If you suffer from gallstones, turmeric can cause pain. Turmeric is a cholecystokinetic agent, which means it facilitates the pumping of bile, so that impurities do not accumulate. Ultrasound studies (echo) have shown that a quarter teaspoon of turmeric causes the gallbladder to contract, expelling half of its contents. In this way, it helps prevent the formation of gallstones. But what happens if there is a gallstone blocking your bile ducts? The contraction that occurs after consuming turmeric causes pain. However, for others, consumption of turmeric affects the reduction and risk of the formation of these gallstones and, more recently, the risk of gallstone cancer.

However, excessive consumption of turmeric may increase the risk of kidney stones. Turmeric is rich in soluble oxalates, which can bind to calcium and create the most common form of kidney stones. These oxalates are responsible for more than 75 percent of kidney stone cases. Those prone to kidney stone formation should limit dietary oxalate intake to no more than 50 mg per day. This means not to consume more than 1 teaspoon of turmeric per day. (By the way, turmeric is considered safe during pregnancy, but turmeric pills are not.)

My daily recommendation of a quarter teaspoon of turmeric per day should be added to whatever herb or other spice (no salt) you like. Although we have unique benefits from turmeric, the reason why the daily dose encourages the consumption of aromatic plants and spices in general is because there is evidence that they also have many health benefits. I have discussed the role of saffron, for example, in the treatment of Alzheimer’s (chapter 3) and depression (chapter 12). Spices make food not only tastier, but also improve it, writes living.al. I advise you to have a special place in your sideboard filled with spices and make it a habit to use them to make the food as delicious as possible.

Below you will find a more detailed analysis of some of the aromatic herbs and spices for which there is more scientific data. I’ll describe some of the most interesting studies illustrating the benefits of these flavor enhancers and explain some of the easiest ways to integrate them into your meals.

Source: prizrenpost