Turmeric is often used in cooking (stock photo) (Image: Getty)
Dr Amir Khan has shared what he drinks when he’s feeling under the weather. The NHS GP and presenter frequently appears on TV programmes and podcasts, offering health guidance to the public. He also co-presents the No Appointment Necessary podcast.
In a recent episode, Cherry Healey questioned Dr Khan about anti-inflammatory foods. Sharing her question, she said: “Are there any foods that reduce inflammation? So they sell these little turmeric shots that you drink, and turmeric is supposed to reduce inflammation.”
Dr Khan responded that many families, including his own, turn to turmeric when they feel unwell. However, while he does consume turmeric shots himself, he added that there isn’t robust evidence supporting claims about their anti-inflammatory properties, reports the Mirror.
Speaking on the podcast, the GP said: “So turmeric is thought to be anti-inflammatory in lots of cultures, including our culture, the South Asian culture. My mum will always give us turmeric if we’re poorly. The evidence behind it isn’t particularly strong, but it’s not going to do you any harm.
“I think if you know if you want a turmeric shot and you want that kind of feeling going, ‘Oh my god’, you know, because it hits hard, then it’s not going to do you any harm. It feels like it’s doing something. We don’t have strong evidence to say turmeric or ginger or anything like that is particularly anti-inflammatory in the long run.
“We haven’t got the data that says actually taking turmeric for a long period of time reduces your inflammatory markers in your body. We don’t have that data. There have been studies done on it. They haven’t found that there. But if individually it’s helping you and it’s not doing you any harm, I’ve got no problem with it.”
The GP previously shared his recipe for ginger and turmeric shots on Instagram. The recipe, which makes six shots, includes 60g raw ginger, the juice of a whole lemon, three teaspoons of honey, a whole apple, a pinch of pepper and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
Dr Khan advised: “Do not take lots of ginger if you are on blood thinners, mind there is a small increased risk of bleeding so speak to your own doctor first – it’s very rare and probably requires lots of ginger but worth noting.”
In a different post, Dr Khan shared his mother’s recipe for haldi-doodh, which includes turmeric powder, milk, and cinnamon, among other ingredients. The GP wrote: “She isn’t medically trained and as a doctor I have to say this is traditional Ayurvedic medicine not evidence based western medicine which is what I practice.
“But when I was sick last week this was very comforting! And as long as you have no allergies or medical interactions to the ingredients, it does taste delicious.”
Turmeric is a colourful spice that has been used in cooking for thousands of years. It’s a member of the ginger family, easily recognised by its yellow colour, and often used in traditional medicine.
John Hopkins Medicine said: “Research points to possible benefits for inflammation, joint discomfort and overall cell protection, though evidence is still developing. Curcumin is turmeric’s key compound, giving it strong antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties.
“High‑dose turmeric or curcumin supplements can cause side effects and may interact with certain medications. Adding turmeric to food is considered the safest approach, and black pepper can help your body absorb curcumin more effectively.”
Mary-Eve Brown, an oncology clinical dietitian/nutritionist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said: “Curcumin has many biological activities, not all of which are understood. Like other colourful plant-based foods, turmeric is rich in phytonutrients that may protect the body by neutralising free radicals (pollution, sunlight) and shielding the cells from damage.” Always speak to a doctor before starting new supplements.
