It’s pretty common for teeth to yellow as we age, and there are several reasons for this. Interestingly, it can even happen to those who keep up with their dental hygiene. Dr. Mark Burhenne, a dentist from California with nearly four decades of experience, explains this phenomenon. The reasons might surprise you.
According to Dr. Burhenne, turmeric—or haldi—is a major culprit for those yellow-orange stains on teeth. Yet, what really concerns him isn’t just the discoloration from the spice.
In a recent Instagram post, he noted the benefits of turmeric, saying it’s not just a wellness fad. “Turmeric is a low-risk, high-reward way to help ease inflammation—everything from bleeding gums to seasonal allergies,” he mentioned. It’s essential to keep in mind that inflammation isn’t just about joints; it can slowly erode our health. But how we consume turmeric appears to be quite important. Dr. Burhenne argues that turmeric supplements and tea might actually deprive us of those benefits.
Why turmeric supplements might be ineffective
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric known for its anti-inflammatory properties, isn’t easily absorbed by our bodies unless combined with black pepper extract (piperine) or fats, Dr. Burhenne shared.
He highlighted a few issues commonly found with turmeric supplements:
- Many turmeric supplements contain almost no curcumin.
- Some may have contaminants like lead or fillers.
- Several brands sold online, particularly on sites like Amazon, can be unreliable.
- If the purity of a supplement isn’t tested, the risks might outweigh any benefits.
Dr. Burhenne emphasized that turmeric tea, for example, has barely any curcumin. To gain any potential advantages, you’d need to drink large quantities daily.
Effective ways to consume curcumin
The dentist provided three tips on how to effectively include curcumin in your diet.
- It’s best to consume curcumin with healthy fats to enhance absorption.
- Always pair curcumin with piperine (black pepper extract) or use a phytosome; otherwise, it doesn’t get absorbed effectively.
- For those not using turmeric spice, any supplements should be verified for purity and effectiveness by third-party testing.
Remember, this article is for informational purposes and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for questions regarding medical conditions.
This report is based on user-generated content across social media. Claims made have not been independently verified.
