Organic Turmeric and Regular Turmeric Supplements

Turmeric supplements contain extracts from the turmeric root, Curcuma longa. These are well-known for the beneficial effects of the key turmeric compound, curcumin. 

The yellow golden spice turmeric is extensively used in Asian cuisines to give flavor and color to the curries. It is used widely in alternative medicine for its infection-fighting properties. 

What is Turmeric Good For?

Turmeric is the root of a native asian plant. It adds a deep orange color to the food. In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric is used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

The compound that's responsible for turmeric's health benefits is curcumin. Also, turmeric has phytonutrients that protect our cells from oxidative damage. For several inflammatory conditions like joint disorders, arthritis, allergies, infections, etc, turmeric can be useful. 

You can add turmeric to your daily diet in the following ways:

• Drink golden milk by heating 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric with milk. To boost flavor and health benefits, you can also add black pepper, cinnamon, and honey. An easier option is to mix a spice blend, such as Organic Golden Milk from Dr. Mercola or Golden Milk from Gaia Herbs, directly with water to milk. 

• Add turmeric to your soups, broths, stews, etc, to give them a natural golden color also. 

• Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to roasted vegetables and rice dishes. 

Science Behind Turmeric Dietary Supplement

The turmeric supplements contain curcumin in a bioavailable and stable form. The compound curcumin in turmeric is not naturally bioavailable. So, our body can't absorb it directly from turmeric. The digestion process is harsh on this compound, and it gets eliminated rather quickly. 

Also, the amount of curcumin in natural turmeric is minimal and you may have to take large amounts of fresh turmeric to realize the health benefits. Turmeric curcumin supplements are better in that aspect as you get a standardized and beneficial dosage of curcumin directly. 

Also, the turmeric supplements ensure that curcumin in each capsule is more stable and bioavailable, enabling your body to absorb it much better. Natural turmeric spice usually contains about 2% to 9% curcumin, but the best turmeric supplement may contain as much as 95% curcumin. 

While curcumin on its own offers many health benefits, it can increase multifold with the addition of another spice – black pepper. The piperine in black pepper boosts the beneficial curcumin power and allows your body to absorb curcumin in an even better way. This combination may increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%. 

Turmeric Supplement Benefits

The polyphenol curcumin works at the cellular level and has the following health benefits:

Anti-inflammatory Support

Curcumin is known to block the activation of agents that cause inflammation in the body. Its anti-inflammatory potential may be useful in patients with arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, etc. It works to regulate the signalling pathways and also restricts the inflammatory mediators.  

Antioxidant Properties

Curcumin's ability to improve the systemic markers of oxidative stress is backed by science. Meta-analysis shows that curcumin works in different ways as an antioxidant. It neutralizes free radicals and also modulates the activity of various enzymes involved in this process. It exhibits antioxidant properties similar to vitamin E as a chain-breaking antioxidant. 

Metabolic Support 

The impact of curcumin on metabolic syndrome is well established by many studies. It can have a positive impact on insulin sensitivity and it can also help reduce adipogenesis. It was also found to have beneficial effects in reducing cholesterol levels. Particularly, the benefits are more pronounced when supplements containing both turmeric and black pepper are used. Codeage Forskolin Turmeric+ is a good option that contains both turmeric and black pepper. 

Cognition and Mood Support

In healthy older adults, curcumin may also have a positive impact on mood and cognition. Lipid curcumin formulation was given to healthy adults between the ages of 60-85 and within one hour of taking curcumin, the people showed better working memory and attention. After regular use for 4 weeks, mood, calmness, and working memory improved. 

Turmeric also helps with healthy levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is important for learning and memory. This can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Muscle Damage Protection 

Oral turmeric curcumin supplement may also be useful in reducing muscle inflammation after exercise. When participating adults were asked to perform exercises that can induce muscle damage, those who took turmeric supplements experienced lower muscle damage. So, it can be useful for faster recovery after exercise. It can also boost the functional capacity of muscles during exercises. 

What are Turmeric Supplement Side Effects?

Turmeric and curcumin supplements are generally considered safe. Follow the instructions on the label to verify the dosage and suggested usage of turmeric supplements. When taken in high doses, some people may experience digestive discomfort or nausea. 

