There has been a lot of talk about superfoods lately, and it looks like everybody is looking for the next big thing when it comes to what we put on the table.
Many of these superfood superheroes come and go, and let’s be honest, some of them have fallen from grace.
For example, you have the once so glorified gluten-free bread that can actually contribute to weight gain because of its high-calorie content and high sugar concentration.
Turmeric, on the other hand, still holds its ground. For thousands of years, its health benefits have been known in India. Recently, the Western world has also joined the table, enjoying its traits and wanting more of this ancient medicine.
As such, it’s only natural for us to cover the essentials about turmeric and all its potential by giving you these turmeric statistics that might make you consider including it in your diet.
Top 10 Essential Statistics on Turmeric
- The global market volume of turmeric is on the rise.
- North America was the largest turmeric consumer in 2017.
- Curcumin may help fight cancer.
- Curcumin may help the elderly stay more mentally fit.
- The compound may help fight Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Curcumin statistics show a significant weight loss in patients with metabolic syndrome.
- Turmeric can help ease joint pain.
- Turmeric supplements might not be suitable for patients with hormone-sensitive malignancies.
- Supplement companies invest millions in curcumin and turmeric research.
- Turmeric may have positive effects on your liver.
General Turmeric Statistics
1. The global market volume of turmeric was 1.05 metric tons in 2017.
(Statista)
Professionals estimate that within the 2017–2027 timeframe, that global volume will reach 1.7 million metric tons.
2. India was the leading turmeric exporter globally in 2017.
(Statista)
With an approximate total value of $182.53 billion, India was the world leader in this aspect.
3. Turmeric production statistics show that, in 2018, Telangana was the leading turmeric producer in India.
(Statista)
With an amount of around 295 thousand metric tons, Telangana was India’s leading turmeric producer in 2018, providing roughly 31% of the total turmeric production.
Maharashtra was in second place, with 190.09 thousand metric tons, and Tamil Nadu was in third place, with 116 thousand metric tons produced in that year.
4. India’s leading spice producer falls behind in turmeric production.
(Statista)
One would think that the Indian state that has produced the most spices in the 2019 fiscal year would ultimately be number one in terms of overall turmeric production. In reality, that’s not the case.
Namely, Rajasthan, the leading spice producer across the country, has produced a volume of 940 thousand metric tons of spices, yet in terms of producing turmeric, it took 19th place just a fiscal year before, with only 0.47 thousand metric tons.
5. Turmeric facts reveal that the largest Indian producer is in 4th place when it comes to overall spice production.
(Statista)
Telangana, on the other hand, has still managed to grab a respective fourth place the next fiscal year, with an overall spice production volume of 651.1 thousand metric tons.
The second-largest producer was Gujarat, while Andhra Pradesh took the third place.
That year, India’s total spice production had reached a whopping 9,1 million metric tons.
6. There are around 30 turmeric types on the market.
(Turmeric)
The product itself (turmeric) comes from the Curcuma longa’s root. The root has bright orange-colored flesh and brown skin that’s rather tough.
Ground turmeric comes from the plant’s “fingers” that extend from the root.
There are around 30 different turmeric varieties, with Amalapuram, Erode, Krishna, Kodur, P317, and RH10 being among the most popular types. The compound is mostly used as a spice, and it’s available in dried and cured forms and in the form of a turmeric dietary supplement.
7. North America was the biggest consumer of turmeric in 2016.
(PRNewswire)
With a total market value of $261.2 million in 2016, the US turmeric supplements market has continued to grow steadily, prompting market experts to forecast even further market growth as turmeric consumption steadily continues to increase.
Turmeric Health Benefits
8. Curcumin may help fight and prevent colon cancer.
(NCBI)
While there are a lot of claims on the internet for the possible preventive and treatment uses of turmeric and curcumin, the scientific public agrees that more research and data are needed to conclude the effectiveness of these compounds.
However, there is one study suggesting that curcumin may help treat and prevent colon cancers. In a 30-day study, 44 men were given four grams of curcumin every day, and their number of colon lesions (which tend to become cancerous over time) dropped by 40%.
Such turmeric evidence can help researchers in their further studies to uncover the true potential of curcumin and its further application possibilities.
9. Curcumin may help prevent and even treat Alzheimer’s.
(NCBI)
While it hasn’t been scientifically proven, there’s evidence that might suggest that regular turmeric consumption may help fight AD.
