Are there health benefits to eating turmeric and other spices?

Synopsis: Spices like chili and turmeric have long been part of human diets and are often thought to provide health benefits. This article examines whether these claims hold scientific merit, exploring the potential effects and limitations of spices as health boosters. Studies on chili peppers, for example, suggest that capsaicin, their active compound, may be linked to a lower risk of mortality and benefits for metabolism, but also raises questions about potential cognitive effects. Turmeric, touted for its anti-inflammatory properties due to curcumin, has shown limited effectiveness in human bodies due to low bioavailability. While spices may contribute to health by enhancing flavors and reducing salt intake, most studies find their benefits to be indirect, largely dependent on the foods they accompany rather than any inherent "superfood" properties. The article emphasizes that while spices can complement a healthy diet, they shouldn’t be relied upon as standalone health remedies.

Written By: Jessica Brown
Photo Credit: Getty Images
* This article was originally published on 6 April 2020. It was updated on 7 November 2024 to include recent research.