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| - Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that turmeric juice is the strongest cure for cancer. We did a thorough fact check and termed this claim as false.
The Claim
A viral Instagram video claims that consuming 2–3 teaspoons of turmeric juice daily on an empty stomach can cure cancer. The video describes turmeric as the “strongest cure” and the “strongest medicine” for cancer.
Fact Check
Can turmeric juice cure cancer?
No, turmeric juice cannot cure cancer. Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has been studied for its potential to slow cancer cell growth in lab settings. However, these studies are preliminary and do not equate to a cure. Human clinical trials are either too small or do not provide conclusive results. Some studies have shown that curcumin may complement conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, but it cannot replace them. Moreover, curcumin doesn’t absorb well in the body, which reduces its effectiveness as a treatment. Researchers are working on ways to solve this issue.
Additionally, cancer is a multifactorial disease that requires specialised treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. Relying on turmeric juice as a primary treatment could delay timely medical care, which can worsen outcomes.
We consulted Dr Pooja Khullar, a Radiation Oncologist at Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, for her expert opinion on turmeric and cancer. She explains, “It’s important to know that no single food, including turmeric, can completely prevent or cure cancer. Preventing cancer needs a well-rounded approach, which means eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, staying active, avoiding harmful substances, not smoking or drinking alcohol, limiting sun exposure, and having regular health check-ups. When it comes to treating cancer, targeted medical treatments are necessary. I recommend focusing on overall health and getting advice from healthcare professionals.”
Does India’s high use of turmeric reduce cancer rates?
Not at all; despite widespread turmeric consumption, India has one of the highest cancer burdens globally. In India, turmeric is a staple ingredient, consumed daily in almost every household through curries, beverages, and traditional remedies. Yet, India is often referred to as the “cancer capital of the world,” with about one in nine people at risk of developing cancer during their lifetime. This highlights that turmeric alone cannot prevent or cure cancer. Factors like lifestyle, pollution, genetics, and late diagnosis play a significant role in the high cancer rates. Despite this, there is a widespread claim that eating turmeric in the squat position can prevent cancer for life, which is false.
We asked Shivashankar T., Chief Clinical Nutritionist and Dietician at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, for his opinion on ‘anti-cancer diet’. He states, “A balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight and supports the immune system with essential nutrients. The Mediterranean diet, which includes less red meat and more white meat, is considered the best ‘anti-cancer diet’.”
Does consuming turmeric juice on an empty stomach improve its effects?
Not really, there’s no evidence that taking turmeric juice on an empty stomach enhances its effectiveness. Curcumin has poor bioavailability, meaning it is not easily absorbed by the body. Pairing turmeric with black pepper or healthy fats can improve its absorption, but consuming it on an empty stomach does not offer any added benefits. Even with better absorption, turmeric’s therapeutic potential remains limited. The studies that exist usually use turmeric extracts in much higher doses (1,000–2,000 mg/day or more) compared to the 30–90 mg of curcumin we might consume in our diet or through turmeric juice. In reality, we may not even get that much from turmeric juice alone.
Dr Manish Singhal, Senior Oncologist at Apollo Hospitals, highlighted in an interview with THIP the uncertainty around the effective dosage of turmeric for cancer prevention. In the video, he explains that the correct amounts of turmeric needed for anti-cancer effects are still unknown and stresses that turmeric cannot treat or cure cancer, at least for now.
Is turmeric the strongest cancer medicine?
No, turmeric is not the strongest cancer medicine. Modern cancer treatments include immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and advanced radiation techniques, all of which have undergone rigorous scientific validation. These therapies are designed to target cancer cells specifically and improve survival rates. While turmeric may have supportive benefits, it still cannot replace these evidence-based treatments.
What role can turmeric play in cancer care?
Turmeric might have a complementary role but not as a cure. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties may help manage side effects of cancer treatments, such as inflammation or oxidative stress. However, any use of turmeric in cancer care should be discussed with a healthcare professional to ensure it does not interfere with prescribed treatments.
THIP Media Take
The claim that turmeric juice is the strongest cure for cancer is false. While turmeric has health benefits, it is not a substitute for scientific cancer treatments. The high prevalence of cancer in India, despite regular turmeric consumption, further debunks this claim. Patients should consult medical professionals and rely on evidence-based care for managing cancer.
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