According to data gathered from India, in adults of 70–79 years of age, the disease’s prevalence is 4.4 times lower than in the same age group in the US.
10. Curcumin facts show that older people who eat curry more often perform better on standard cognitive function tests.
(NCBI)
Data suggests that there might be a link between cognitive capacities and curry consumption. A study conducted among 1010 Asians (aged between 60 and 93) has shown that those who ate curry more than once a month performed better on standard MMSE cognitive functions tests than those who only rarely had the dish or never at all.
11. Curcumin can help clear amyloid plaques with Alzeheimer’s.
(NCBI)
Curcumin supplement benefits might aid in fighting AD in more than one way. In test animals, natural curcuminoids enhanced brain clearance of these amyloid plaques, and by seeing the results, researchers went one step forward, treating macrophages (phagocytic cells in the brain) with curcuminoids in six patients.
After the treatment, researchers have measured significant positive changes showing a safe approach for finding an eventual treatment for AD in the future.
12. Turmeric for joint pain—arthritis patients report pain relief after using curcumin supplements.
(NCBI)
Curcumin is well-known for its antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory characteristics, and a pilot study found that it could be helpful in the treatment of arthritis.
45 people with rheumatoid arthritis were separated into three groups and received either a curcumin supplement dosage of 500 mg, diclofenac sodium (50 mg), or both. At the end of the study, all three groups showed lower Disease Activity Scores (DAS), according to the American College of Rheumatology.
It’s interesting to note that the curcumin study group showed the best results in both score-endpoints and had no adverse effects from the treatment.
13. Turmeric supplement benefits—curcumin might be the fountain of youth.
(NCBI)
Researchers noted that aging primarily manifests through health deterioration and the increased probability of acquiring diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and metabolic disorders. In most cases, these are the causes of stress-driven low-grade inflammation and a higher level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (small peptides responsible for cell-signaling).
Researchers believe that aging and the onset of diseases can be slowed down by curcumin (and turmeric products), which is a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant.
They state that it can potentially block the NF-kB protein complex, which is responsible for cytokine production and can possibly improve the health of the elderly, increasing their life expectancy.
14. Turmeric benefits and weight loss—clinical studies show improvements.
(NCBI)
So far, there have been 21 studies of 1,604 patients who suffer from metabolic syndrome and other related disorders that focused on the effects on curcumin’s effect on weight loss.
The gathered data suggest that curcumin supplementation can significantly reduce body fat levels, decrease leptin levels, and increase adiponectin levels.
Turmeric Usage Statistics
15. Take 1500 mg of turmeric to treat itchy skin.
(WebMD)
Recommended turmeric dosage may vary. However, professionals have reported that 1500 mg of three daily doses for eight weeks can yield great results.
In some cases, patients used specific turmeric extract products along with long or black pepper for four weeks, which yielded great results.
16. Take 500 mg of turmeric extract for osteoarthritis.
(WebMD)
In most cases, 500 mg of turmeric extract taken for one to three months two to four times a day has shown to bring good results.
17. Turmeric facts show that 500 mg of curcumin may help fight depression.
(WebMD)
According to patients, 500 mg of curcumin taken twice a day, with 20 mg of fluoxetine, has helped them feel better in six to eight weeks.
18. You need to be cautious when giving children under 15 turmeric for treating high cholesterol.
(WebMD)
For those 15 and older, taking two daily doses of 700 mg of turmeric extract for three months seems to work just fine. However, there are no reports of the efficiency of the treatment for younger children. Thus, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician before commencing any type of therapy.
Turmeric Supplement Statistics
19. With higher demand, turmeric prices are on the rise.
(FAO.org)
In short, prices have been steady, and the turmeric market will only increase in value (just see the global market figures and estimates above).
After medical researchers have demonstrated the anti-viral and anti-cancer traits of turmeric, demand and prices have steadily increased in Western countries over recent years.
That being said, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in mid-2001, the price of a metric ton of Indian Madras fingers was $1,300/ton and $1,455/ton for Indian Alleppeu fingers.
20. Turmeric supplement facts show that the pharmaceutical industry was the largest application segment of the entire market in 2016.
(PRNewswire)
There’s a clear demand for turmeric and curcumin-based over-the-counter supplements, and the key players wish to solidify their places within the market. For example, Arjuna Natural Extract Ltd invested around $1.5 million in proactive curcumin research efforts in the same year.
