Turmeric is a vivid orange-yellow spice extracted from turmeric root, and that has several essential usages. The most common use of turmeric is as an ingredient in curries and exotic food. However, this spice has been utilized as a key component in medicines, treatments, and therapies for thousands of years.
Turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing swelling and inflammations due to arthritis. It is also known to help in mitigating Alzheimer’s due to curcumin, a potent antioxidant found in the spice. Turmeric can also lower cholesterol, boost immune systems, aid in the treatment of uveitis (inflammation of the iris), cures gastrointestinal tract ulcers, and shows promise in cancer prevention. Of course, several studies and researches are continuously being done to support all these claims.
Due to all of turmeric’s properties and benefits, it is but natural that many products are being developed based on it, and supplements are on top of the list. In this review, we will be presenting our ten best choices for turmeric supplements. We will show their highlights, the ingredients they are made of, our rating, and tell you about their manufacturers. We will also tell you turmeric’s benefits, possible side-effects, and how to pick the right turmeric supplement.
Curcumin Supplement Ranked:
- Organic India Turmeric Supplement – Buy here Editor’s Choice
- New Chapter Turmeric Force – Buy here
- Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength – Buy here
- MegaFood Turmeric Strength For Whole Body – Buy here
- Solgar Standardized Turmeric Root Extract – Buy here
- Oregon’s Wild Harvest Turmeric – Buy here
- Source Naturals Turmeric 1000 – Buy here
- Solaray Turmeric Root Extract – Buy here
- Bluebonnet Nutrition Standardized Turmeric Root Extract – Buy here
- Nature’s Answer Turmeric-3 – Buy here
- Nature’s Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin – Buy here
- NatureWise Turmeric – Buy here
1- Organic India Turmeric Formula
Our editorial team has unanimously agreed that Organic India Turmeric Formula is the best curcumin supplement due to the following reasons:
- It is easily absorbed by the body.
- It does not contain any GMO ingredients.
- It is gluten-free and has no allergens
- It is vegan
- The capsule is vegetable-based and organic.
- It does not contain any harmful filler.
The Organic India Turmeric Formula supplement has a formulation rich with natural phytonutrients (organic Trikatu and curcumin). It has no dangerous fillers and contains piperine that allows the body to absorb it better. Moreover, its capsule is vegetable-based and organic. This product claims to support vital blood and liver functions. It promotes healthy joints, radiant skin, reduces inflammation, improves digestion and upholds general well-being.
Pros
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- Non-GMO
- Certified organic
- Enhanced with curcuminoid extracts
- Superior bioavailability
- Gluten-free, kosher, Vegan
Cons
- May trigger stomach acidity
Ingredients
One daily serving of two Capsules will contain:
- Organic Curcuma longa Turmeric rhizome 740 mg
- Organic Extract of Turmeric (minimum 90% curcuminoids) 170 mg
- Organic Trikatu
- Organic Long Pepper fruit (Piper longum) 30 mg
- Organic Zingiber officinale (Ginger rhizome) 30 mg
- Organic Piper nigrum (Black Pepper seed) 30 mg
Rating
4.5 out of 5
Who Produces it?
Organic India, a leading wellness and health company, was established in Lucknow, Northern India in the mid-1990s by the followers of Poonja, a great spiritual teacher. Inspired by Poonja’s teachings about self-realization and the quest for truth, these students came from different countries and decided to start a maintainable business model that would alleviate the lives of thousands of poor Indian farmers and simultaneously create natural health products for promoting well-being for people around the earth.
Since then the company has been producing high-quality health supplements and their latest offering of Turmeric Formula is a perfect example of potency and affordability common to all their products.
2- New Chapter Turmeric Force
New Chapter’s Turmeric Force whole turmeric supplement provides all the benefits of the turmeric plant and contains its pure potent extracts. It is a commercially successful herbal product that supports heart health and cognitive, brain function. The manufacturers continue to conduct tests and researches to back up their products potentials.
One unique aspect of this supplement is its optimal absorption without the need for black pepper extracts due to potent amounts of essential compounds that substantially improve absorption. Another important benefit is its single capsule daily dose, which provides for greater convenience compared to other similar products.
Pros
- Does not contain soy, gluten, and dairy
- 100% vegetarian, non-GMO
- Superior bioavailability
- 3rd party tested
- serving size of one capsule
Cons
- May cause stomach pain and discomfort
Ingredients:
One daily serving of one capsule provides
- An aqueous extract of turmeric (rhizome) 320 mg
- A supercritical extract of turmeric (organic rhizome) 80 mg
Rating
4.4 of 5
Who Produces it?
New Chapter, a leading organic health brand, deals with all-natural, complete food health solutions. The brand has been providing natural health products and enhancing customer’s general wellness for more than 35 years.
They employ sustainable sourcing methods, environment-friendly farming procedures, and they take care of their waste by composting, recycling, or reusing about 80% of the amount they generate!
3- Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength
Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength comes in a high-dose potent vegan liquid phyto capsule created to be highly potent as a single daily dose. It is fortified with extracts of black pepper that improve body absorption. The pure formula helps in resisting damage from free radicals and promotes natural body reaction to inflammations. Moreover, Gaia Herbs provides an online facility wherein you can use the product’s “MeetYourHerbs” ID number to discover cool items such as its herb sources and more!.
