Some think that filling your diet with fruits and vegetables is the only way to meet your body's nutritional needs. While eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is important, nutritional supplements like turmeric and fish oil are also well known for their potential health benefits. If you are thinking of adding turmeric or fish oil to your diet, talk to your doctor first to make sure that these supplements are right for you.
Active Ingredients
Turmeric and fish oil each contain powerful active ingredients that function as antioxidants. The active ingredient in turmeric is a phytopolylphenol pigment called curcumin. Omega-3 fatty acids --- particularly polyunsaturated fats DHA and EPA --- are the active ingredients present in fish oil. Antioxidants like curcumin and omega-3s work by scavenging your body for harmful free radicals and blocking their attacks.
Availability
Turmeric and fish oil can be obtained from both supplements and food. Turmeric is produced by grinding the roots of the turmeric plant into a yellow powder. Turmeric is sold in powder, capsule and liquid extract forms. It also serves as the main ingredient in a popular Indian dish called curry. Fish oil is primarily available in capsule form. According to MayoClinic.com, fish oil is extracted from fish species like salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and halibut. You can also increase your fish oil intake by adding fresh fish to your diet one or two times a week.
Turmeric Uses
Turmeric is commonly used to help treat and prevent health problems like inflammation and digestive upset. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric's active ingredient works to reduce inflammation by decreasing your body's levels of inflammatory enzymes called COX-2 and LOX. The University of Maryland Medical Center also states that turmeric's active ingredient can help spark bile production in your gallbladder. This may help relieve digestive problems like dyspepsia. Still, more human studies are needed before the potential benefits of turmeric can be confirmed.
Fish Oil Uses
Fish oil is most commonly used to help treat and prevent cardiovascular problems. According to MedlinePlus.com, taking fish oil supplements may help reduce your triglyceride levels by up to 50 percent. Fish oil may also have the ability to block cholesterol absorption by your intestines, helping to decrease your cholesterol levels. If you have high blood pressure, taking fish oil may help bring down your blood pressure levels by promoting blood vessel expansion. However, while studies investigating the potential health benefits of fish oil have been promising, they are not yet conclusive. Consult your doctor before using fish oil to treat or prevent any specific health condition.
Warning
Like all nutritional supplements, both turmeric and fish oil can potentially interact with certain prescription medications. According to MedlinePlus.com, you should avoid taking turmeric if you take anticoagulants and you should avoid taking fish oil if you take drugs designed to lower blood pressure. Also, taking too much turmeric or fish oil can cause unpleasant or even dangerous side effects. Excessive turmeric consumption can cause nausea, diarrhea or indigestion. Excessive fish oil consumption can increase your LDL, or "bad" cholesterol levels or compromise your immune system.
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