Article Conclusion: Turmeric is likely beneficial for lowering high cholesterol, but it's not a standalone solution.
Article Highlights
Turmeric's active component, curcumin, have garnered attention from scientists for it's potential cholesterol-reducing benefits. Research suggests that turmeric may offer protection against high cholesterol and cardiovascular issues.
Research indicates a promising trend; however, further comprehensive studies are needed to confirm turmeric's effects on cholesterol. Nonetheless,Turmeric offers a myriad of health advantages that may indirectly contribute to combating high cholesterol levels and affect to overall wellness.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a crucial substance that the body uses to build cells, as well as produce hormones and vitamins. Cholesterol becomes problematic primarily due to Western diets that provide excessive amounts of cholesterol, especially considering that the liver usually produces all the cholesterol the body needs.
Cholesterol explained in detail.
Turmeric and cholesterol
Turmeric has been cherished for thousands of years in Ayurvedic traditions as both a culinary spice and a medicinal remedy.
Safety and usage limits
You can safely add turmeric to your meals, drinks, or even as a supplement. But don't go overboard—too much can upset your stomach or, in rare cases, affect your liver. Just like with any food, moderation is key. It's best to stick to 500-2000 mg per day, unless a healthcare provider advises otherwise.
Does Turmeric Lower Cholesterol
Turmeric and its active component, curcumin, have gained much attention among scientists for their potential cholesterol-reducing benefits.
A 2017 meta-analysis [1] demonstrated this by showing both ingredients significantly lowered LDL and triglyceride levels relative to controls - this suggests they might provide protection from cardiovascular issues.
A 2018 study [2] suggested that pairing curcumin with phytosterols found in foods like nuts and grains might enhance its cholesterol-reducing capabilities, while a 2021 review [3] reported curcumin (particularly bioavailable forms) displayed cholesterol-reducing qualities across most studies that investigated them.
The results look promising, but like with many other nutrients, more research is needed to fully understand how turmeric affects cholesterol and what the best doses and forms are.
Mechanism of Action
Curcumin may be essential in liver enzyme modulation, influencing how your body handles cholesterol.
Contrasting Views
It should be kept in mind that while some studies support turmeric's cholesterol-reducing benefits, others have revealed mixed outcomes due to factors like dosage duration or individual differences that might impact results.
The Bottom Line
In our view, turmeric shows promise in managing cholesterol, but more research is needed. Turmeric is still just one piece of a larger wellness puzzle.
Include turmeric in your daily diet for its unique taste and potential health benefits, but keep in mind that a balanced approach to health is essential.
References
[1] Qin, S., Huang, L., Gong, J., Shen, S., Huang, J., Ren, H., Hu, H. (2017) Efficacy and safety of turmeric and curcumin in lowering blood lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Source
[2] Ferguson, J., Stojanovski, E., MacDonald-Wicks, L., Garg, M. (22018) Curcumin potentiates cholesterol-lowering effects of phytosterols in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. A randomised controlled trial.Source
[3] Rafiee, S., Bagherniya, M., Askari, G., Sathyapalan, T., Jamialahmadi, T., Sahebkar, A., (2021) The Effect of Curcumin in Improving Lipid Profile in Patients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.Source
Medical Caution Never use turmeric or other supplements as a replacement for prescribed medication. Always consult your doctor about alternative treatments before discontinuing prescribed medication.