9 Incredible Benefits of Turmeric for Men’s Health
Dr. Eric Berg
08/07/2024Men are increasingly more aware that they’re at a greater risk of various chronic health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.
Naturally, many men are looking for a holistic solution to prioritize their health and well-being.
Let’s look at the nine health benefits of turmeric for men and discover how to incorporate this vibrant spice into your wellness routine.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric, also called "the golden spice of India," is a popular spice that first appeared 4000 years ago. It’s derived from the Curcuma longa plant, a member of the ginger family.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a natural remedy for a wide range of health conditions.
Research published in Foods confirms that curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Free radicals are highly volatile compounds that can damage cellular structures, including proteins, mitochondria, and DNA, and can lead to cell dysfunction linked to various chronic diseases.
Turmeric and curcumin supplements offer a natural way to protect your cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Watch the video below to learn more about the incredible health benefits of turmeric.
TURMERIC Is Good for Virtually EVERYTHING!
9 turmeric benefits for men
Advances in pharmaceutical research have helped develop countless critical medications for the treatment of a wide range of diseases.
However, many of these drugs have side effects and may impact testosterone levels linked to loss of muscle mass, impaired reproductive health, and low energy levels.
Using a curcumin supplement to lower inflammation and promote a healthy body can minimize the need for prescription drugs and may help reduce the risk of various health problems.
Let's look at nine potential health benefits of turmeric for men.
1. Promotes heart health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least one person dies of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States every 33 seconds.
Some of the leading risk factors of cardiovascular disease include high cholesterol levels and elevated blood pressure, both of which affect more men than women.
In addition, men are also more likely to develop arterial plaques, which restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Research published by Preventive Nutrition and Food Science found that curcumin can help lower blood pressure by increasing blood flow and suggests that turmeric's benefits for blood pressure regulation may increase with prolonged use.
Additional evidence published by Nutrition Journal reports that using turmeric can help improve cholesterol levels.
2. May reduce joint pain
As men age, the risk of joint disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout increases.
A study published by the Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry determined that turmeric can alleviate joint issues due to its ability to inhibit the activity of cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory compounds linked to musculoskeletal inflammation.
3. Speeds up muscle recovery
Muscle soreness happens when the connective tissues surrounding muscles are damaged during physical exercise.
While muscle soreness is normal and typically indicates muscle growth, it can be an uncomfortable and painful experience and may prevent you from participating in certain activities.
Research published by Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition discovered that curcumin showed promising results in self-perceived pain and tenderness after physical activity while reducing muscle damage.
It’s believed that curcumin's natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are responsible for aiding the body in recovering faster after intense exercise.
4. Supports mental well-being
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), around six million men are affected by depression every year.
Although a considerable amount of men suffer from low moods, many are reluctant to seek help due to the fear of judgment or stigma associated with depression.
Research published by Frontiers in Pharmacology discovered that curcumin may benefit the management of depression by regulating neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine.
These neurotransmitters are critical for mood regulation, and imbalanced serotonin or dopamine levels are associated with depressive disorders and anxiety.
Interestingly, when curcumin was compared to Prozac, a common antidepressant, it showed similar health benefits without the potential side effects of pharmaceutical treatments.
In addition, curcumin has been found to increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that regulates the maintenance of nerve cells, and has been linked to a lower risk of depression.
5. Promotes weight loss
With the abundance of unhealthy food options, weight gain has become an ongoing issue for many men, and taking turmeric supplements may present a natural way to promote a healthy body weight.
Research published by Frontiers in Pharmacology suggests curcumin can enhance the basal metabolic rate and increase energy levels, which has potential benefits for weight management.
6. Supports reproductive health
As men age, testosterone levels gradually decrease, which increases the risk of poor reproductive health and low libido.
A study published by Antioxidants discovered that oxidative stress can lead to Leydig cell dysfunction in the testes, which can impact male infertility.
Leydig cells are responsible for producing testosterone, which is crucial for sperm production, and low testosterone levels have been associated with erectile dysfunction.
Research published by Endocrine Oncology found that curcumin may protect Leydig cells from oxidative stress, which helps maintain testicular function and promotes testosterone production.
