Is It Okay To Eat Raw Turmeric? Absolutely! Because turmeric is a plant in the ginger family, it also looks and tastes similar to ginger. So, just treat fresh, raw turmeric like you would with a knob of fresh ginger—just peel it, then slice, dice, or grate it.
While turmeric is safe for most people when enjoyed in tea or food, if you are allergic to the spice, eating it may cause a rash, hives or abdominal pain. Most of the side effects are associated with very high concentrations of curcumin found in supplements (pills, capsules and gummies).
Raw turmeric concoctions/ tea taken daily over a while may help to improve immunity”. * It helps facilitate smoother digestion through the tracts. * Consumption of raw turmeric may also help treat stomach ulcers and irritation. * It also helps in reducing inflammation in the body.
It is recommended that fresh turmeric is used for dishes that would be consumed raw – shakes, milk, smoothies, and even pickles. When cooking, powdered turmeric works better, although you can use fresh turmeric too.
Raw turmeric is packed with medicinal properties. It has a high concentration of curcumin which is a compound that is known for its antiseptic properties. It helps in treating cold, cough, skin infections, urinary tract infections and even fatty liver disease.
“It's safe to take up to 8 grams per day, but my recommendation would be somewhere on the lighter side: 500 to 1,000 milligrams a day for the general population,” says Hopsecger. For optimal absorption, try taking with heart-healthy fats like oils, avocado, nuts and seeds, she adds.
People who should not take turmeric include those with gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, iron deficiency, liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, and arrhythmia. Pregnant women and those who are going to undergo surgery should not use turmeric.
As mentioned above, turmeric is best absorbed when taken with food. Fatty foods, such as eggs and vegetable oils (like coconut or olive oil), are the best to combine with turmeric. This is because they contain a compound called lecithin. Lecithin helps the body absorb turmeric.
Recommended turmeric dosage
The recommended doses of many studies that used turmeric supplements vary from 500-2000 mg per day and higher doses above 10,000 mg per day are also not recommended for long-term use.
The recommended daily dose for turmeric powder is about 3 grams per day, which is equivalent to a teaspoon.
According to a study conducted at the Tufts University, curcumin can actually suppress fat tissue growth. Another way in which turmeric helps in losing weight by regulating sugar levels and further preventing insulin resistance. This results in excess fat that is not retained in the body.
We also know that turmeric, and especially its active constituent curcumin, are poorly absorbed by the body. The reason for this is that curcumin dissolves in fat, rather than in water, and as the digestive system is a rather watery environment, most of it just ends up being excreted by the body.
Sprinkle ground turmeric on food dishes such as rice, eggs, beans, soups, salads, roasted potatoes and stir-fry vegetables. Your imagination is the limit. You can even sprinkle turmeric on an ear of corn. Chop a 4-inch piece of fresh turmeric root into 1-inch pieces and boil them in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes.
High doses of turmeric could have a blood-thinning effect; if taken on top of prescribed anticoagulants, this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. People with liver or bile duct problems should not take turmeric supplements, as they can increase bile production.
Enhanced digestion and immunity:
It's believed that nutrients of raw turmeric fingers are better absorbed by the body than their dried forms. Raw turmeric when consumed in the right quantity is linked to promoting bile secretion in the body, resulting in more improved digestion.
How much turmeric should you consume to retain the health benefits? Here are a few helpful tips to get you started. Sayer uses 1/2 - 1.5 teaspoons per day of the dried root powder, certified organic. A typical dose of supplemental curcumin is about 250mg per day, and often increased when dealing with a condition.
Taking turmeric in large doses has potential risks: Mild side effects include upset stomach, acid reflux, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches. Consuming large doses of turmeric supplements can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation.
Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, and willow.
Turmeric can be a great part of your diet and doesn't have significant side effects. But in high doses (more than 8 grams or about ½ tablespoon), the curcumin can cause upset stomach, dizziness, and diarrhea.
Though turmeric is generally recognized as safe, it's always smart to talk with your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet, especially if you're already taking other medications.
The most effective way to take turmeric is with a liquid, such as in liquid shot form or even blended within a drink or smoothie.
Black pepper is not necessary for turmeric to be effective, but it can be helpful. Black pepper contains a compound, piperine, which inhibits the metabolic breakdown of turmeric compounds in the gut and the liver.
This is the primary reason why you should take turmeric with black pepper. Black pepper contains a compound called piperine that helps to increase the rate at which turmeric is absorbed by the body. In fact, research shows that piperine can increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.