A kitchen cupboard staple costing as little as 50p is being hailed as a natural remedy for conditions ranging from arthritis to depression. Medical expert Dr Eric Berg sparked widespread interest online by disclosing how taking turmeric daily for just two weeks could substantially decrease inflammation and even promote brain health.
Dr Berg, who commands more than 14 million YouTube subscribers and has more than two million TikTok followers, stated in a video: “What would happen if you consume turmeric for 14 days? If you had any inflammation in your body, that’s going to go bye-bye.” He credits this to curcumin, the principal active ingredient in turmeric, calling it “one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatories.” Dr Berg continued: “Any of the itis, bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, turmeric can help,” and also proposes the spice “acts as a natural antidepressant” whilst detoxifying the liver.
According to the NHS, arthritis impacts more than 10 million individuals in the UK, whilst depression is thought to affect one in six adults at any particular time, which explains why enthusiasm for natural remedies continues to be robust. Scientific studies do suggest that turmeric contains measurable anti-inflammatory qualities.
A review published in the journal Foods found that curcumin has been shown to lower inflammation markers in multiple clinical trials, although researchers point out that absorption rates – how well it is taken up by the body – can be restricted without enhancers like black pepper.
Dr Berg also characterises turmeric as a “powerful antioxidant” and an “immune modulator”. The NHS states that antioxidants assist in protecting cells from harm caused by free radicals, whilst certain laboratory research indicates curcumin may affect immune responses, though more extensive human studies are necessary.
Concerning mental wellbeing, a meta-analysis in the Journal of Affective Disorders discovered that curcumin supplementation demonstrated modest to moderate improvements in depressive symptoms when compared to placebo.
Nevertheless, researchers stressed that turmeric should not substitute prescribed antidepressants and additional research is essential.
Dr Berg also proposes turmeric may boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), occasionally described as “miracle grow for your brain”.
The Alzheimer’s Society notes that BDNF serves a vital function in promoting nerve cell development and survival, and diminished levels have been linked with depression and neurodegenerative conditions.
“Been taking turmeric daily for five years,” confessed one user in the comments section, whilst another remarked: “Thank you for this great advice”. However, one follower cautioned that “it does interfere with some medications”.
Medical professionals broadly concur that turmeric is safe for most individuals when incorporated into cooking, though high-strength supplements may interact with particular medications. As ever, the NHS advises consulting a GP before commencing new supplements, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or take regular medication.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
