Turmeric is an attractive, bright yellow seasoning known to be a strong superfood. For centuries, both traditional use and recent scientific studies have shown that Turmeric possesses amazing health benefits. Let’s dig deep into all things Turmeric!

What is Turmeric?

The plant Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, originates from Southeast Asia. Turmeric is part of the Ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and is sometimes known as “yellow ginger.” Its useful portions for cooking and health are the rhizomes, which is an expression from Greek that means “collection of roots.” They are distinct from roots since they are tubes that develop horizontally deep beneath the ground. Every branch or juncture of a rhizome is able to send up roots from underneath and expand as foliage above… each part encompasses the entirety.

Once the rhizome emerges, Turmeric is on its way to attaining glory. Light-colored sprouts lengthen upwards and rapidly form dark verdant foliage on a solid stalk. The fully grown flower can stand up to six feet tall, and its blooms are clustered in beautiful circles of petals. The rhizomes that have been gathered at the end of the harvest are washed before being treated carefully to make them into powdered or liquid forms.

At first, the root of Turmeric may appear unimpressive; however, as many cooks and healers have found out, it contains vibrant golden-hued properties. Turmeric has a yellow-orange hue and a unique flavor that gives curries, pickles, and seasonings a striking appearance and an intricate flavor.

Benefits of Turmeric Supplements

The taste of turmeric is delicious, of course, but there’s definitely much more to appreciate about it than just its taste! The cause behind Turmeric’s status as a superfood is its numerous beneficial health properties.

Healthy Inflammation Response

Studies have demonstrated that turmeric is useful for keeping the entire body’s inflammation at a balanced level.

Brain Health

Turmeric may be beneficial for brain health and enhancing cognitive skills, including the power to store and retrieve information while completing short-term tasks.

Heart Health

Turmeric helps improve one’s cardiovascular health by keeping cholesterol levels in the normal range.

Liver Support

It is believed that turmeric aids in the functioning of the liver and helps the body to get rid of hazardous materials.

Antioxidants for Cellular Health

Curcumin, the active component in turmeric, has great antioxidant abilities which can sweep up the free radicals in the body and defend cells from any damage.

Who May Not Benefit From Turmeric Supplements

It is generally harmless to consume food with a bit of turmeric, or even to add some to a cup of tea, since very little of the curcumin content is absorbed by the body. Nevertheless, consuming curcumin dietary supplements might pose some risks and prove to be a dangerous choice for certain individuals.

Individuals on anticoagulants: As turmeric could reduce blood clotting, those consuming blood-thinning medicines should avoid taking turmeric supplements.

Those utilizing medicinal drugs to treat diabetes may find some relief with turmeric, although it is yet undetermined when and how much must be taken. Research has found that a moderate amount of curcumin (180 milligrams) can reduce blood sugar in certain individuals. Compared to other treatments, doses of curcumin daily used for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are higher than 500 milligrams. As a result, individuals who take other drugs that reduce their blood sugar or those who take insulin should not use turmeric supplements because their sugar levels could dip too much.

Individuals experiencing cancer therapy or taking anti-cancer medications should be aware that taking turmeric supplements may interfere with their treatment, possibly reducing the efficacy of it. Studies have shown that turmeric could perhaps be of help in treating cancer, so it is important to consult a medical professional prior to taking a turmeric supplement to make sure it is okay for your individual case.

Those who are prone to kidney stones should be aware that turmeric contains oxalates which can create a link with calcium, which could potentially lead to the formation of kidney stones. If you are easily affected by kidney stones, you might think twice before consuming turmeric supplements. If you don’t consume enough calcium in your diet, you could have an increased likelihood of getting kidney stones.

Women who are expecting a child or nursing an infant should not take turmeric supplements due to a lack of research concerning their safety. Therefore, it is suggested that they refrain from using the supplements while pregnant or nursing. The amount found in food is safe.

How Often Should You Take Turmeric?

