Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Aditi Gangal
Quick Take
A social media video claims that consuming one teaspoon of turmeric daily prevents cancer. We fact checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
An Instagram video, garnering 27,108 likes, discusses the potential link between consuming turmeric and preventing cancer.
We have attached a screenshot depicting how the post appears at the time of publishing this story.
Fact Check
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice made from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant. It is a staple ingredient in Asian cooking, renowned for its distinctive flavour and intense colour. Beyond its culinary uses, turmeric has a rich history in traditional medicine, primarily due to its active compound, curcumin. This compound possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which potentially offers a range of health benefits. Curcumin may help alleviate symptoms of various conditions. These health conditions include arthritis, digestive issues, and even certain types of cancer. Additionally, turmeric has been linked to promoting heart health, improving cognitive function, and supporting overall well-being. With its versatile culinary applications and potential health advantages, turmeric has become a popular ingredient in cuisines worldwide. It also has therapeutic properties.
Which compound in turmeric is responsible for its anti-cancer properties?
Curcumin is a compound responsible for the anti-cancer property of turmeric. Curcumin is a bioactive substance available in turmeric and has been extensively studied for its potential therapeutic effects. These effects include ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. Numerous laboratory studies and some clinical trials shows that curcumin has the potential to interfere with the progression of different cancers of breast, colon, prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancer.
Curcumin’s anti-cancer properties are believed to be attributed to its ability to modulate various molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and the proliferation of cancer cells. However, we need more research to fully understand its required quantity and quality along with the underlying anti-cancer effect of curcumin. This information can explain the potential of this compound in cancer prevention and treatment.
Dr Manish Singhal, Senior Oncologist, Apollo Hospitals in an interview with THIP also emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the effective dosage of turmeric for cancer prevention.
Does turmeric have the ability to kill cancer cells?
It may. Turmeric, containing curcumin, is often a part of cancer’s complementary treatment. Its historical use in Asian medicine is due to curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical trials investigating curcumin’s effects against cancer suggest it may counteract inflammation, a key aspect of cancer. However, there is no conclusive evidence that turmeric or curcumin can cure or prevent cancer in humans.
Additionally, limitations exist in curcumin’s use, such as determining the proper dosage, absorption, and medication interactions. These factors highlight the need for further clinical trials to establish turmeric’s efficacy in cancer treatment. Oncologists acknowledge turmeric’s potential but emphasise the necessity for more research before considering it a reliable cancer treatment.
Is it true that one teaspoon of turmeric can prevent cancer?
Not exactly. Turmeric contains curcumin which has shown promising anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies. But it is important to note that consuming just one teaspoon of turmeric is unlikely to prevent cancer on its own. The studies examining the effects of curcumin on cancer have typically used much higher doses than what you would get from a teaspoon of turmeric.
Additionally, cancer prevention is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, diet, and environmental exposures. Incorporating turmeric into the diet as part of a healthy and balanced eating pattern may offer some potential health benefits. But relying solely on it to prevent cancer does not have a support from enough scientific evidence.
In India, where turmeric is a staple in almost every meal, the incidence of cancer remains a significant concern. Recent statistics reveal that in 2022, an estimated 1,461,427 new cases of cancer were reported, with a crude rate of 100.4 cases per 100,000 individuals. Shockingly, the data suggests that one in every nine individuals in India is at risk of developing cancer during their lifetime. Notably, lung cancer tops the list of cancers affecting males, while breast cancer ranks highest among females.
Dr Shalin Nagori, Consultant Pathologist and Industrial Physician says, “Consuming one teaspoon of turmeric daily may offer some potential benefits, including its anti-inflammatory properties. This could theoretically contribute to cancer prevention. However, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to conclusively support the claim that tone teaspoon of turmeric can prevent cancer.”
Voomika Mukherjee, Health and Nutrition Life Coach, emphasises that no specific food or food group can guarantee the prevention of cancer. Also, avoiding certain items will not necessarily reduce the risk. In the context of cancer treatment, maintaining a healthy body weight, particularly minimising visceral fat and enhancing muscle strength, alongside a balanced diet, is crucial. Mukherjee recommends a well-rounded diet and reducing the intake of sugar, caffeine, salt, and alcohol. She underscores that consuming meals of adequate quality and quantity plays a role in lowering the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. However, it is essential to note that no single food can serve as a cure for cancer.
Shivashankar T. is the Chief Clinical Nutritionist and Dietician at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Mumbai informs, “Eating a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight and provide the necessary nutrients to support the immune system. The best ‘anti-cancer diet’ is the Mediterranean diet. In this diet, there is less red meat and good amount of white meat”.
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