5 Surprising Side Effects of Turmeric

The popularity of golden milk lattes is well-deserved. Turmeric has not only been known for its delicious taste, but it has also been known for its powerful healing effects.

Eating turmeric, part of the ginger family, can lower inflammation, soothe allergies, and improve our immune system.

With all the health benefits turmeric provides, are there any risks associated with its consumption?

Despite being rare, we did find a few potentially harmful side effects of turmeric consumption. 

READ ALSO – Turmeric Supplements Benefits – Overview, Uses, Side-Effects

What Is Turmeric?

The Indian spice turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a medicinal herb, food dye, and ancient spice.

Rhizomes, its root stalks, are orange or yellow. Turmeric roots are usually dried and ground into powder, and they contain curcuminoids, which give the herb its characteristic color.

Its taste has been described as bitter and peppery, and it is an important ingredient in Indian curries. The majority of turmeric consumed worldwide comes from India.

Most of the carbohydrates come from starch and fiber. In spite of this, turmeric is packed with nutrients and plant compounds.

Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which are its primary active constituents. Most of turmeric’s health benefits and orange-yellow color are due to these compounds.

It is thought that curcumin, about 3% of turmeric, is the most extensively studied curcuminoid.

Additionally, curcumin powders sold commercially usually contain additives. Anti-clumping agents such as silicon dioxide prevent clumping.

Moreover, any cheap turmeric powder that does not list its ingredients may also contain illegal additives. 

Why Do People Eat Turmeric?

The spice turmeric is used as a food dye as well as a spice, giving food both flavor and color.

Curcumin, the main active ingredient of turmeric, has been credited with the health benefits associated with its consumption.

The following are some the benefits of turmeric:

• Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation contributes to a number of diseases. There is evidence that curcumin supplements can reduce levels of inflammatory markers.
• You may improve your antioxidant status by taking curcumin and other curcuminoids.
• Studies suggest that curcumin supplements may increase blood flow and lower blood pressure by dilation of blood vessels.
• The anti-inflammatory effects of these foods may also lower heart attack risk.

Curcumin and Turmeric Adverse Effects – Side Effects of Turmeric

Generally, curcumin, the primary active ingredient in turmeric, is considered safe and free from serious side effects.

Nonetheless, some people may face side effects from taking them as supplements in high doses.

​​Bloating and digestive troubles may occur

Among Turmeric’s many active ingredients is curcumin, which has many health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, which can be extracted and sold separately. For the most part, curcumin is harmless.

However, an early study from Cancer Prevention Research indicated that some people ingested curcumin and experienced diarrhea, bloating, or other digestive problems. Taking large doses of turmeric on a regular basis may cause this side effect.

Headaches and nausea may occur

Turmeric contains a powerful antioxidant called curcumin, which is why many people enjoy taking it in supplement form or eating it. 

Despite curcumin’s many health benefits, several studies have reported some mild side effects.

The BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies journal highlighted the fact that curcumin can potentially cause headaches and nausea, although this is still a fairly uncommon side effect. 

You should pay attention if you experience headaches or nausea after consuming a lot of turmeric!

Skin, nails, and countertops might stain temporarily

Many parts of the world use turmeric’s yellow color as a natural dye.

Turmeric is most likely to stain your hands, nails, and even your countertops when you cook with it, especially fresh turmeric.

Thanks to its temporary nature, the staining will wash off eventually.

The consumption of unwanted additives is possible

You can add turmeric powder to many spicy dishes and make a golden latte if you want to avoid coffee. Due to the presence of lead, some of the ingredients in turmeric powder are sometimes unexpected, such as rye, cassava, or wheat flour.

This is due to an approach called adulteration, which involves mixing powdered spices with other spices, cheaper flour and sometimes even lead to cut expenses. It puts us at risk for eating ingredients we do not want.

Your gallbladder might be affected

A small number of people, especially those who already suffer from gallbladder disease, have been reported to have gallbladder problems after taking turmeric in larger amounts. 

In a study from the Asia Pacific Journal of Nutrition, it was shown that large amounts of turmeric can possibly cause the gallbladder to contract, which can lead to blockages and improper function.[1]

​​In summary

There does not seem to be any serious side effects associated with turmeric and curcumin supplements.

High doses may, however, cause mild discomfort for some people, including headaches and diarrhea.

When buying low-quality turmeric, make sure it’s made without cheap fillers, such as wheat starch. It could cause allergic reactions in individuals with gluten intolerance.