It's important to note that while turmeric offers potential health benefits, individual responses may vary, and it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. Incorporating turmeric into a balanced diet and consulting with a healthcare professional can help individuals make informed decisions about its use for health and wellness.

What to do then? Which substitute would work best?

Heat Level: Hot

Why not? Like paprika, they're made from a combination of dried peppers belonging to the Capsicum annuum family.

Heat Level: X-Hot

If it's just a small amount, like half a teaspoon or less, you could conceivably get away with substituting chili powder, which is mainly paprika along with other seasonings such as garlic, salt, cumin, and a bit of cayenne. It's slightly hotter than plain paprika, but not overwhelmingly so. Some other ground red peppers like ancho chili powder, chipotle powder, or hot sauce would also work. Chili powder will also suffice if the paprika is just being used for a garnish. With these spices, you can go with a 1:1 ratio of the substitute spice to the paprika amount needed.

Paprika can be used in any dish to add a bright vibrant color, like in this Grilled Eggplant Recipe or Creamy Garlic Dressing. Smoked paprika is used to add a smoky aroma that’s desired in chorizo, sausages, or in these Lamb Kabobs.

Curcumin has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a soothing compound. The recommended extreme daily doses range is from 3 mg/kg to 4-10 g/day. Since most studies using the extract have a time limit of 1-3 months, to date, there is no evidence of any long-term consequences from long-term use of curcumin. Although there have been no reports of serious adverse reactions to curcumin use, some side effects may include diarrhea, head pain, skin rashes, and yellow stools.