spice in soups, sauces, and other meals.
Add it to boiling water with lemon.
Chew a piece of turmeric root.
Adding it to tea.
Sprinkle it into a smoothie
Adding it to salad dressings.
Take it in capsule form.
Adding it to skincare and hair products.
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Other Health Benefits of Turmeric
Antioxidation: Researchers attribute turmeric's antioxidative properties to its double-bond chemical composition. Turmeric has an antioxidative impact by binding to and absorbing free radicals.
Anti-inflammation: According to 2021 research, curcumin, the key anti-inflammatory component in turmeric, regulates inflammatory pathways and inhibits the activity of inflammatory proteins.
Pain therapy: Turmeric may provide relief for chronic pain. A 2021 study showed that persons with knee osteoarthritis who took turmeric had less pain and had better knee function.
Antidiabetic: A 2021 systematic review of 16 papers looked into the effects of curcumin on diabetes syndrome. The study discovered that curcumin significantly lowered fasting blood glucose, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI).
Anticancer: According to a 2019 study, curcumin showed significant anticancer activity against a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and head and neck cancer, in both human and animal models.
Skin care: According to research from 2016 and 2021 using turmeric topically or orally can effectively treat chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis.
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Other ways to reduce cholesterol
To reduce cholesterol, doctors may recommend:
Eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats.
Getting Regular Exercise.
Quit smoking.
Cutting back on alcohol.
Taking prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs as needed.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions related to turmeric and cholesterol.
How much turmeric can a person take to reduce cholesterol? Research in a 2020 review suggests 1.5 g of turmeric daily is safe and may not cause side effects.
Is turmeric helpful for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels?
Turmeric may assist in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
What is the finest herb to treat high cholesterol?
Fenugreek may have a favorable effect on cholesterol levels, especially among diabetics.