DOES TURMERIC LOWER CHOLESTEROL?

Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have used turmeric for 4,000 years to treat inflammation, skin problems, wounds and digestive and liver disorders. One of turmeric's purported uses is to lower cholesterol. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that turmeric lowers cholesterol in humans, according to the University of Maryland, or UMMC.

MORE ABOUT TURMERIC

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is indigenous to Africa, India and other regions of Asia, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Also known as Indian saffron, ground turmeric root has a distinctive warm, buttery taste; it's what gives curries, mustard and cheese a striking golden hue. The active constituent in turmeric is called curcumin. The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, classifies turmeric supplements--including capsules, fluid extracts and tinctures--as dietary supplements. Makers of dietary supplements cannot claim their products treat or cure any medical condition.

TURMERIC IN THEORY

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that circulates in your blood. Your body manufactures cholesterol, but you also get some of it from the foods you eat. Excess amounts of cholesterol can build up in your arteries. This may result in a condition called atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. The UMMC cites two theories of how turmeric can be of benefit. One is that is lowers cholesterol levels and keeps low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol in check. Another theory is that due to its blood-thinning properties, turmeric might prevent blood clots from forming in your arteries.

WHAT SCIENCE SAYS

Studies performed on curcumin and turmeric extracts have largely involved test tubes and laboratory animals rather than human beings. In a study on turmeric's effects on rabbits, published in a December 1999 issue of "Atherosclerosis," researchers fed 18 rabbits a fatty diet to induce antherosclerosis, after which they separated the rabbits into three groups. Two of the groups received turmeric extract in varying doses. The rabbits that got the lower dosage of turmeric exhibited lower cholesterol levels than the control group, which did not receive turmeric. Researchers concluded that turmeric extract "could be useful in the management of cardiovascular disease in which atherosclerosis is important."

OTHER TURMERIC USES

Turmeric has numerous purported uses in addition to its reputation as a cholesterol-lowering agent. It's used as a cancer preventative. Turmeric also purportedly treats infection, inflammation, kidney stones and gas and enhances functioning of the gall bladder. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, laboratory studies support turmeric's anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits, but there is little clinical evidence to support turmeric for these health benefits.

WHAT EXPERTS SAY

According to the American Heart Association, you can lower your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet low in saturated and transfats and dietary cholesterol, as well as adding exercise to your daily routine. If these lifestyle changes don't decrease cholesterol, your physician might recommend prescription medication. The small amount of turmeric you use in food won't give you health benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic website. However, you can use turmeric and other spices to replace salt and decrease your sodium consumption.