Half a teaspoon of superfood that's 'as good as statins' before bed lowers 'bad' cholesterol

A doctor has shared the 'amazing benefits' of taking half a teaspoon of a superfood that reduces cholesterol. Research shows the food could even work as well as statins for lowering levels of 'bad' cholesterol.

The food in question is turmeric, which health expert Dr Eric Berg DC recommends - and could already be in your kitchen cupboard. Dr Berg, otherwise known as The Knowledge Doc, is a healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting specialist.

Taking to his YouTube channel, which has more than 12 million subscribers, Dr Berg explained all the positive things turmeric can do for your health and how to turn it into a drink. The expert says mixing turmeric with water can not only be a delicious tea to enjoy daily, but can also works wonders for people with high cholesterol.

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When to take turmeric water

He says it is best to have the drink either in the morning or before bed. Considering that on average Brits go to sleep between 10-11pm, you could have the drink around that time, from 9pm onwards.

Or, you could include it in your breakfast, perhaps swapping coffee or a sugary tea with this superfood version. You could even take it before a meal.

What are the benefits of turmeric

In the video, Dr Berg said: "One study found that curcumin was just as effective as ibuprofen at reducing pain from arthritis without side effects. It’s also shown to be as effective as aspirin."

Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and it blocks inflammatory enzymes. In one study, individuals who consumed 2g of turmeric daily for six weeks experienced better pain relief while walking and climbing stairs. Their knee function improved more than those who took 800 milligrams of ibuprofen daily.

The expert added: "Another study showed that curcumin had comparable results to Prednisone in reducing inflammation for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and IBS. It has also been shown to produce antidepressant effects similar to Prozac and Zoloft.

"Curcumin has anti-diabetic properties and effects similar to Metformin. It also has anticoagulant properties similar to aspirin and Warfarin."

Further research has shown curcumin could have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance and lipid profiles. In a 2019 study, curcumin improved insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles in rats’ models of type 2 diabetes.

Dr Berg continued: "Research has shown that curcumin has benefits similar to statins and can help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. One study compared curcumin to anticancer effects of 5-fluorouracil, a chemotherapy drug."

Curcumin can raise HDL-C, which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. It can also reduce the effective doses of statins, which can help reduce the incidence of serious adverse reactions. Curcumin may also be valuable to take alongside to statin therapy for patients with disordered lipid metabolism.

High cholesterol is harmful as it can result in various health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and elevated blood pressure. High cholesterol often results from consuming fatty foods, being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol, or not getting enough physical activity. It can also be hereditary.

Typically, high cholesterol doesn't present any symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is through a blood test. You can reduce your cholesterol levels by adopting a healthier diet, increasing your exercise, and, in some cases, taking medication.

The doctor added: "Turmeric has been shown to be as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs, especially for irritable bowel disease and digestive problems. It may also help reduce blood pressure and inhibit pathogens, especially fungi."

Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which are anti-inflammatory compounds. Curcumin is the most researched curcuminoid and may help improve blood pressure, protect your heart, and lower your risk of heart disease.

How to make turmeric water at home

To prepare turmeric water, Dr Berg says: "Combine half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, and half of a lemon in a glass of warm water." To prepare turmeric milk, he added: "Combine half a teaspoon of turmeric, one-quarter teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of black pepper in a cup of milk or coconut milk.

"Heat the mixture and remove from heat just before it comes to a boil. You can also add turmeric to a smoothie with berries and kefir. If you have a cough, try drinking a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of turmeric and a tablespoon of raw honey."

Things to check before taking turmeric water

Although turmeric water provides a wealth of health benefits and could work as well as medication for some people, it is not a miracle cure. Maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly are important to staying as healthy as possible.

Check with your doctor before taking turmeric water to ensure it is suitable for you, especially if you're on medications or if you are managing a medical condition.

Curcumin is generally considered safe when taken in amounts less than 8 grams per day, but higher doses or long-term use may cause gastrointestinal upset or liver damage. Turmeric is likely unsafe when consumed in medicinal amounts by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Turmeric supplements might also interfere with other medications. Turmeric supplements may also cause side effects, including upset stomach, nausea, stomach pain or indigestion, rashes, hives, and ulcers. Visit the NHS website for more information on this.