7. Helps reduce inflammation
A study published by Pharmacognosy Review suggests that free radicals and oxidative stress are primary factors in the development of various inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
An unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to oxidative stress and may lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Research published in Molecules explains that curcumin may help remedy chronic illnesses due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
8. Protects liver health
According to a study published by Nutrients, oxidative stress has been shown to be one of the leading causes of liver damage, along with alcohol and drugs.
The authors explain that curcumin can promote liver health, as it effectively protects liver cells from harmful free radicals generated during metabolic processes and detoxification.
9. May treat prostate cancer
Prostate cancer generally affects older men, and increasing evidence suggests that curcumin may possess anticancer properties that may suppress prostate cancer growth.
Research published by Genes and Nutrition discovered that curcumin interferes with the growth and proliferation of prostate cancer cells by reducing their sensitivity to growth signals.
How much turmeric should you take?
Turmeric is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it a suitable dietary supplement for daily use.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends taking 500 mg of curcumin twice a day. Clinical trials also found that taking up to 8,000 milligrams daily is safe and well-tolerated by most adults.
However, if you have pre-existing conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider before taking turmeric supplements.
How to use turmeric
Turmeric is an adaptable spice that’s widely available in powder, capsules, extract, and oil form.
Turmeric supplements are a convenient source of curcumin as they’re pre-measured and can be taken on the go.
Turmeric powder, on the other hand, can be added to a wide variety of dishes, such as soups, curries, dips, and marinades.
Curcumin is poorly absorbed, and heating and cooking turmeric are great ways to enhance its bioavailability and maximize the health benefits of turmeric.
While turmeric oil can be applied topically to improve skin health, turmeric paste can be mixed with coconut milk to make golden milk, which is a soothing and health-promoting beverage.
Potential adverse effects of turmeric
While turmeric is generally considered safe, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential adverse effects of curcumin supplementation.
Certain individuals are sensitive to turmeric and may experience gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and acid reflux.
Although rare, in some cases, turmeric can trigger allergies or cause headaches and dizziness.
Turmeric can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, antacids, and diabetes drugs, and it’s crucial to discuss the use of turmeric with a healthcare provider if you are taking prescription medication or have underlying health conditions.
To maximize the health benefits of turmeric while minimizing the risk of side effects, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosage of the supplement you plan to use.
Key takeaways
There are many potential turmeric benefits for men, such as lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, enhancing reproductive health, reducing muscle soreness, alleviating joint pain, promoting weight loss, and protecting liver health.
Turmeric is generally considered safe when used as a spice or taken as a supplement. However, consuming high doses of turmeric can increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues and headaches in sensitive individuals.
FAQ
1. What are the turmeric benefits for men?
There are plenty of turmeric health benefits for men, such as lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, reducing muscle soreness, enhancing reproductive health, alleviating joint pain, promoting weight loss, and potentially lowering the risk of prostate cancer.
2. Does turmeric increase testosterone?
Evidence suggests that turmeric may help boost testosterone production by promoting the function of Leydig cells in the testes.
3. Can men take turmeric daily?
Turmeric is generally considered safe for daily consumption, and the Arthritis Foundation recommends taking 500 mg of curcumin twice daily.
4. Can curcumin boost libido?
There is evidence that curcumin can enhance libido by improving the function of Leydig cells, which are responsible for testosterone production.
Balanced testosterone levels are associated with male reproductive health, including healthy libido and a lower risk of erectile dysfunction.
5. How can I increase the bioavailability of curcumin?
Curcumin is poorly absorbed, and it’s recommended to combine turmeric with black pepper or healthy fats.
Black pepper contains piperine, an alkaloid that enhances curcumin's bioavailability. Consuming turmeric with healthy fats such as olive or coconut oil also boosts the absorption of curcumin.
6. Is turmeric good for prostate health?
Curcumin has been shown to lower the risk of prostate cancer. It’s believed that curcumin can protect prostate cells from oxidative stress, which can help prevent cellular damage linked to cancer development.
7. Can turmeric be used for erectile dysfunction?
Although studies show some promising effects of curcumin on erectile functions in mice, there is limited research on humans.
However, curcumin's ability to improve the body's blood flow may indicate that it has potential benefits for men affected by erectile dysfunction.
Sources
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