Discover the Powerful Health Benefits of Turmeric for Men

By Dr. David Samadi 

When considering the potential benefits of turmeric for men, it’s understandable to be uncertain about whether to opt for a supplement or integrate it into your meals. Turmeric, a staple in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines for nearly 4,000 years, has become increasingly popular in the West. Turmeric is widely recognized for its vibrant yellow color and bold flavor. This spice can be seamlessly incorporated into various dishes or utilized as a supplement in capsule, liquid extract, and tincture forms. 

Before beginning to take turmeric supplements, always consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Getting to know Turmeric

Turmeric, a spice derived from the rhizome or root of a native Asian plant, is closely related to ginger and has been utilized in cooking for centuries. The orange flesh of its underground stems is used in cooking and has been a part of Eastern medicine for thousands of years. Turmeric’s health benefits come from its active compound, curcumin, which has a distinctive golden-yellow color.

Benefits of Turmeric for Men

• Lowers Inflammation: Curcumin is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties, making it a potent natural anti-inflammatory agent. It helps manage post-workout inflammation and chronic pain, improving overall health.
• Eases several Disease Symptoms: Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects can alleviate symptoms of diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, psoriasis, and depression. It also shows promise in treating high cholesterol and anxiety.
• Improves Joint Health and Provides Pain Relief: Studies show turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects reduce joint pain and swelling, comparable to over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen.
• Aids Workout Recovery: Turmeric may help reduce post-workout muscle soreness, although more research is needed.

How to Add Turmeric to Your Diet

Turmeric’s curcumin is poorly absorbed in the gut. To increase absorption, it’s recommended to pair it with black pepper or healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Add turmeric to curry dishes, soups, rice, and roasted vegetables, or make a “golden” latte with turmeric powder, ginger, vanilla, and cinnamon.

FAQ: Does Turmeric Affect Male Hormones and Libido?

Current research suggests turmeric and curcumin do not significantly impact male hormones or testosterone levels. Some animal studies indicate potential benefits for sperm quality, but human studies are limited. Turmeric has been historically used as an aphrodisiac, but its effects on human libido are not well-documented.

How Much Turmeric to Take

There are no official dosage guidelines for turmeric, but studies have used between 500 and 2,000 mg of curcumin daily. Start with 250 mg of curcumin with food twice daily. Turmeric powder is about three percent curcumin by weight, so culinary use alone may not provide the same benefits as supplements.

Turmeric Side Effects

Turmeric supplements, especially at higher doses, can cause mild side effects like nausea and diarrhea. If turmeric is new to your diet, start slowly to avoid digestive issues. Choose supplements without artificial additives to minimize side effects.

Experience the multitude of health benefits by integrating turmeric into your daily diet or by using supplements. Always consult healthcare professionals before making significant changes to your supplement regimen.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.