Does turmeric interact with Omega-3?

So, can you assist the body's conversion of Omega-3 with turmeric? A recent animal study shows that turmeric boosts the conversion of plant-based Omega-3s into DHA in the brain. The effect was major— with about 50% additional DHA when turmeric was added to the diet.

gaplesinstitute.org - Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, Omega-3 Booster, and More

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Turmeric been used in Indian cooking for thousands of years—both for culinary and medicinal purposes. Studies have revealed the wisdom behind this ancient practice, with turmeric shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties with possible benefits ranging from arthritis to Alzheimer’s disease. And the research highlights yet another novel benefit for turmeric as an Omega-3 booster. Let’s dig into the science surrounding this fascinating old world spice.

Turmeric as an Anti-Inflammatory

The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Curcumin appears to inhibit inflammation through several mechanisms, including the COX-2 pathway blocked by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Documented benefits of turmeric include significant reduction in the pain and limitations of age related arthritis.

Turmeric and Alzheimer’s Disease

The rate of Alzheimer’s disease is especially low in India where turmeric consumption is high—less than 25% the rate in 70-80-year-olds in India compared to the U.S. This association has generated questions regarding the possible role of turmeric as an aid for prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. There is some experimental data that curcumin can destroy the beta-amyloid plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The potential role of turmeric in patients with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease is not well defined, but remains a tantalizing possibility with additional research underway.

Turmeric and Omega-3

The most biologically active Omega-3s are EPA and DHA, which are highly concentrated in fish. Omega-3s are also found in plants, including flax and walnuts, but plant-based Omega-3s need to be converted by the body into the more usable EPA and DHA. EPA is an important fat for heart health, and DHA is a key building block of the brain, with links to cognitive function and depression. Interestingly, our bodies are not equipped to efficiently convert plant-based Omega-3s into EPA and DHA. Only ~5% of plant based Omega-3 is converted to EPA and less than 1% to DHA! So, can you assist the body’s conversion of Omega-3 with turmeric? A recent animal study shows that turmeric boosts the conversion of plant-based Omega-3s into DHA in the brain. The effect was major— with about 50% additional DHA when turmeric was added to the diet. The results, although performed in animals and in need of clinical study, offer a glimpse into how biologic needs may be met in a variety of ways; fish eaters consume high levels of EPA and DHA directly, and vegetarians may boost their production of these same compounds by combining plant Omega-3s with turmeric.

Moving Turmeric from Tests to Table

Although the specific health value of adding turmeric to your diet is unclear, the preliminary research is provocative and there is little to lose by spicing up your diet. Dishes that pair particularly well with turmeric:

vegetables (particularly cauliflower)

whole grains

soups

lentils

salad dressing

It’s fascinating to consider that the value of turmeric was recognized for thousands of years—and that we are only now beginning to uncover the science that supports this ancient wisdom.

References:

Turmeric and Alzheimer’s Disease

Inefficient Conversion to EPA and DHA

Turmeric Boosts Conversion to DHA

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Can I take turmeric with multivitamins?

Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting.

everydayhealth.com - Turmeric (Curcuplex-95) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage ...

Turmeric is a spice that comes from a plant. Turmeric is also known as Curcuma, Curcumin, Halada, Haldi, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Pian Jiang Huang, Rajani, Safran Bourbon, Safran de Batallita, Safran des Indes, Turmeric Root, and Yu Jin. Turmeric should not be confused with Javanese turmeric root (Curcuma zedoaria). Turmeric is commonly used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, and other foods. The turmeric root is also used to make alternative medicine. Turmeric has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in reducing blood cholesterol, reducing osteoarthritis pain, or relieving itching caused by chronic kidney disease. Turmeric has also been used to treat stomach ulcers. However, research has shown that turmeric may not be effective in treating this condition. Other uses not proven with research have included: rheumatoid arthritis, prediabetes, tuberculosis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and lowering the risk of a heart attack after bypass surgery. It is not certain whether turmeric is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Turmeric should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Turmeric is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Turmeric may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

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