Fact Check: Can turmeric promote a longer lifespan?

A Pinterest post claims that turmeric can promote a longer lifespan. This claim is Misleading.

Claim

A Pinterest post titled “The Best Turmeric Uses + Benefits. Healthy.Happy.Smart” mentions various types of turmeric products such as turmeric coffee, tea, golden milk, and fat bombs on the left side and on the right mentions various uses.

In the post, the user Healthy. Happy. Smart. states,“The best turmeric uses for better health and wellness" and mentions its uses and benefits like anti-allergy, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, heals wounds fast, helps control blood sugar, immunity booster, improved digestion, improves memory, prevents tooth decay, prevents Alzheimer's disease, reduces arthritis symptoms, reduces the risk of heart disease, reduces symptoms of depression, helps with aging, natural painkiller, protects lungs. Along with the other claims, the post claims that turmeric (and its various products) can promote a longer lifespan. The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The post by the Pinterest user is Misleading. Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may aid in better aging process  However, its benefits are associated with minimal consumption, and there is no scientific evidence supporting its role in prolonging lifespan. 

How to promote a longer lifespan?

Reseraches have shown that for living a longer ,healthier life it is important to follow the certain habits: eat well, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and avoid harmful habits. Over the past century, life expectancy in the U.S. has risen from 54 to 79 years, and the likelihood of living into your 90s is increasing. Studies show that healthy behaviors like regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking are pivotal for prolonging active years without disease. While genes play a role, they contribute less to longevity than lifestyle choices, with behavioral factors making the most impact. Even modest exercise in older adults can reduce disability and improve overall health. Despite some dietary changes showing promise in animal studies, solid evidence of their effectiveness in people is still lacking. Instead, staying mentally, physically, and socially engaged is crucial, as aging well is about fully participating in life. Thus, adopting healthy habits is the most reliable strategy for extending lifespan and health span.

For individuals over 50, making thoughtful lifestyle choices is essential to sustaining good health. Regular physical activity plays a key role in reducing the risk of age-related diseases and enhancing mobility. A nutritious, balanced diet is equally important, as is managing a healthy weight, especially around the midsection to minimize health risks associated with excess weight and muscle loss. Consult a doctor for guidance if needed. It's also critical to avoid smoking and tobacco use, keep your mind engaged, and prioritize quality sleep, meaningful social connections, and a positive environment. Regular medical checkups are a must. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), commonly known as haldi, is a staple spice in Indian households. A member of the ginger family, this plant is native to Southeast Asia, with India being its main cultivator. Historically, turmeric has played a significant role in Ayurveda and other traditional Indian healing systems, as well as in Eastern practices like traditional Chinese medicine. In India, it has been traditionally employed to address skin conditions, upper respiratory issues, joint pain, and digestive disorders. Turmeric is a widely used spice and a key ingredient in curry powder. Its primary active compound is curcumin, with the benefits of turmeric often linked to curcuminoids (curcumin and similar substances). It is also responsible for turmeric's distinctive yellow color.

In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is thought to provide a variety of health benefits, including increasing overall energy, reducing gas, eliminating worms, improving digestion, regulating menstrual cycles, and alleviating arthritis symptoms. It is also commonly used in South Asian countries as an antiseptic for treating cuts, burns, and bruises, as well as an antibacterial agent. Modern in vitro research has shown that turmeric has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial properties.

Can turmeric promote a longer lifespan?

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that impact biological processes like redox balance, inflammation, and gene expression, potentially improving memory and reducing oxidative stress. It can also act as a promising agent for age-related disorders. However, it cannot independently contribute to a longer lifespan.

In a review by Mehran Izadi et al., curcumin is highlighted as a promising agent for combating age-related diseases. It possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may positively affect age-related cellular proteins. However, the review also notes that the long-term effects of managing age-related conditions are still limited.

A study published inthe International Journal Of Molecular Sciences suggests that turmeric influences a variety of biological processes, including redox balance, inflammation, cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and wound healing. These effects can enhance memory, may delay aging, and reduce the risk of age-related diseases like atherosclerosis. Given its impact on multiple signaling pathways, curcumin-based therapies may be effective for managing complex, multigenic, chronic, and age-related diseases. The study also noted that curcumin's effects are concentration-dependent, exhibiting a hormetic response: low doses act protectively, while high doses can have cytostatic, cytotoxic, or genotoxic effects.

Findings presented in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy indicated that Curcumin, a dietary phenolic compound found in turmeric may promote longevity by reducing oxidative stress and can influence gene expression. It can extend lifespan by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and boosting antioxidant activity. The same study however warrants that the Current evidence does not establish curcumin as a definitive longevity-promoting compound in humans but suggests that it may have health-enhancing effects that contribute to improved overall health.

 "more clinical experiments are now required to measure completely the capacity of curcumin in the route of administration, choice of optimal dose, and also possible drug interactions," the study notes

Turmeric's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help combat aging and age-related diseases, but its effects are linked to very low consumption levels, with no evidence supporting its role in extending lifespan.

Dr. Sohet Gogia, Consultant, Neurosurgery, Neurosciences, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram further said, "While turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to its active compound, curcumin, there is limited scientific evidence to support claims that it directly extends lifespan. Studies suggest turmeric may improve certain health markers, such as reducing inflammation and supporting joint health, but these effects don’t equate to a longer lifespan. A healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and preventive healthcare, remains the best approach to longevity. Thus, the claim that turmeric alone promotes a longer lifespan is misleading."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Turmeric shows potential in combating aging and age-related diseases through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It influences biological processes like redox balance, inflammation, and gene expression, potentially enhancing memory and reducing oxidative stress. Studies suggest its impact is dose-dependent, promoting longevity at lower doses. Further, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that turmeric promotes a longer lifespan.

Hence the claim made by the user is Misleading.