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| - Last Updated on December 31, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that turmeric is the best food for reducing inflammation. We did the fact check and termed this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
According to a post from Threads, turmeric is the best food for reducing inflammation. It also suggests that chamomile tea, blueberries, red bell peppers, and almonds are the best remedies for stress relief, healthy ageing, iron absorption, and cravings, respectively.
Fact Check
Can turmeric alone effectively reduce inflammation?
No, turmeric is not a standalone solution for inflammation. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Research shows that curcumin can help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis, psoriasis, bowel disease, or metabolic syndrome. However, curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body unless combined with black pepper (piperine) or fats. Even with enhanced absorption, it cannot replace medical treatments or a balanced diet in managing chronic inflammation.
We spoke with Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, to get her expert take on turmeric for inflammation. She says, “Turmeric, especially its active compound curcumin, can help reduce inflammation, but it’s not a magic solution on its own. For it to be effective, curcumin needs to be properly absorbed, which often requires pairing it with black pepper or healthy fats. While turmeric can be a helpful part of your diet, it should complement a balanced lifestyle and not replace medical treatments or other anti-inflammatory strategies.”
Additionally, we have debunked claims such as turmeric juice being the strongest cure for cancer, which is simply not true.
Is chamomile tea the ultimate remedy for stress relief?
Not really, but it can help relax the body. Chamomile tea is often used as a natural remedy for relaxation due to apigenin, a compound that promotes calmness. While it may reduce mild anxiety and improve sleep, it is not a cure for chronic stress or anxiety disorders. Comprehensive stress management requires lifestyle changes, therapy, or medication.
We reached out to Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for her opinion on chamomile tea for stress relief. She states, “Chamomile tea can certainly help promote relaxation and may ease mild stress, thanks to its calming properties. However, it’s not the ultimate remedy on its own. While it can be a soothing part of your routine, managing stress effectively requires a combination of healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep, alongside relaxation techniques.”
Are blueberries truly the best for healthy ageing?
Not exactly, but blueberries are a great addition to a balanced diet. They are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—factors linked to ageing. They also support brain health and may lower the risk of chronic diseases, though we need more research to confirm this. That said, blueberries aren’t unique in these benefits. Other foods like spinach, oranges, and nuts also provide similar nutrients. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is the best way to stay healthy.
On a related note, claims such as eating blueberries can treat UTIs are also untrue and should not be trusted.
Can red bell peppers significantly boost iron absorption?
Yes, to some extent, but they are not a magic fix. Red bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based sources. When consumed alongside iron-rich foods like spinach or beans, they can improve iron levels. However, they cannot address severe deficiencies like anaemia, which require medical intervention.
Do almonds effectively reduce cravings?
Partially, as they promote satiety but do not eliminate cravings entirely. Almonds are rich in protein, fibre, and healthy fats, which help you feel fuller for longer and may reduce snacking. Interestingly, a 2018 study found that the way almonds are processed affects how much fat is released during digestion. Almond butter releases the most fat, while whole almonds release less because some fat remains trapped in their structure. Smaller almond pieces are easier to digest, making more fat available for absorption. However, cravings are complex and often driven by psychological and hormonal factors, which almonds alone cannot address.
Additionally, claims such as dry almonds being fatal to health are completely false and should be disregarded.
THIP Media Take
The claim that turmeric is the best food for reducing inflammation is mostly false. While turmeric offers health benefits, calling it “the best” oversimplifies its role. Similarly, the other claims in the post exaggerate the benefits of specific foods. A balanced diet, combined with medical advice, is key to addressing these health concerns.
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