But turmeric also has a range of health benefits supporting cardiovascular health, joint mobility and digestive health.
Supplementing your diet with turmeric can be done in different ways, from adding the spice to your food to root extract and other concentrated supplements.
But is there a good time to take turmeric? In this article, we find out when you should and shouldn’t take turmeric supplements.
We also explore the different forms of turmeric and the best dosage.
What Is The Best Time Of Day To Take Turmeric?
There is no exact time when you should take turmeric. The most suitable time for taking turmeric depends on your personal preference and what you take turmeric for.
Some people prefer to take turmeric in the evening to calm the digestive system, while others prefer taking the supplement in the morning as a wake-up booster.
Whatever time of the day you want to take turmeric, make sure that you have it with a meal. This will allow your body to absorb all the active compounds in turmeric.
It will also prevent any potential stomach upsets that you might typically experience when taking a supplement on an empty stomach.
When Not To Take Turmeric
There are a few groups of people who should not take turmeric, including pregnant women and anyone who suffers from bleeding disorders, gallbladder problems, arrhythmia, iron deficiency and diabetes.
It’s a good idea to check in with your herbalist or local healthcare practitioner to find out if you can safely take turmeric.
The Best Ways To Take Turmeric
Taking turmeric as a supplement is relatively easy. Here are a few different options.
Taking Turmeric As Tablets
Turmeric capsules and turmeric tablets are widely available but they can vary also widely in quality.
You will need to make sure that turmeric tablets contain a good amount of turmeric without any added ingredients.
Saying this, turmeric capsules are an extremely easy way to control the dosage.
Eating Raw Turmeric
Raw turmeric may have a strong flavor and texture but you can be sure that it doesn’t contain any additives.
Plus, you don’t have to just stick to a raw turmeric root(see also: How To Store Turmeric Root). You can eat your healthy dose of turmeric freshly grated or as a powder.
However, if you want your turmeric to be effective sooner, then mix your turmeric into a liquid, such as a smoothie or turmeric tea(see also: What Is Turmeric Tea Good For?).
Taking Turmeric In Food
This is probably one of the most common ways to consume turmeric. Just add turmeric powder or grated turmeric to your food.
There are a range of different recipes that use turmeric as a main ingredient, including Goan and rendang curries.
There are also some more unusual foods that contain turmeric, such as popcorn and chips.
Eating turmeric directly with your snack or meal has quite a few advantages. You can easily add it straight to your food.
It’s ideal if you don’t like tablets or capsules, so you just sprinkle some turmeric powder over your meal for a daily turmeric dosage.
Saying this, it can be difficult to manage how much turmeric you put on your food exactly. Plus, the dose also depends on the other ingredients and the portion size.
This means that if you want to add a precise dose of turmeric to your diet, then it’s best to consider eating raw turmeric or try some turmeric capsules or liquids.
Turmeric Essential Oils
When you think of aromatherapy and essential oils, turmeric may not be the first one to come to mind.
While there is no concrete scientific evidence that the active compounds of turmeric are absorbed through oil applications, it’s definitely going to create a strong smell.
You can easily combine turmeric oil with some nutmeg, ginger and lemon oil for a relaxing scent in your home.
If you prefer a sweeter fragrance, then mix jasmine, lavender and ylang-ylang oils with turmeric oil.
As this way of taking turmeric isn’t very effective, you may also want to try out a few other options, such as eating raw turmeric or taking supplement capsules.
Taking Turmeric As A Shot
The most effective way to take turmeric as a supplement is to have a liquid shot of highly concentrated turmeric.
This does not just have the concentrated benefits of turmeric but the liquid form allows it to be absorbed much easier by your body.
However, bear in mind that some liquid turmeric shots may also contain other ingredients, such as ginger.
If you don’t want to take concentrated turmeric supplements, then you can also add some turmeric to your drink.
This has similar effects to a liquid turmeric shot and it can be absorbed much quicker.
Plus, you can choose how you want to drink your turmeric. You can have a turmeric tea, latte or smoothie.
With turmeric’s rising popularity, many of these turmeric drinks are also available now in restaurants and cafés around the world.
Getting your daily dose of turmeric becomes so much easier when you can just mix in some turmeric powder or freshly grated turmeric into your drink or meal.
You can then have turmeric at any time of the day.
Final Thoughts
There is no specific time when you should take turmeric. However, as this medicinal herb and spice encourages the digestive system, it’s a good idea to have it with a meal.
You can take turmeric in different ways, from adding the spice to your food, taking a supplement capsule or blending it into your smoothie.
When you have turmeric as a drink, the active ingredients can enter the bloodstream immediately. With solid turmeric foods, your digestive system will need to break it down first.
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!
