Is turmeric really a miracle cure?
Even with this name, the “Mai-Lab” youtuber Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim rejects the “Bullshit-O-Meter”.
Frankfurt - More and more people swear by turmeric.
Especially in combination with the "golden milk" which has become a trend in many cities, the desire for the yellow root also increases.
It is said to have some health benefits.
Turmeric is said to be digestive and anti-inflammatory.
Some go even further and say the extract from the plant, curcumin, even has a positive influence on hair loss or diseases such as diabetes, depression, Alzheimer's and even cancer.
However, these studies should be viewed with caution.
Turmeric is actually known as a spice.
In curry, it provides the finishing touch to the taste and also gives the dish a beautiful golden yellow color.
The plant belongs to the ginger family and is also known as turmeric because of the yellow color of its roots.
According to the "consumer advice center", turmeric powder contains essential oils, proteins, resins, sugar compounds and up to five percent curcumin and other curcuminoids.
But how healthy is turmeric really?
Turmeric: "Mai-Lab" about miracle cures and "Bullshit-O-Meter"
"Whenever a 'miracle cure' is supposed to work against a whole list of different diseases, the bullshit-o-meter should actually turn out right away," emphasized Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim on her YouTube channel maiLab.
The interesting thing about curcumin is that there are many scientific studies on the active ingredient, she explains.
But how meaningful are the research results?
To do this, you have to take a closer look at the type of research.
In order to identify new active substances against diseases, a protein is first determined that is to be switched off because it is related to this disease.
Now it is tested whether a substance specifically affects this protein, explains the maiLab-Youtuberin.
During a screening, a whole series of molecules are tested for their effect on the protein.
Curcumin has proven to be a “positive hit” for various proteins.
For example, in connection with diseases such as Alzheimer's, depression and cancer.
But there is a big “but” behind it.
Studies with curcumin: positive results should be viewed critically
Because these results mostly come from screenings.
Or from cell and animal experiments, but not from clinical studies with human test subjects.
Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim explains that curcumin is very reactive from a chemical point of view.
She even speaks of "impostor molecules".
This allows positive results to be produced in connection with the substance, although they do not exist at all.
In her maiLab video, Nguyen-Kim refers to a comment in the journal “Nature”.
It was already clear in 2014 that curcumin can lead to false positive results.
The authors of the comment urgently advise neglecting the mode of action of curcumin and other similarly reactive molecules.
Peter Schnabel, an allergist at the Technical University of Munich, is of the same opinion, as reported by Bayerischer Rundfunk.
In 2017 he examined a large number of medical studies and came to the conclusion: “Not a single piece of work provides evidence that there are any effects on the many, many diseases.
Curcumin is practically touted as a panacea, not just for cancer.
That is simply not true. "
In the case of turmeric, the consumer advice center also comes to the conclusion that there is a lack of clear scientific evidence: "Whether turmeric extracts have health effects in humans, for example against cancer, joint problems, dementia or depression." the results are hardly transferable to humans.
This is also because the dosage of curcumin used in the studies was extremely high.
In humans, these can neither be achieved through dietary supplements nor through the food itself.
Health: Can Turmeric Be Harmful?
While the positive effects of turmeric are still controversial, the other side of the coin is also important.
Can curcumin be harmful to health?
According to the “consumer advice center”, turmeric is a safe food “eaten in normal (spice) quantities”.
But: Allergic reactions and undesirable side effects are possible.
Flatulence
heartburn
Diarrhea / increased stool frequency
Nausea or pain in the digestive tract
Source: consumer advice center
Two groups of people should better avoid turmeric extracts
In the case of two groups of people, the consumer advice center even warns against ingestion.
However, only with turmeric extracts.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid nutritional supplements with turmeric, because a negative effect cannot be ruled out.
However, there is nothing wrong with the spice when cooking.
People with gallstones should not consume turmeric extracts either, as this could promote bile production.
In the worst case, this could trigger biliary colic.
(Sophia Lother)
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