Turmeric is a common addition to many people’s diets, with it being widely used in cooking and consumed daily in numerous cultures. No definite dosage of Turmeric is suggested per day, as there is with Vitamin A, for example. You will be able to take advantage of the positive effects of a good Turmeric supplement every day if you purchase one that is powerful and effective. The creation of New Chapter’s Turmeric Force™ products were intended to bring out Turmeric’s fine features, as well as to guarantee that your body can fully gain the benefits.

It is advised that you consult with your medical professional prior to taking or beginning any supplemental medications.

History of Turmeric as a Medicine

Widely used in many traditional practices, Turmeric is renowned for having unique, powerful components and countless health benefits which have been corroborated by hundreds of modern scientific findings.

Use of Turmeric Traditionally

Turmeric has been highly esteemed as a health and longevity booster in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, two of the oldest and most established medical practices around. Turmeric has a minimum of 53 different titles in the Sanskrit language, with one of them being Bhadra, translated as auspicious or fortuitous.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Turmeric is employed to help promote digestion, bolster liver and respiratory function, facilitate a healthy inflammation response, and even applied to the skin to balance it. In ancient Chinese medicine, Turmeric falls into a group of herbs that are believed to get the blood going, rid the body of blockages, and help Qi, the life vigor, to circulate freely.

Scientific Research on Turmeric Supplements

Studies of turmeric have been done far and wide by scientists all across the globe. Recent studies have demonstrated that Turmeric can provide benefits for numerous bodily functions, including helping to maintain a healthy inflammatory response, as well as promoting longevity! And it doesn’t stop there. Many of the most respected organizations in the world have researched the health advantages of Turmeric, and this illustrious spice accomplished the inspection. Studies have demonstrated that Turmeric has unique antioxidant and phytonutrient elements which benefit the heart, promote detoxification of the liver, and reduce inflammation.

What to Look for in a Turmeric Supplement

Turmeric is clearly incredible and there are numerous dietary supplement choices that make it straightforward to incorporate Turmeric into your day by day ritual. How can you discover the optimal Turmeric for your needs? Below is a brief overview of points to consider as you evaluate labels.

• Look for full-spectrum extracts of whole-herb Turmeric, not just isolated Curcumin (a single compound found within Turmeric).
• Check on absorption. Is the product formulated for absorption with whole Turmeric rhizome that the body can recognize and use as a food? Or is it only isolated curcumin extract plus additives like black pepper to try to increase absorption?
• Compare third-party validations. For example, is the supplement Non-GMO Project Verified? Certified gluten free? Is the company a Certified B Corporation?
• How about the sourcing story—is the Turmeric ethically and sustainably sourced?

How Does Turmeric Work?

The effects of turmeric are achieved through its phytonutrients, which come from plants. It has been shown that Turmeric contains more than 100 separate components, each with its own identified functionality. Ideally, the body would identify Turmeric as an edible item and process it accordingly, allowing the nutrients to become active. Turmeric has substances in it with antioxidizing properties that can help protect the body’s cells from damage from oxidation and free radicals.

Where Does Turmeric Come From?

If you’re devoted to obtaining the finest botanicals, you seek them out from all corners of the world. The most natural spot for Turmeric’s history to take root is in the moist tropics, particularly in India, where it flourishes most. The soil and temperatures here are perfect for cultivating some of the most nutrient-filled Turmeric in the world. New Chapter works with sustainable and organic farms that have a deep respect for preserving soil to get the highest quality materials, set apart the essential components, and make them accessible to you. We join forces with Rodale Institute, an expert in organic and restorative farming strategies, to reach our aspiration of a decisively sustainably cultivated future for everyone.

The 5 Best Turmeric Supplements of 2022

Best Overall: Thorne Research Meriva SF

What do buyers say? More than 1,400 Amazon reviewers gave this product an overall rating of four stars or better, accounting for 92% of the reviews. We take great pleasure in many of Thorne’s health supplements, the Meriva 500 SF being one of them. This product has been given a positive rating by our two most reputable outside testing organizations, ConsumerLab and NSF certified for sport. Their data reveals that the contents labeled on this product is accurate and it is free of any hazardous contaminants.

