To read the full article, visit VOGUE ARABIA, article written by Nadine El Chaer
Beyond internal use, turmeric can be applied in skincare. Personally, I add a very small amount to homemade face masks. It is also found in certain cosmetic products available commercially, including in stores like Sephora. Turmeric can brighten the skin and functions much like an antioxidant, similar to vitamin C, by neutralising free radicals.
When it comes to supplementation, however, I would not recommend it. There are risks involved, including the potential for kidney stones and interactions with medications such as painkillers, chemotherapy, and blood thinners. These interactions can be dangerous. If someone is determined to take turmeric supplements, I advise them to first undergo a general health check, including blood tests, and consult with a doctor to ensure safe monitoring.
Instead, I strongly encourage consuming turmeric in its natural form, either fresh or powdered. Both are beneficial, though some believe fresh turmeric is superior. A challenge, however, is that the active ingredients in turmeric are not easily absorbed by the body. The digestive process breaks down these compounds and eliminates them quickly. To improve absorption, turmeric should be paired with black pepper, which enhances its bioavailability, and with a fat, such as olive oil or ghee, which is commonly used in my culture. For instance, I often mix ghee with turmeric and honey for my children when they have a sore throat.
There are many enjoyable ways to include turmeric in the diet – adding it to curries, using it as a spice on vegetables, or preparing turmeric tea, which is both delicious and beneficial. The key message I share with patients is to incorporate turmeric naturally in their diet rather than relying on supplements. This approach provides safe and meaningful benefits, particularly for those dealing with inflammation.
If you have a diagnosed medical condition such as diabetes or cancer, it’s important to consult your physician before taking turmeric supplements. While current research highlights turmeric’s promising health benefits, high doses may increase the risk of liver injury. More studies are still needed to confirm its full effects and to determine the safest and most effective dosages.
