2023-07-04 19:40:04
At risk for the liver, the heart, the stomach… Some spices that we very often have in our cupboards can be contraindicated because of their side effects.
Rich in antioxidants, spices have many health benefits, in addition to bringing flavor to our dishes. For example, some like the cumin, oregano or cinnamon are antibacterial, others like cardamom, clove or fennel facilitate digestion. But beware, they can also be harmful if you consume too much or in case of health problems already present. Here are all precautions for using spices safely with our nutritionist-dietician Raphaël Gruman.
1. Turmeric, a risk for the liver
Turmeric is contraindicated in people with gallstones and liver disease because it has choleretic properties, i.e. it stimulates the secretion of bile. “In 2022, Italy recorded twenty cases of hepatitis involving dietary supplements containing turmeric. In Francethe nutrivigilance system of the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) recorded more than 100 adverse reaction reports likely to be linked to the consumption of food supplements containing turmeric or curcumin, including 15 hepatitis“, reports ANSES in a statement. People who suffer from liver disease should consult their doctor before taking turmeric. “It should also be avoided if you are taking blood thinning drugsespecially warfarin (Coumadin)“, adds our expert. “There is a risk of curcumin interacting with certain medications such as anticoagulants, anticancer drugs and immunosuppressants. Their effectiveness or safety might be altered.“, confirms ANSES. The maximum daily dose to be respected is 180 mg of curcumin per day for a 60 kg person. An overdose of curcumin results in nausea, dry mouth, flatulence and heartburn.
2. Nutmeg, high-dose psychotic effects
“A large dose of nutmeg (between 5 and 10 g approximatelyi.e. 1 to 2 teaspoons) can lead to psychotic and narcotic effectsa condition causing drowsiness and numbness of the limbs with nausea, anxiety, vomitingnervous over-excitement, headaches and an increased heart rate (tachycardia)“, informs us our interlocutor. Indeed, nutmeg contains in particular myristicin, elemicin and safrole, three substances psychoactive known to be hallucinogens when ingested in high doses. “Several poisonings have been reported following an ingestion of approximately 5 g of nutmegcorresponding to 1-2 mg myristicin/kg body weight […] Although these poisonings can be attributed to the actions of myristicin, it is likely that other components of nutmeg may also be involved.“, reports a study published in the National Library of Medicine on the toxicity of myristicin. Normally, the amounts used in cooking cannot cause such symptoms. It is recommended to consume ½ teaspoon per day for a dish of 4 people for example, i.e. approximately 0.3g per person. Nutmeg is contraindicated for people with a nut allergy.
3. Cinnamon, not recommended in case of diabetes
“The effects of cinnamon on blood sugar are very powerful: in case of type 1 diabetescinnamon can alter blood sugar at high doses“, says our expert. “Cinnamon compounds have properties similar to insulin, thus helping to balance blood sugar“, confirm researchers in a study published in 2020 in the Journal of the Endocrine Society (JES). Thus, if we associate this spice with taking antidiabetic drugs, we increase their effects, and this can lead to undesirable effects such as hypoglycemia, excessive sweating, tremors, blurred vision or even dizziness. Its food consumption, associated with an antidiabetic treatment, must must be done with the advice of a doctor. Other plants or spices such as fenugreek or moringa have the same effects.
4. Chilli promotes heartburn
In high doses, pepper would cause heartburn, diarrhea and aggravate joint inflammation as the gout disease. If it can be consumed (in moderation) in people without intestinal or colorectal problems, “chilli should be avoided in case ofgastric ulcer or dchronic inflammation of the colon“, indicates Raphaël Gruman, because capsaicin, substance contained in peppers, might aggravate the symptoms, in particular large intestine spasms catchy severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea. However, studies on the subject are contrasting: for example, a study published in 2022 in the journal Nutrients show that “regular consumption of capsaicin has a positive effect on the intestinal microbiota, by increasing the diversity and certain abundances of good bacteria, in particular butanoic acid”. A another study conducted in 2008 and encouraged by The National Association of Colitis and Crohns Disease suggests “that people with the syndrome have more nerve fibers sensitive to pain, which would cause a burning sensation when these individuals eat hot peppers“.
5. Ginger thins the blood, to avoid if you are on anticoagulants
“The January to a natural anticoagulant effect (it thins the blood) and should be consumed with caution as part of anticoagulant treatment“, says our nutritionist. If you are on anticoagulant treatment, it is strongly advised to seek the advice of your doctor. It is recommended not to exceed 4 g of ground ginger per day, i.e. between 15 and 20 g of fresh ginger Moreover, according to a study published in 2016 in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, high consumption of ginger, especially in powdered form, can lead to heartburn and stomach pain, as well as diarrhea, in women treated with chemotherapy for a breast cancer.
Thanks to Raphaël Gruman, dietitian-nutritionist.
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