Fertility
The Secret Ingredient In Turmeric That Could Be Improving Your Fertility
Eloise Edington | 5 Aug 2021
There are hundreds of superfoods with unique benefits for fertility, but none has been glorified quite like turmeric. Turmeric has been popularised in Western culture and this isn’t just a fleeting trend. Numerous studies and trials have been conducted on turmeric due to its key ingredient that just keeps on giving.
At The Ribbon Box, we want to take a closer look at turmeric and its benefits, specifically those pertaining to fertility health. That is why we have reached out to FutureYou Cambridge, a supplement brand with a patented turmeric formula that is backed by science. Read on to discover how the key ingredient in turmeric could be helping you to increase your fertility.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant of the ginger family. Turmeric has, for centuries, been used in many different ways in India and is a part of ancient Indian medicine. However, the turmeric spice has become increasingly used in Western society in recent years and is now one of the most popular supplements in the UK for its known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is the primary active ingredient in turmeric that gives most of the benefits that are associated with the spice. However, this compound only forms 3% of turmeric, meaning that in order to reap the benefits, you would either need copious amounts of turmeric daily, or a turmeric supplement.
Is Turmeric Good for Fertility?
Cellular repair in ovulation, menstruation, implantation and birth is actually aided by a normal level of acute inflammation in the body. But having too much inflammation can cause an imbalance which contributes to infertility and chronic inflammation is often found to be a component in reproductive problems like endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, early menopause and poor egg and sperm quality. The turmeric component, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits to help with fertility.
Scientists have been prioritising studies into curcumin simply due to the mass health and fitness benefits it seems to provide.
Various studies have found that curcumin:
- is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect cells from damage caused by the environment or as a by-product of normal metabolism. This can help to protect eggs and sperm from damage, while also supporting the reproductive organs and glands that are responsible for producing and balancing hormones. Protecting these important cells from damage can help to prevent miscarriage, birth defects and developmental problems
- is a natural, highly effective anti-inflammatory. Many chronic conditions are caused or exacerbated by inflammation, including those mentioned above
- may help with normal muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise. This will aid lifestyle changes for fertility, birth and pregnancy
- may help people with diabetes to manage their condition. Diabetes can lead to additional problems which can contribute to infertility
- may aid recovery from sprains and swelling which can help during pregnancy (turmeric was mainly used for this reason in ancient Indian medicine)
Related Article – Are Goji Berries a Superfood that Help with Fertility?
Why Are Turmeric Supplements Better For Fertility Than Turmeric Alone?
While turmeric in its natural form can still provide the body with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, it is much more difficult to ensure that it has been properly absorbed, unlike with supplements that are specially formulated for proper absorption. Turmeric is not water soluble, which is where the issue of absorption lies.
The body tends to break down insoluble foods too quickly, failing to fully absorb the nutrients. After only two hours in the hostile environment of the stomach, 98% of all the benefits of curcumin will be destroyed instead of absorbed.
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The fertility benefits lie in the curcumin inside of turmeric, and curcumin only amounts to 3% of turmeric. This means that you will need to absorb a large amount of turmeric daily in order for you to retain enough curcumin, and then you have to hope your body absorbs it well.
These issues of absorption and quantity are the main reason people prefer supplementing turmeric into their diets instead. Bioavailable turmeric supplements ensure that you absorb enough curcumin to receive its benefits. This is largely due to the fact that supplements usually use turmeric extract instead of turmeric powder. Turmeric extract can provide 400 mg of curcumin in only a half a gram of turmeric, however the ground herb can only produce 15g in the same quantity, so supplements can provide a lot more curcumin than the powder form of turmeric.
As with all supplements, you should consult your doctor before taking them and you should only take the recommended amount and no more. If you experience any side effects, stop taking the supplement and visit your doctor again.
How To Take Turmeric For Fertility
Turmeric is fat soluble, not water soluble, so if you are adding this to a watery-fertility tea or turmeric latte recipe, your body might not be absorbing the nutrients. If you do plan on having turmeric through diet alone, it is best to combine it with something with a fat base like coconut milk. When drinking turmeric milk for fertility, you will also have to ensure that you are consuming enough to reach a beneficial amount, which will be anywhere between 4-6 grams or 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric. So, if you are planning to use a turmeric latte recipe, use coconut milk and 4-6 grams of turmeric, and add any spices and ingredients you wish.
When it comes to taking the supplement, you don’t have to worry about using the right milk or quantity or having the best turmeric latte recipe, because it has all been figured out by specialists. You simply take the supplement as recommended by the provider or your fertility doctor. It’s best to pick turmeric supplements that are bioavailable as these are highly absorbable. Or simply look out for supplements that claim to be highly absorbable.
How to take FutureYou Cambridge Turmeric+ Supplement for Fertility:
It is recommended that you take 1 – 2 tablets per day. It can be absorbed with or without a meal. Turmeric+ is suitable for vegans and does not contain gluten or lactose. Due to the soy content, it is not suitable for anyone with a soy allergy, however there is an allergen free formulation available Turmeric+ Gold. It is also not recommended for those who have medical conditions pertaining to risk of obstruction of the bile duct, such as those with liver diseases, gallstones, cholangitis or any other biliary disease.
Related Article – IVF Recipe— Pumpkin & Coconut Curry For Four
What Makes FutureYou Cambridge Turmeric+ Supplement Good For Fertility?
FutureYou Cambridge produces a wide range of supplements, for fertility and general health, and they have a best-selling turmeric supplement that has been scientifically researched and certified by Informed Sport. It is 30x more absorbable than ordinary powdered turmeric.
What is Turmeric+?
Turmeric+ contains 500mg of Curcuma Phospholipid Complex, which is a patented formulation of curcumin, soy lecithin and vitamin C. It contributes to cell protection, oxidative stress protection and normal inflammation. It has been certified by Informed Sport, which is a body that certifies the high quality production and standard of supplements for use by sports professionals.
Related Article – 11 Things to Try Before Visiting a Fertility Specialist
Turmeric is such a valuable addition to your key nutrients for fertility, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory benefits and its protective defences against oxidative stress. Hopefully, this article has given you enough insight into curcumin, its many benefits, and how you can take turmeric alongside a nutritional diet for your fertility.
If you would like to learn more and do a little research into the FutureYou Cambridge range of turmeric supplements to improve your fertility, you can visit their website.
