If food is medicine, Turmeric for PCOS is a boon of Nature for Women!
More than 15% of women suffer from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which leads to unwanted hair growth or sometimes hair loss, irregular menstruation cycles, and cystic acne.
And the problems don’t end here. PCOS increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver ailments, high blood cholesterol, and whatnot.
Thus, adding PCOS-friendly foods to your diet is crucial to prevent severe health risks.
Moreover, the biggest factor behind the progression of PCOS is low-grade to chronic inflammation. While turmeric is amongst the best anti-inflammatory foods.
Rather a study found that turmeric extract has positive effects on PCOS women, promoting ovulation.
Here’s an in-depth overview of why you should eat turmeric for PCOS:
Nutritional Potency of Turmeric
Turmeric is well-known for its medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years. It is an anti-inflammatory spice popularly grown in Southeast Asia. Curcumin contains the active ingredient ‘curcumin’ that gives turmeric its characteristic color and anti-inflammatory benefits. The effects are stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin.
Let’s dig a bit deeper and know the 5 reasons to eat turmeric for PCOS:
1. Combats Inflammation
Curcumin is an antioxidant that fights inflammation at the molecular level. Moreover, it aids in treating PCOS as chronic inflammation and elevated cortisol are associated. Where high cortisol leads to an increased risk of higher insulin levels, blood sugar levels, and androgens release (male hormone).
Another study on turmeric found it to be effective in reducing major inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP). So, combating the root cause of PCOS, that is, inflammation reduces the exacerbation of its symptoms.
2. Reduces Oxidative Stress
Women with PCOS have high free radical activity and reduced levels of antioxidants. That increases the risk of free radical damage, intensifying the symptoms of PCOS.
As per research, PCOS is an oxidative state, where antioxidants are inadequate for the production of free radicals.
To counter that, you need to eat an antioxidant-rich diet. Turmeric is one great source of antioxidants, and it also boosts your body’s natural anti-oxidative activity.
Beyond PCOS, free radical damage is also a major cause of aging, cancerous cell proliferation, arthritis, pulmonary disease, and preeclampsia.
3. Aids Liver Functions
Curcumin in turmeric boosts bile production in the gallbladder. Where bile is used for detoxification of blood. Women with PCOS are in greater need of detoxification. As they need a healthy liver to remove harmful environmental toxins, androgens, and estrogen.
4. Reduces Insulin Resistance
As many as 70% of women with PCOS develop insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the improper response of cells to insulin production, causing high blood insulin levels.
Not only that, but it also increases the body’s inflammatory response and male hormone production (androgens). The unwanted androgen production leads to common PCOS symptoms such as thick facial hair, cystic acne, weight gain, and even weight loss resistance.
Luckily, turmeric can help you lower insulin resistance and the associated symptoms. In one study, PCOS women were given 500-1500 mg of curcumin powder which led to better cell response to insulin.
5. Elevates Moods
Due to hormonal imbalances, women with PCOS have to deal with mood swings. Moreover, excessive acne, facial hair, and weight gain can lead to depression.
On a deeper level, depression occurs due to reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) levels and shrinkage of the hippocampus. Where curcumin in turmeric combats depression by increasing BNDF levels.
Furthermore, curcumin also boosts the production of dopamine and serotonin-the happy hormones.
How Much Turmeric to Take For PCOS?
Turmeric contains curcumin only 3% of its weight. Studies suggest consuming only 1 gram of turmeric per day, which is higher than what you add to your curries. But be cautious of overdosage as it can cause indigestion, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea.
Can PCOS Patients Drink Turmeric Milk?
Surprisingly, turmeric milk is a weight-loss drink for PCOS women. Being an incredible combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and essential fatty acids, Haldi doodh or turmeric milk speeds up the weight loss process.
Final Verdict
It wouldn’t be wrong to say turmeric for PCOS is a crucial spice to consume every day. From preventing PCOS symptoms to weight loss to fertility to improved moods, turmeric does it all. Beyond that, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular and diabetic diseases.
