A teaspoonful daily could surprise you with its effects

Turmeric, often referred to as the "golden spice," is a staple in Indian cuisine. Its health benefits are extensive and well-documented, thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin.

Turmeric boasts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potentially anticancer properties, qualities that make it a great addition to your daily diet. A daily teaspoon can have numerous health benefits.

The key health benefits associated with daily turmeric consumption include:

• A natural defense against inflammation. Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
• Delay of the aging process.
• Support for digestion.
• Reduction of bloating and gas.
• Lowering of bad cholesterol levels.
• Relief of arthritis symptoms.
• Protection against the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Despite curcumin's many benefits, its absorption by the body is low. However, by adding a pinch of black pepper to a turmeric dish, you can enhance its bioavailability.

The dose varies depending on whether you're using the spice or choosing a supplement. Powdered turmeric contains roughly 3 percent curcumin, while supplements can contain up to 95 percent. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers a maximum dose of 3 mg of curcumin per kilogram of body weight to be safe. Simple calculations show that a person weighing 132 pounds (approx. 60 kg) can consume up to 180 mg of this ingredient.

Although turmeric is generally safe for most people, some should be careful. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, iron deficiencies, kidney stones, or gallbladder diseases, or conditions causing problematic bleeding, are advised not to use turmeric.