In this article, I will discuss whether consuming turmeric can break a fast.
I’ll also touch on the effects of turmeric on ketosis, insulin, and autophagy, as well as its calorie content.
Finally, I’ll make you aware of the benefits of consuming turmeric during fasting and when it is best to consume it.
So, if you are an intermittent faster who is curious about incorporating turmeric into your routine, this article is for you.
Turmeric And Intermittent Fasting.
Turmeric is a traditional medicinal herb known for its various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving digestive issues.
Before determining if it can break a fast, it is important to know its calorie content since it’s what will largely determine whether it breaks a fast or not.
Anything containing calories(regardless of its health benefits) consumed during the fasting window will break your fast.
Does Turmeric Have Calories?
Turmeric is available in different forms including fresh turmeric root, dried turmeric root, turmeric powder, turmeric capsules, turmeric tea, and turmeric extract.
And yes, Turmeric has calories, according to the United States Department Of Agriculture(USDA), ground turmeric root has up to 312 calories for every 100 grams.
That means from every teaspoon of turmeric(3g) you get up to 9.36 calories.
Generally, turmeric in any form, whether fresh, dried, or powdered, has an extremely low calorie content.
It’s important to know that if turmeric is consumed in the form of a supplement or mixed with other ingredients that contain calories, the calorie content may increase.
So, it’s always a good idea to check the nutritional information and ingredient list of any turmeric product you plan to consume during a fast.
With the calorie content of turmeric in mind, we can determine whether it has the potential to break a fast or not.
The verdict can be found in the following section.
Does Tumeric Break A Fast?
Turmeric contains calories, which means it can break a fast if taken during fasting.
Even though turmeric has several health benefits and relatively low-calorie content, it is still considered a food, and consuming it during a fast can technically disrupt the fasting process.
The extent of the disruption depends on the serving size and the number of servings taken during the fasting window.
There is a debate on the calorie limit that breaks a fast, with some people believing that anything above 50 calories or 10 calories will break a fast.
Also, fasting protocols such as the dirty fasting method allow for some calories, while others e.g. the water fasting protocol prohibit any calorie intake.
Therefore, if you are following a stricter fasting protocol, it is advisable to avoid consuming turmeric during the fasting window and wait until the eating window or cheat day.
If you are following a more flexible protocol, consuming turmeric may be acceptable during the fasting window.
On the other aspects of fasting.
Does Tumeric Stop Ketosis And Autophagy?
Turmeric is not known to impede the process of ketosis.
In fact, it may actually support ketosis by enhancing metabolism and lowering blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, turmeric has a medium-low glycemic index, which means that it does not dramatically spike insulin levels, rather, it may improve insulin sensitivity and help with weight loss during fasting.
Turmeric has also been found to increase autophagy in animal studies, which is the body’s natural process of cellular cleanup and regeneration that occurs during fasting.
Remember, consuming large amounts of turmeric supplements or turmeric-infused drinks may contain added sugars or honey that could spike insulin and break your fast, stop autophagy, and stop ketosis.
Can You Have Turmeric During Intermittent Fasting?
If your fasting protocol permits a small number of calories, then you can consume turmeric during your fast.
If you’re following a strict, clean fast, consuming turmeric will break your fast, and you should instead consume it during your eating window or cheat day.
Turmeric has various benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked during a fast, such as its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to aid in digestion and promote weight loss by boosting metabolism.
It can also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which is particularly beneficial if you are fasting for weight loss and insulin sensitivity purposes.
Will Tumeric Break A Fast – Key Takeaways.
- Turmeric contains calories and can break a fast if consumed during the fasting window, but its low-calorie content means it’s generally safe to consume in small amounts.
- The calorie limit that breaks a fast is a matter of debate, but stricter fasting protocols generally prohibit calorie intake, while more flexible protocols allow for some calories.
- Turmeric may support ketosis and enhance metabolism, but consuming large amounts or turmeric-infused drinks with added sugars or honey could spike insulin and break the fast.
- Turmeric has various benefits during a fast, including anti-inflammatory properties, aiding digestion, boosting metabolism, and regulating blood sugar levels.
