Turmeric

spices

Turmeric

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 4.6

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve0 caution1 avoid

How the diets react

Approves10
Disapproves1
Is Turmeric Healthy?

Yes — Turmeric is broadly considered healthy. 10 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
312kcal
Protein
9.7g
Carbs
67g
Fat
3.3g
Fiber
22g
Sugar
3.2g
Sodium
27mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Turmeric is a spice with negligible carbs (1.3g net carbs per tablespoon) and no sugar. It's calorie-sparse and adds flavor without impacting ketosis. Anti-inflammatory properties are a bonus.

VeganApproved

Pure plant-derived spice with no animal products or animal-derived ingredients. Whole food form with significant anti-inflammatory properties.

PaleoApproved

Turmeric is a pure spice derived from a root plant, available to Paleolithic humans. Contains no grains, legumes, dairy, or processed ingredients. Anti-inflammatory properties align with paleo philosophy.

MediterraneanApproved

Turmeric is a spice with anti-inflammatory properties, aligns with Mediterranean culinary traditions, and adds flavor without calories, sugar, or unhealthy fats. Supports plant-based cooking emphasis.

CarnivoreAvoid

Plant-derived spice from turmeric root. Contains plant compounds and alkaloids. Strictly excluded from carnivore diet which permits only animal products.

Whole30Approved

Pure spice with no excluded ingredients. Whole30 explicitly allows all herbs and spices.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Turmeric is a pure spice with no significant FODMAP content. Monash University has tested turmeric and confirmed it is low-FODMAP at typical culinary serving sizes.

DASHApproved

Sodium-free spice with anti-inflammatory properties (curcumin). Enhances flavor without adding sodium, saturated fat, or calories. Supports DASH principles by enabling flavorful meals without salt.

ZoneApproved

Turmeric is a polyphenol-rich spice with powerful anti-inflammatory properties (curcumin). Zero macronutrient impact at typical serving sizes. Aligns perfectly with Zone's anti-inflammatory focus.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent polyphenol with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Extensively researched and explicitly emphasized in Dr. Weil's anti-inflammatory pyramid. Best absorbed with black pepper (piperine) and fat.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Zero calories, zero macronutrients, anti-inflammatory properties support GLP-1 tolerability. Enhances nutrient absorption and aids digestion without triggering GI side effects. Excellent seasoning choice for protein-rich meals.

Controversy Index

Score range: 210/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus4.6Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Turmeric

Keto 9/10
  • Negligible net carbs
  • No added sugars
  • Minimal calories per serving
  • Anti-inflammatory compound (curcumin)
Vegan 9/10
  • 100% plant-based
  • Whole food spice
  • No processing concerns
Paleo 9/10
  • Unprocessed plant-based spice
  • No additives or fillers
  • Anti-inflammatory compound (curcumin)
Mediterranean 8/10
  • Zero calories
  • Anti-inflammatory compounds
  • Minimal processing
  • Enhances plant-based dishes
Whole30 10/10
  • Pure spice
  • No additives
  • Explicitly allowed category
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • Pure spice with negligible fermentable carbohydrates
  • No fructans, GOS, lactose, or polyols
  • Standard serving sizes are very small
DASH 9/10
  • Zero sodium
  • Anti-inflammatory compounds
  • No added sugars
  • Enhances palatability of low-sodium foods
Zone 9/10
  • Anti-inflammatory polyphenols
  • Negligible macronutrients
  • Supports Zone philosophy
  • Curcumin polyphenol
  • Potent anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant properties
  • Enhanced bioavailability with black pepper and fat
  • zero calorie density
  • anti-inflammatory
  • aids digestion
  • no GI triggers