Turmeric, also called curcumin, is a well-known culinary spice used to flavor many Indian curry dishes, as well as being an herbal remedy. Related to ginger, this bright yellow-orange powder is derived from the roots and underground stems of the Curcuma longa plant. Turmeric appears to offer a variety of health benefits, including some affecting the heart. However, most studies have been performed in the laboratory and not tested on humans. More clinical studies are needed to determine its exact effects on human beings. Consult your doctor before taking turmeric to treat heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, refers to the hard plaques of fat, calcium and cholesterol that can build-up inside your arteries over time. Elevated cholesterol levels appear to contribute heavily to the formation of these plaques, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Although more clinical studies are needed, it appears that turmeric may help lower cholesterol levels. A 2010 study published in "Nutrition Research and Practice" found that turmeric decreased the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein in rats that were fed a high-fat diet. Talk to your doctor before using turmeric to treat high cholesterol.
Heart Attack and Stroke
High cholesterol levels and atherosclerotic plaques can increase your chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke. The plaques in your arteries can damage the walls of your arteries and cause blood clots to form. If one of these blood clots breaks off, it can travel to your heart or brain, possibly causing a heart attack or stroke. Turmeric also appears to decrease the adhesive properties of blood platelets, reducing their tendency to clump together to form clots. Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," says turmeric also helps relax blood vessels, reducing heart damage during and after a heart attack. Discuss the use of turmeric with your doctor before taking it.
Dosage
Turmeric can be taken as a capsule or in a liquid tincture or extract. Since it's not well-absorbed from the digestive tract, turmeric is often found in combination with bromelain to promote its absorption. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 1.5 g to 3 g of cut root can be taken daily. It can also be taken as a standardized powder of 400 mg to 600 mg three times daily, as well as 30 to 90 drops of a 1-to-1 tincture or 15 to 30 drops once daily or a 1-to-2 extract four times daily. However, consult your doctor for the dosage that is correct for you.
Precautions
Turmeric can worsen symptoms of congestive heart failure, so never self-treat any heart problems with this herb and only take it under the direct supervision of your physician. Do not take turmeric if you're pregnant, have digestive disorders, diabetes, gallstones or are taking blood thinners or acid-reducing medication.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Atherosclerosis; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2008
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric; 2010
- University of Michigan Health System: Turmeric
- "Nutrition Research and Practice"; Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Curcumin via Up-Regulation of Cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase in Rats Fed a High Fat Diet; M. Kim and Y. Kim; June 2010