Those who have allergies, underlying health issues and take other medications or supplements must consult with a healthcare expert first before taking turmeric supplements. 

If you take blood-thinning medications like warfarin or have other types of bleeding disorders, you can avoid turmeric curcumin supplements due to potential interactions. People with iron deficiency must also be cautious and discuss with a healthcare expert before taking turmeric supplements. 

What is the Best Turmeric Supplement?

The best turmeric supplement contains standardized curcumin with higher bioavailability. On Nutriessential, we have several curcumin supplements that are better absorbed by the body. For example, Theracurmin from Integrative Therapeutics has standardized curcumin extracts that are 27 times more bioavailable than other common extracts. 

Turmeric supplements may also contain synergistic ingredients that work well together and boost the health benefits, such as:

• Turmeric and Ginger Supplements: Caffeine-free Tulsi Turmeric Ginger supplement tea from Organic India can support immunity and detoxification. 

• Turmeric Supplement with Black Pepper: Extra Strength Turmeric supplement from Garden of Life offers immune support with multiple synergistic ingredients like black pepper and ginger. It also contains probiotics for digestion.  

• Liposomal Turmeric: Liposomal Turmeric+ from Codeage contains fermented turmeric along with black pepper, ashwagandha, and stephania in capsule form for overall wellbeing. The liposomal formulation enhances absorption by the body.  

Forms of Turmeric Supplement

The turmeric supplements are available in different forms suitable for varied health goals.  

• Capsules and Tablets: Curcumin capsules, such as the one from Pure Encapsulations, contain curcumin extracts that offer joint, liver, tissue, colon, and cellular support. 

• Powders: In powder form, you also have a few options. You can buy pure Turmeric Powder from Banyan Botanicals or buy golden milk mix from the same brand. Some supplements are available as teas, while some can be mixed with water or juice directly for consumption. Choose a powder based on how you want to drink turmeric. 

• Liquid: Liquid Turmeric from Global Healing contains concentrated turmeric extracts that support the inflammatory response. You can take it with water or juice as per your preference. 

• Gummies: Turmeric supplements for adults are also available in gummy form from brands like Gaia Herbs. 

How to Choose the Best Turmeric Curcumin Supplement?

Consider the following factors while choosing turmeric supplements:

• Bioavailability: Ensure that the turmeric supplement you choose contains standardized and bioavailable curcumin. Some supplements contain specialty blends with synergistic ingredients that boost the bioavailability of curcumin and also cater to specific health goals. 

• Quality: Trust brands that manufacture supplements in cGMP facilities and ensure third-party testing. This quality assurance ensures that you get a supplement that is safe. 

• Forms: Depending on your convenience, you can choose powders, capsules, teas, liquids, or gummies for turmeric supplements. Look for supplements with synergistic ingredients for added health benefits. 

FAQs

1. What is turmeric supplement good for?

Turmeric curcumin supplements are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They can be useful in relieving symptoms of various inflammatory conditions like arthritis, improving digestion, immunity, and supporting cognitive health.

2. How long does a turmeric supplement take to relieve inflammation?

The effects of turmeric supplements for inflammation vary from one individual to another based on their health condition. Some may experience results in a few days, while those with joint pain may have to take the supplement for several weeks to see positive effects. Supplements with curcumin and black pepper may provide faster results. 

3. Can turmeric supplements help with seasonal allergies?

Yes, turmeric supplements with immunomodulating effects can be helpful for relief from allergy symptoms. Turmeric curcumin supplements may be helpful to reduce sneezing and supplements containing both turmeric and ashwagandha can reduce the severity of many nasal symptoms like congestion, itching, runny nose, and sneezing. 

4. What is the best turmeric supplement for joint pain?

Premium turmeric supplements for joint pain contain high concentrations of curcumin with enhanced absorption. For example, Thorne Curcumin Phytosome is one of the well-studied supplements that can provide relief from joint soreness. Another option, Curcumin Elite from Life Extension, offers 45 times more highly available free curcuminoids. 

5. What is the best time to take a turmeric supplement?

You can take turmeric supplements along with your meals to get the best results. Especially, meals that contain healthy fats improve curcumin absorption.