21. Curcumin supplement use ranges from OTC supplements to cotton dyeing.
(PRNewswire)
Curcumin and turmeric have a wide range of applications, and they are primarily used in cosmetic products for treating acne, eczema, and dry skin.
They can also be used as natural cleansers (like milk mixed with turmeric).
In some cases, it’s also used for dyeing silk, wool, and other fabric types to give it a more yellowish shade.
22. Supplement companies have their own patents on the market.
(PRNewswire)
Turmeric use statistics reveal that Arjuna Natural Extract Ltd. has patented its curcumin formulation process, signifying that businesses aim to research the potential health benefits and characteristics of turmeric and even broaden the compound’s application purposes.
Other key players in the market include Helmigs Prima Sejahtera PT and the Sabinsa Corporation.
FAQs
How to take turmeric?
The fastest way of doing this is by buying dried turmeric. Of course, you can opt to grow and dry it yourself, but the first alternative is a lot faster.
First, take the dried pieces of turmeric and put them in the freezer for the night so that they harden up. Second, put them in your blender or food processor directly from the freezer, without letting them defrost. Finally, grind the turmeric into a fine powder and store it in a glass jar with a secure lid on the top.
What are the negative effects of turmeric?
Turmeric can cause gallbladder problems, so it’s not advised for people with gallstones or those with bile duct obstructions.
Conversely, a higher consumption may also slow blood clotting, and it can also increase the risk of bruises and bleeding in those who have bleeding disorders.
Curcumin might also decrease sugar blood sugar in people with diabetes, so it should be used in fairly low doses.
Other side effects of turmeric may negatively affect those with different forms of hormone-sensitive cancers.
Curcumin might act like estrogen in such cases, so it could make them worse. It can reduce the direct effects of estrogen in specific, hormone-sensitive cancerous cells. Currently, there’s no concrete and reliable evidence regarding this, so patients should be cautious with their turmeric intake.
When speaking about hormones, turmeric evidence also suggests that turmeric might cause fertility problems in males, as it might lower testosterone levels and decrease sperm movement when taken orally.
Lastly, high consumption of turmeric can also prevent iron absorption in the body. For those with iron deficiency, turmeric should be used in moderation.
How much turmeric is safe?
The suggested dosages on WebMD are based mostly on previous observations. As such, they recommend taking no more than 500 mg of curcumin orally for two months to treat hay fever.
The same turmeric dosage is suggested for osteoarthritis. It should be taken two to four times a day for one to three months.
For high cholesterol levels, 1.4 grams of turmeric extract taken two times a day for three months have been used previously.
By the gathered data, these amounts can be taken safely without any side-effects. However, it’s always best to consult with your health practitioner before introducing a new supplement to your diet.
Also, more research is needed to establish the scientific factuality of these claims, so always be cautious when looking at supplements as direct treatment options.
Is turmeric bad for your liver?
So far, research has shown that in people who suffer from NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), taking extracts of turmeric has reduced liver injury markers. Turmeric extract may also help fight fat build-up in the liver in patients suffering from this condition.
What is known about the health benefits of turmeric?
According to Healthline, curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that helps the body fight foreign invaders and repair damage along with improving the body’s antioxidant capacity.
Some evidence may also suggest that curcumin can help lower heart disease risk or help reverse quite a few steps in the process.
Also, there’s evidence that suggests that turmeric can help prevent certain cancer types and may even treat them.
The turmeric statistics suggest that the compound can help prevent some cancers of the digestive system. In a study, 44 men took four grams of curcumin each day for 30 days. All of them had lesions in their colon that are known to turn cancerous. After the treatment, the number of lesions was reduced by 40%.
Who should not use turmeric?
As already discussed above, turmeric should not be consumed by those with gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, hormone-sensitive malignancies, iron deficiencies, and low testosterone levels.
Conclusion
Turmeric can have a wide array of positive effects on the body. Some of these claims are backed by research, while others need further evidence to convince the scientific circles.
By looking at the turmeric statistics regarding the market, we can conclude that production is on the rise. The supplements industry is offering the health-conscious public a large number of different dietary options to boost their health and general well-being.
It can’t be denied that turmeric and curcumin boast a wide range of positive benefits. However, more scientific evidence is still needed in some cases to discover these compounds’ full potential and health-related uses.
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