Turmeric has become a staple ingredient in many food recipes. From curry to soup, turmeric is often added to dishes to add color and flavor – and it also offers a number of health benefits.
But what exactly does turmeric do? And should you be taking it? We took a closer look at the best turmeric (see also: How Long Does It Take Turmeric To Shrink Fibroids?)supplements, and the benefits they can offer.
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice native to India and is easily identified by its bright yellow coloring. This comes from curcumin, a compound found in its root.
Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, helping treat arthritis and other conditions.
Turmeric supplements come in various forms, such as capsules or powders, both of which have their own benefits. Turmeric powder is more potent than capsule form, but capsules are easier to take.
How Does It Work?
Curcumin works by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). COX is responsible for producing inflammation-causing prostaglandins.
When taken orally, curcumin binds with COX and prevents it from working properly. This reduces the production of prostaglandins, which helps reduce pain and swelling.
Curcumin also inhibits leukotriene B4, another inflammatory agent that causes pain and swelling. In addition, it may help prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading throughout the body.
Benefits Of Taking Turmeric Supplements
There are a number of benefits to turmeric supplements, and these include:
Reducing Pain & Inflammation
One study showed that taking 500 mg of turmeric daily reduced joint pain in people who had rheumatoid arthritis.
Another study showed that taking 300 mg of turmeric daily helped relieve symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.
In addition, research suggests that turmeric may be able to help ease symptoms of fibromyalgia.
One study showed that taking 400 mg of turmeric twice a day improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue in patients with this condition.
In addition, there’s evidence suggesting that turmeric may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A study published in the journal Neurology found that those who consumed high amounts of turmeric were less likely to develop dementia.
Boosting Immunity
Studies suggest that turmeric may boost immunity against cold viruses. Researchers believe that curcumin may work by increasing levels of interferon, a protein that fights infections.
Protecting Against Cancer
Research shows that turmeric may protect against certain types of cancers. For example, one study found that consuming 1 gram of turmeric per day lowered the risk of breast cancer by 20 percent.
Other studies show that turmeric may help fight prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and stomach cancer.
Improving Digestion
Research suggests that turmeric may improve digestion.
One study found that taking 600 mg of turmeric three times a day increased gastric emptying time, which means that your stomach takes longer to empty after eating. This could lead to better absorption of nutrients.
Other Benefits
Turmeric may also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Studies suggest that turmeric can help increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol while lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
It may also help prevent diabetes. Research suggests that turmeric may help regulate insulin sensitivity, which could potentially reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Side Effects
The side effects of turmeric are generally mild and include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, diarrhea, and skin irritation. However, you should avoid using turmeric if you have gallbladder problems or liver damage.
What Are Turmeric Supplements?
Turmeric supplements come in many forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. They are available as either standardized extracts or whole turmeric root powder.
Standardized extracts contain only a small amount of active ingredients, so they are more potent than whole turmeric root powder, but they are not always as effective.
Whole turmeric root powder contains all the active ingredients in turmeric, so it is considered to be the most effective form of supplement.
It comes in both powdered and liquid forms. Powdered turmeric has been shown to be more effective than liquid turmeric for some health conditions, but it does take up more space in your refrigerator.
What Is The Best Turmeric Supplement?
There are a number of turmeric supplements on the market today. Some are made from whole turmeric root powder and others use standard extractions.
There are also different dosages available. Here we will compare the best turmeric supplements based on their effectiveness, safety, and cost.
Pure Turmeric Root Powder
Pure turmeric root powder is the most effective way to get the benefits of turmeric. It is usually taken in capsule or tablet form. You can find pure turmeric root powder at natural food stores and online retailers.
Advantages:
Whole turmeric root powder is considered to be the highest quality form of turmeric because it contains all the beneficial compounds in turmeric.
It is easy to measure out and store.
Disadvantages:
It is expensive compared to other forms of turmeric.
Strong taste
Capsules
Capsules are another popular option for people who want to add turmeric to their diet. They are convenient and easy to swallow. Many brands offer multiple varieties of capsules, such as orange, yellow, and green.
Advantages:
Often a cheaper option.
Easy to store and transport.
Convenient to take with meals.
Disadvantages
Capsules do not provide the same level of potency as whole turmeric root powder or standardized extracts.
Tablets
Tablets are another common choice for those looking to incorporate turmeric into their daily routine. They are often found in multivitamin blends.
Advantages:
Convenient to eat with meals.
Affordable.
They are portable.
Disadvantages:
Tablets may cause indigestion.
Liquid Extracts
Liquid extracts are another popular option for adding turmeric to your diet. They are typically sold in bottles that look similar to vitamin water.
Advantages:
Liquid extracts are very convenient to drink.
They are relatively inexpensive.
They are easily stored.
Disadvantages:
The concentration of turmeric in these products is lower than whole turmeric root powders.
Final Thoughts
Turmeric is an excellent spice that provides numerous health benefits.
However, if you’re looking for the best turmeric supplement, make sure you choose one that offers the highest levels of active ingredients – this will ensure that you receive the maximum benefit from your purchase.
All aspects of health are incredibly important in keeping us at the top of our game when it matters most. But many people choose to ignore the health that they cannot see - including the gut, cognitive, respiratory, and more.
Hi, my name is Adam Maxwell and I have been a medical professional for over 20 years. My wife is also in the same field, having been a trained clinical psychologist for 15 years.
Between us, we have seen a fair amount of health-related issues!
