Turmeric

spices

Turmeric

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 3.7

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve1 caution0 avoid
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

Keto10/10APPROVED

Turmeric is a spice with negligible carbs (<1g net carbs per teaspoon) and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Ideal for keto seasoning.

Vegan10/10APPROVED

Pure plant-derived spice with no animal products or animal-derived ingredients. Whole food in its dried form.

Paleo9/10APPROVED

Spice from turmeric root, unprocessed and available in nature. Contains curcumin with anti-inflammatory properties. No antinutrients of concern in spice quantities.

Mediterranean7/10APPROVED

While not traditionally Mediterranean, turmeric is increasingly incorporated in modern Mediterranean cooking. Anti-inflammatory properties align with health principles. Used in some Mediterranean regions influenced by Middle Eastern and North African cuisines.

iStrict traditional Mediterranean diet focuses on native Mediterranean herbs (oregano, basil, thyme). Turmeric represents culinary expansion beyond historical Mediterranean boundaries.

Carnivore4/10CAUTION

Turmeric is a plant-derived spice, technically excluded by strict carnivore rules. However, many practitioners use small amounts for anti-inflammatory properties. Minimal carbohydrate in typical serving sizes.

iStrict Lion Diet adherents exclude all plant foods including spices. Baker and Saladino acknowledge some practitioners use spices in minimal amounts, but purists argue any plant material violates carnivore principles.

Whole309/10APPROVED

Pure turmeric is a whole spice with no excluded ingredients. It is explicitly allowed as a compliant seasoning on Whole30.

Low-FODMAP9/10APPROVED

Turmeric is a spice with negligible FODMAP content. Monash University rates turmeric as low-FODMAP at all reasonable culinary serving sizes. It is suitable for the elimination phase.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Spice with negligible sodium and calories. Contains curcumin with anti-inflammatory properties. Supports DASH goal of using herbs/spices instead of salt for flavoring. No nutritional drawbacks; enhances palatability of DASH meals.

Zone9/10APPROVED

Turmeric is a zero-calorie spice with powerful anti-inflammatory properties (curcumin). Aligns perfectly with Zone's anti-inflammatory philosophy. No macronutrient impact; use liberally to enhance meals without affecting 40/30/30 balance.

Anti-Inflammatory10/10APPROVED

Turmeric contains curcumin, one of the most researched anti-inflammatory compounds. Extensive evidence for reducing inflammatory markers and supporting immune function. Cornerstone of anti-inflammatory spice recommendations across all major authorities.

GLP-1 Friendly9/10APPROVED

Turmeric is a zero-calorie spice with anti-inflammatory properties (curcumin) that may support GLP-1 therapy outcomes. No fat, no carbs, no protein needed from spices. Enhances nutrient-dense meals without triggering GI distress. Excellent for flavor without adding calories or problematic ingredients.

Controversy Index

Score range: 410/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus3.7Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Turmeric

Keto 10/10
  • Virtually zero net carbs
  • Whole food spice
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
Vegan 10/10
  • whole plant spice
  • no processing concerns
  • no animal derivatives
Paleo 9/10
  • unprocessed spice
  • anti-inflammatory
  • used in small quantities
  • no antinutrients at typical doses
Mediterranean 7/10
  • anti-inflammatory
  • minimal processing
  • no added sugars
  • regional variation
  • health-promoting
Carnivore 4/10
  • plant-derived spice
  • minimal carbohydrate per serving
  • anti-inflammatory properties
  • used by many practitioners despite strict rules
Whole30 9/10
  • Whole spice
  • No additives
  • Explicitly allowed
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • Minimal carbohydrate content
  • Used in small quantities
  • No fermentable components
DASH 9/10
  • Zero sodium
  • Anti-inflammatory compounds
  • Enhances flavor without salt
  • Supports adherence to low-sodium diet
  • No caloric impact
Zone 9/10
  • Potent anti-inflammatory (curcumin)
  • Zero macronutrient impact
  • Polyphenol-rich
  • Supports Zone's inflammation-reduction goal
  • Curcumin content
  • Extensive clinical research
  • Reduces inflammatory cytokines
  • Bioavailability enhanced with black pepper
  • Traditional medicine validation
  • zero calories
  • anti-inflammatory
  • no GI triggers
  • enhances nutrient-dense meals
Last reviewed: Our methodology