Does turmeric really thin the blood and lower cholesterol — 4 scientific facts

The main causes of excessively thick and viscous blood are a lack of body fluids, as well as vitamins E, C, B ₆ . All this can be supplemented by an excess of lipids in the blood plasma, low-density cholesterol, which subsequently leads to blood clots and the formation of blood clots, cholesterol plaques.

There is an opinion that the inclusion of turmeric in the diet will help normalize blood viscosity and lower cholesterol levels. What do qualified doctors and scientists think about this?

According to research, the substance curcumin has anticoagulant properties, and its regular use really dilutes the blood.

Other studies confirm that turmeric consumption lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.

In this article, we will talk about the anticoagulant properties of turmeric and the rules for taking it.

The effect of spices on blood viscosity

It's worth starting with which trace elements thicken the blood and which dilute it. So, it gets thicker because of:

1. Vitamin K. Directly affects coagulation, that is, accelerates the process of platelet coagulation.
2. Vitamin R. Other flavonoids can also be included here. They also belong to coagulants and affect platelet coagulation (speeding up this process).
3. Tryptophan and its derivatives. In the body, these elements are synthesized to serotonin, which, in turn, affects blood flow of the brain , dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
4. Tannins. In principle, all tannins are used even in medicine as hemostatic agents, as they are able to stimulate blood clotting.
5. Vitamin B ₁₂ . Participates in hematopoietic function by increasing platelet concentration.
6. Lipids. Everything is extremely simple – the more fats in the blood plasma, the thicker it is. This category also includes trans fats, which are practically not absorbed by the body, and excess sugar – it is synthesized to fatty compounds if not used for getting energy .

But the deficiency of all the above microelements will negatively affect human health. For example, without B vitamins, the body practically does not produce endorphins responsible for psychological well-being . And at the same time, protein metabolism and calcium absorption are disrupted.

But they reduce blood viscosity:

• Vitamin E (is an antioxidant);
• Vitamin C (regulates lipid metabolism and also helps to remove toxins from the blood);
• Vitamin B ₆ (affects metabolism, intercellular metabolism of amino acids and lipids);
• Potassium and magnesium (these elements indirectly regulate water-salt metabolism).

And what trace elements are included in turmeric? The key ones can be identified (the norm is indicated for 100 grams of ready-made seasoning):

• Vitamin B ₆ (1.8 mg);
• Vitamin C (25.9 mg);
• Vitamin E (3.1 mg);
• Potassium (2525 mg);
• Calcium (183 mg);
• Sodium (38 mg);
• Sterols and sterols (82 mg).

Turmeric also contains vitamins K and P, but in small concentrations, which practically have no effect on platelet coagulation.

 

4 beneficial properties for blood vessels

It is known that turmeric is good for the heart and blood vessels . According to recent studies, curcumin, which gives turmeric a special golden color, has the following effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system:

1. Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. And this is facilitated by stimulating the process of splitting cholesterol and cleansing of blood vessels (similar to the action of the drug Aspirin).
2. Prevents the development of hypertension. This is especially important in the initial stages of heart failure. The use of turmeric will help to avoid exacerbations of chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system.
3. Helps with cardiotoxicosis. For example, when the water-salt balance in the body is disturbed, the level of sodium compounds increases. Those, in turn, slow down the absorption of amino acids by blood vessels, heart muscle. Curcumin levels this phenomenon, helps to remove sodium compounds, increase the concentration of potassium in blood plasma (sodium and potassium inhibit each other, that is, when the concentration of one element increases, the amount of the second decreases and vice versa).
4. Improves vascular tone . In particular, it helps to maintain the tone of the capillary networks that permeate the brain.

 

Admission rules

Turmeric is mainly used as a spice and natural dye. It has a minimal effect on the final taste of the dish, but gives it an appetizing golden hue.

The simplest option - add turmeric to water for subsequent cooking of cereals, pasta, noodles, as well as for cooking stews. How much turmeric is recommended daily? To get a positive impact on the work of the cardiovascular system only 0.7 – 1.2 grams is enough.

Turmeric can also be added to:

• Coffee (and any other coffee drinks);
• Tea;
• Wine;
• Vegetable and fruit salads;
• Meat dishes (before baking, cooking or frying).

You can also cook different kinds of turmeric based on cleansing infusions . Moreover, it is allowed to use both the root and the stem of the plant itself.

Turmeric in rare cases may cause allergies . Therefore, you should start with small portions to avoid acute food allergies.

3 Simple Healing Recipes

The following folk recipes can be used to thin the blood:

1. Turmeric oil. To prepare it, mix 250 grams of turmeric with 4 liters of water, let it brew for 8 hours. Next, evaporate over high heat until only 2 liters of liquid remain, add 300 grams of mustard powder. Next, evaporate again until you get a thick mixture similar in consistency to butter. Allow to cool, pour into a bottle (while warm). Take 0.5 teaspoons 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 4 weeks, followed by a break for 10 days.
2. Turmeric with honey. You will need ¼ teaspoon of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of honey. They are thoroughly mixed and eaten on an empty stomach 20-30 minutes before the scheduled meal (before breakfast). The course of treatment is not limited. If heartburn occurs, then the reception is carried out after breakfast (but the effectiveness will be somewhat less).
3. Turmeric with milk. To prepare the remedy, mix 1 teaspoon of seasoning and 1 cup of warm milk (not hot). Drink in 3 doses with a break of 20-30 minutes after lunch. Use this remedy 3 times a week for 4 months.

Contraindications and side effects

Contraindications for the use of turmeric are:

• Hemophilia;
• Diabetes mellitus (at any stage, of any type, since blood clotting is drastically reduced with this disease);
• Allergy;
• Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum in the period of exacerbation.

But doctors distinguish only heartburn and increased belching from side effects - this is not a reason to refuse to include turmeric in the diet. Turmeric is also used with caution for gastritis in the active stage or with exacerbation – curcumin irritates the gastric mucosa, thereby stimulating an increase in acidity (pH level).

Doctors also do not recommend giving turmeric to children under 3 years old. This is due to the fact that before this age, the digestive system has not yet been fully formed and actively reacts to such stimuli.

Related videos

For a better understanding of the topic, we recommend watching these videos:

 

Conclusion

In total, this spice really helps to reduce blood density. It is enough just to include it in the diet. The daily norm is about 1 gram (for pregnant women, it can be increased to 1.5 – 2 grams, since their body absorbs B–group vitamins more actively).