Tracey Brigman, clinical associate professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences’ nutritional sciences department and nutritional specialist with the UGA Cooperative Extension, spoke with Verywell about combining turmeric and honey for weight loss.
Combining the two as part of an anti-inflammatory diet may help boost antioxidants, reduce inflammation and help with weight loss.
“An anti-inflammatory diet contains foods rich in fiber, nutrients and phytochemicals and is an overall healthy eating plan that could result in weight loss if someone chooses this eating plan instead of the typical Western-type eating plan, which tends to be higher in processed meats, refined sugars, saturated fat and lower in fiber and nutrients,” Brigman said.
Turmeric gets its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties from a natural compound, or polyphenol, called curcumin.
“It is also rich in phytochemicals which can have protective health benefits to fight against cancer and heart disease,” Brigman said.
Honey contains mainly sugar along with amino acids, minerals and vitamins that give it antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
“Research on honey shows the antioxidants may help reduce risk of heart disease, may help relieve gastrointestinal tract issues, and may offer antidepressant and anti-anxiety benefits,” Brigman said.
Consuming too much could lead to health issues, however.
“Side effects of supplementation can include GI disturbances, increased risk of kidney stones and liver disease,” Brigman said. “Too much turmeric can also interfere with some medications like pain relievers, chemotherapy, blood thinners and immunosuppressive drugs.”