This particular tablet carries 500mg of curcumin phytosome, a complex formed by connecting curcumin to a phospholipid fat that is both hydrophilic and lipophilic; this formation is known as Meriva. The capsule is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. Some research indicates that Meriva, due to its phospholipid attachment, might be taken in and used by the body more easily than supplements without it.

Thorne Meriva 500 SF might be a beneficial option for individuals who are dealing with joint discomfort. Two experiments have revealed that the special mixture was just as successful in easing joint pain as acetaminophen (Tylenol). You should talk to a medical professional about whether it is safe to ingest up to 2 grams of a substance per day in order to achieve the desired effects. NSF certification for sports makes Thorne’s Meriva 500 SF a possible remedy for athletes who suffer from joint soreness and want to seek an alternate form of treatment.

Best Budget: Nature Made Turmeric 500 mg Capsules

Turmeric supplements, especially those that have been checked by an independent agency and have good ingredients, are quite expensive. However, Nature Made offers its curcumin supplements at a more affordable cost than other companies. The product is certified by the USP, meaning that you can be sure you are receiving what is indicated on the packaging.

This capsule offers a 500-milligram dose composed of 450 milligrams of turmeric root powder and 50 milligrams of turmeric root extract, with the latter supplying 47.5 milligrams of curcuminoids. This amount of supplement is acceptable, though it is not as much as some other supplements, and it is not certain how much of it your body will actually assimilate. To increase the amount you take in, have your supplement alongside a dish that is made up of both fat and a bit of ground pepper.

Be aware that the capsule of this supplement is composed of gelatin, which is derived from animals. Therefore, this supplement is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Best Organic: Garden of Life mykind Organics Maximum Strength Turmeric

If purchasing organic and non-GMO is a priority for you, then the Garden of Life mykind Organics maximum strength turmeric could be a great option. We appreciate this supplement for its formulation as well as for being tested and certified by ConsumerLab, allowing us to be confident of its contents as indicated on the label.

A blend of 630 milligrams of turmeric root and turmeric extract yields 500 milligrams of curcuminoids, which is complemented with black pepper fruit to boost absorption. In addition, there is ginger root present, a healing substance that could reduce joint agony and help keep digestive health in check. Ginger, like turmeric, could potentially reduce the thickness of your blood, so it is not recommended to be taken with other drugs that have the same effect.

This supplement includes certain probiotics, which may be of help to certain individuals suffering from digestive issues, yet could lead to problems for other people. This supplement does not contain a large quantity, yet it is something to bear in mind if you have digestive problems or encounter any abdominal-associated side effects.

Best for Joint Pain: Life Extension Super Bio Curcumin Turmeric Extract

This formulation of Life Extension Super Bio Curcumin Turmeric Extract consists of BCM-95, which research has demonstrated is up to seven times more easily absorbed by the body compared to plain curcumin and up to six times more readily absorbed than a blend of turmeric and piperine. Research has suggested that this form of treatment could be advantageous in ameliorating the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions related to joint pain.

Each capsule is packed with 400 milligrams of the BCM-95 complex, featuring 380 milligrams of curcuminoids – the active ingredient – from root extracts, coupled with turmeric rhizome essential oils to aid absorption, as per Life Extension.

This product has been reviewed by ConsumerLab, is free of genetically-modified organisms, and contains no gluten.

Best for Athletes: Momentus Turmeric Ultra

Competitive athletes who are looking for a solution to reduce inflammation should definitely consider the Momentous Turmeric Ultra. This particular supplement has gone through a demanding third-party testing process, NSF Certified for Sport, to guarantee that it only contains exactly what is noted on the label and has no unlawful components prohibited in sport. This product possesses the certification of Informed Sport, another independent examiner that verifies more than 250 banned materials in sports.

Momentous Turmeric Ultra contains Meriva, which is a highly absorbable type of turmeric, so you are likely to get the most out of the supplement.

You could begin taking 500 milligrams (one capsule) of the Thorne Meriva 500-SF, since it’s supplied in two capsules, to make sure that you don’t have any difficult reactions before increasing to the recommended dosage – two capsules per day.