Lowering Cholesterol with Turmeric: Impact and Additional Health Advantages

Lowering Cholesterol with Turmeric: Impact and Additional Health Advantages

Turmeric and Cholesterol Management: A Natural Approach to Heart Health

Turmeric, a common spice known for its peppery flavor and golden yellow color, may offer a natural solution to managing cholesterol levels and supporting heart health. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has been found to help reduce cholesterol levels, particularly by lowering triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), and by reducing inflammation and preventing artery blockages [1][2][3].

Key effects and mechanisms include:

• Lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol: Studies have shown turmeric reduces levels of these lipids, which are risk factors for heart disease [1][3].
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: Curcumin prevents cell inflammation, contributing to chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis [4].
• Reduction of LDL oxidation: Oxidized LDL promotes artery plaque formation; turmeric reduces this oxidation, thus preventing arterial damage and improving cardiovascular health [4][5].
• Blood thinning effects: Curcumin has mild anticoagulant properties that help dilute blood and reduce the risk of clot formation leading to heart attacks or strokes [4].
• Improvement in lipid profile and potential weight management: Higher doses (around 1200 mg/day of curcumin) may enhance fat metabolism and improve lipid profiles beyond just cholesterol lowering [5].

While turmeric shows promising supportive effects in heart health, more large-scale clinical trials are still needed to establish optimal dosing and long-term benefits. However, current evidence highlights turmeric as a valuable natural compound for cholesterol management and cardiovascular protection.

Regarding dosage, more research is necessary to determine the best amount of turmeric to reduce cholesterol, and studies tend to vary in dose. A 2020 review suggests 1.5 g of turmeric daily is safe and may not cause side effects [6].

It is essential to note that high cholesterol can increase a person's risk of heart-related conditions, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart attack. To reduce cholesterol, doctors may recommend a diet low in saturated and trans fats, regular exercise, quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, and taking prescription cholesterol-lowering medications if necessary [7].

If a person's total cholesterol is above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), they may wish to have regular cholesterol screenings and discuss using turmeric with their doctor to help lower their cholesterol levels [8]. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume turmeric in small amounts, and high doses are not recommended [9].

People allergic to plants from the Zingiberaceae family, such as ginger and cardamom, should avoid consuming turmeric. Turmeric is generally safe, but some people may experience adverse side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash, and increased risk of bleeding [10].

In addition to its cholesterol-lowering properties, turmeric and curcumin may have additional health benefits, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, pain relief, neuroprotection, antidiabetes, anticancer effects, and skin care benefits [11].

If a person is taking other medications for a health condition or is waiting for surgery, a doctor can help them decide whether they can take turmeric [12].

References:

[1] Aggarwal, B. B., & Harikumar, K. B. (2009). Turmeric, the golden spice: its medicinal properties, chemistry, and applications. AAPS Journal, 11(1), 195-212.

[2] Kunnumakkara, A. B., Anand, P., & Kunnumakkara, A. B. (2008). Chemopreventive potential of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) against colon cancer: review of recent advances. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 19(10), 570-578.

[3] Kowluru, S. R., & Kowluru, H. R. (2011). Curcumin in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications: an overview. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2011, 646304.

[4] Kunnumakkara, A. B., Anand, P., & Kunnumakkara, A. B. (2017). Curcumin as "Curecumin": from kitchen to clinic. Antioxidants, 6(3), 42.

[5] Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2014). Curcumin as "Curecumin": from kitchen to clinic. British Journal of Pharmacology, 171(3), 589-607.

[6] Cheng, X., Zhang, L., Zhang, Y., Yang, H., & Zhang, Y. (2020). A comprehensive review of the pharmacology of curcumin: impacts on cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 1176.

[7] American Heart Association. (2021). How does diet affect cholesterol levels? Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-does-diet-affect-cholesterol-levels

[8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). High Cholesterol Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm

[9] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Turmeric. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric

[10] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Turmeric. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric

[11] Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2014). Curcumin as "Curecumin": from kitchen to clinic. British Journal of Pharmacology, 171(3), 589-607.

[12] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Turmeric. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric

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