Is Turmeric Safe?

Turmeric is on the cutting edge of health news, alternative remedies, and modern medicine.

Experts in modern medicine are sounding precautionary warnings as people rush to consume it in the hopes of fending off everything from Alzheimer’s to cancer.  Experts are warning that there are no conclusive studies yet to determine if it is effective, let alone safe.

Should we be afraid of it?

Well first off, what is turmeric?  Turmeric is a root that grows year round, especially in India.  It’s a member of the Ginger family.  You know ginger root, that flavor you love in pot stickers and Chinese dumplings?

Image via Wikipedia

That’s right, turmeric is a food.

I don’t think I’ve ever eaten it, what do you make with it?

You know that mustard you squirted on the hot dog at the game yesterday?  Mustard has turmeric in it.  Mustard companies use tons and tons of turmeric every year.  It’s part of what gives mustard it’s yellow color.  As a matter of fact, turmeric is used to color all kinds of food yellow.  Those saffron potatoes you ate at Aunt Martha’s last week?  There is a good chance that she used turmeric to color them yellow because it is a lot cheaper than saffron. (not that your Aunt Martha is a cheapskate, she’s just frugal)

Turmeric is also one of the “curry” spices.  Turmeric is an essential flavoring in many Indian dishes, and in other cuisines.

So I can eat Turmeric or take the supplement without worry?

Use your common sense.  Only you and your doctor know if you might be allergic to it, or if you are taking any medicines that might be affected by the foods in your diet.

As always, if you can include something in your diet as a food, by all means do so.  Adding a curry dish to your weekly menu, or even a couple of times a week, will not only add variety but also a tasty dish to your diet.

If you are going take a supplement, make sure you check out the company producing the product.  Do your due diligence.

Don’t be stupid.  Do enjoy.  And maybe even benefit if the health claims made for turmeric turn out to be true.

Bon appetit!