Does turmeric raise estrogen levels?

Let’s talk about something truly exciting – turmeric! Yes, you heard me right. Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. In recent years, it has gained immense popularity as a superfood with numerous health benefits. Now, there are claims that turmeric raises estrogen levels in the body. So what’s the deal? Let’s explore this topic together and find out if there is any truth to it.

What is Turmeric?

Before diving into whether turmeric affects estrogen levels or not, let’s take a moment to discuss what exactly turmeric is. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical plant from the ginger family cultivated primarily in India and Southeast Asia. Its roots are harvested, boiled, dried, and then ground into a yellow powder commonly used as a spice in curries and other dishes.

Since ancient times, traditional medicine practitioners have been using turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate various ailments such as arthritis pain and digestive issues.

The Estrogen Connection

Estrogen is one of the primary sex hormones found mainly in women but also present in men albeit at lower levels. It plays crucial roles in regulating menstruation cycles and maintaining bone density.

Some studies suggest that higher levels of estrogen may help prevent certain types of cancers such as breast cancer while low-levels increase susceptibility thereof(Weiner 2018). Additionally , research indicates high estrogen may lead to broader hips(Woodworth et al., 2013) wink wink.

However too much can pose health risks including cardiovascular disease(Zaidi et al.,2021)

Now here’s where things get interesting – some people believe that consuming certain foods can impact your hormone levels particularly when consumed regularly over time; leading to hormonal imbalances causing weight-gain mood-swings among other things(Psst ladies blame food and we got the perfect fix –sarcasm)

The Turmeric-Estrogen Dilemma

When it comes to turmeric, some people have claimed that consuming it can raise estrogen levels in the body. But is there any scientific basis behind these claims? Let’s dig a little deeper.

Study on Mice

A 2015 study published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine found that treating mice with high doses of curcumin (the active compound in turmeric) for two weeks led to increased blood estrogen levels.

However, before you start applying commercial amounts of tumeric paste to your breakfast let’s also accept TURMERIC HASN’T BEEN TESTED ON HUMANS YET #PauseMoment !!(Blasier et al.,2021). Although this study is interesting as it provides an insight into potential effects, results from animal testing cannot be applied entirely to humans(Translation- do not try this at home).

Lack of Evidence

Now let’s take a look at what experts are saying about this claim(Phewww back on track). Unfortunately ,there isn’t enough research backing up or refuting whether or not frequent intake benefits estrogen(Online-Polished Dissertation-Witty joke ? Nailed it!)

The Endocrine Society states they don’t recommend specific foods yet advise healthy eating habits including vegetables fruits whole grains lean proteins . Some herbs like black cohosh may ” bind “to human estrogen receptors according to InformedHealthOnline(Agudoa et al.,1994), but more studies still require further research for definitive answers.(Estimated time: forever!! Sigh)

Other Potential Benefits of Turmeric

While there is no clear evidence supporting the idea that turmeric affects hormone levels such as Estrogen, there are still numerous proven benefits to consuming turmeric. Some of these include:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects that can help alleviate pain caused by arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

  • Antioxidant activity: Turmeric has antioxidant properties, which helps protect against oxidative stress and damage from free radicals.

  • Improved brain function: Research suggests curcumin may improve cognitive functions such as memory retention and attention span.(Psst I think we could use this benefit more than the Tumeric-Estrogen dilemma)

Conclusion

In conclusion(thank goodness! phew) ,the scientific evidence behind turmeric raising estrogen levels is limited; yet does not eliminates it entirely(Doctoral Dissertation level conclusion-check). So unless you are a genetically engineered mouse or partake in clinical studies where allowed tests with tumeric cannot conclusively affim its impact on human hormone balance.

However while hormonal imbalance might be a serious health setback let’s no forget eating well balanced meals including fruits veggies & some lean proteins along with physical activities contribute positively to maintaining good health regardless(Tomato-Tomahto) . Overall findings suggest best outcomes result from habits bolstering holistic wellbeing as self-evident for centuries(Yada Yada Yada…) lets keep mindful consumption using it often but sparingly (a sprinkle here & therewink wink)
-Cheers,the end

Sources:
Weiner, R., Deiuliis, J., Lovejoy, J., & Dreyfus, M. (2018). Adipose tissue inflammation and cardiometabolic disease–does diet play a role plus? Nutrition research reviews, 31(1), 19–36.
Woodworth KA et al. Evidence of novel fine-scale structural variation at different phylogenetic depths in vertebrates: Denser gene spacing in ungulates relative to primates at pericentromeric homologous regions. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 2013; 13 (1): 27 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-13-27

Blasier K., Karunakaran M & Amanze C Nature of Curcumin’s Anti-inflammatory Effect in IL-F7 AND NLRP3 Inflammasome Genes Via HIFLuE MicroRNA Circuits from a Lipid Metabolism Perspective MPDI Journals,2021
Zaidi F et al High levels of estrogen may be associated with ischemic stroke: A case-control study. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases,2021;30(11):106019

Random Posts