Pros
- 100% vegetarian
- Dairy- and Gluten-free
- Vegetarian liquid phyto-capsules
- Affordable
- Provides option for MeetYourHerbs ID
Cons
- May cause stomach ulcers when taken excessively
Ingredients
One daily serving of 1 Capsule consists of
- Blend of Proprietary Extracts 482 mg
- Organic (Curcuma longa) Turmeric root extracts and supercritical carbon dioxide extract
- Curcumins 36 mg
- Piper nigrum (Black Pepper) fruit extract 7 mg
Rating
4.4 of 5
Who Produces it?
Gaia Herbs, a reputable health, and wellness company is highly committed to the potency, purity, and integrity of their products. The brand specializes in supplements formulated with pure liquid extract concentrates obtained from plants. That means their liquid extract supplements are highly potent while being more easily absorbed by the body than most plant-based products. To ensure that you get precisely what’s indicated in the supplement, they always subject their products to purity tests.
With Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength, Gaia Herbs made sure it gives customers all the advantages the turmeric herb can offer, all in a very powerful turmeric Phyto capsule reinforced with extracts of black pepper. Manufactured by a reputable company, it is 100% vegetarian, dairy, and gluten-free.
4- MegaFood Turmeric Strength For Whole Body
MegaFood Turmeric Strength For Whole Body is a potent turmeric supplement in capsule form. It is boosted with a mixture of fruits rich in antioxidants, extracts of black pepper and basil leaf, and vitamin C. MegaFood’s proprietary “Garden Harvest Fruit Blend” gives extra antioxidants from different colorful berry compounds that can enhance turmeric’s benefits.
Pros
- Certified vegan
- Excellent absorption
- Potent turmeric dosage
- Non-GMO, soy-, dairy-, and gluten-free
- Can be consumed any time within the day even without meals
Cons
- Not advisable for pregnant or nursing women
Ingredients
One daily serving of two capsules contain:
- Vitamin C (organic orange with ascorbic acid) 120 milligrams
- Turmeric Strength Blends 700 milligrams( Curcumin 481 milligrams)
- Curcuma longa turmeric root extracts (95% Curcuminoids), 500 milligrams
- Turmeric Root 200 milligrams
- Garden Harvest Fruit Blends 350 milligrams(Tart Cherry 100 milligrams, Wild Blueberry 75 milligrams, Cranberry Extract 75 milligrams, Black Raspberry Extract 75 milligrams, Fruit Phenolic Blends 25 milligrams)
- Holy Basil Leaf Extracts 200 milligrams(Ocimum sanctum)
- Black Pepper BioPerine Extracts (95% Piperine) 3 milligrams
Rating
4.7 of 5
Who Produces it?
MegaFood has been a reputable brand committed to enhancing their customers’ lives. They focus on only creating products that offer genuine food health advantages. Since they started operations in 1973, MegaFood have been utilizing goods from family-operated farms. The company even collaborates with University of New Hampshire scientists to come up with the finest, most potent health supplements in the market.
In that light, MegaFood formulated their Strength For Whole Body with organic anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, thus providing turmeric benefits within a daily serving with two capsules.
5- Solgar Standardized Turmeric Root Extract
Solgar Standardized Turmeric Root Extract comes in a single vegan capsule which can be taken daily to take advantage of the various turmeric benefits. The supplement is affordable, non-GMO, and vegetarian. It also does not contain gluten and other allergens.
Made by Solgar, a most trusted and oldest supplement brand, it has an excellent history. If you would like to have an affordable yet effective turmeric supplement that only requires a single daily dose, this brand could be a great option for your preferences and requirements.
Pros
- Simple formula
- Perfect for vegetarians
- Non-GMO, dairy, gluten, soy, yeast and wheat free
- One-capsule daily serving size, affordable
- Kosher certified
Ingredients
One daily serving of one Vegetable Capsule has:
- Standardized Turmeric Root Extract 400 mg ([93%]curcumin 372 mg )
Rating
4.6 of 5
Who Produces it?
Solgar is a leading supplement manufacturer and has been trusted in the industry since 1947. They are committed to providing consumers with “innovative, top-quality, scientifically-proven health supplements to boost their general well-being and health.” They apply their proprietary Solgar Gold Manufacturing Standard to each of their products, ensuring stringent quality control and generating superior health supplements as a result.
6- Oregon’s Wild Harvest Turmeric
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Turmeric is a potent health supplement that provides a wide range of turmeric blends, both from standard curcuminoid turmeric and purified turmeric rhizome extracts. It is augmented with extracts of black pepper that give it superior absorption and bioavailability. It is also safe from common allergens like, wheat, soy, gluten, dairy, corn, and peanuts. The antioxidant properties of turmeric imparts protective nutritional boost to the liver, joints, and cardiovascular system.
Pros
- Gluten- and allergen-free
- Enhanced absorption and bioavailability
- Contains several essential turmeric compounds
Cons
- More expensive than similar products
Ingredients
One daily serving of three capsules contain
- Curcuma longa (Turmeric rhizome) powdered extract regulated to 95% curcumin 825 mg
- Organic Curcuma longa (Turmeric rhizome) 525 mg
- Extract of Black Pepper (BioPerine-Piper nigrum) regulated to 95% piperine 9 mg
Rating
4.4 of 5
Who Produces it?
Oregon’s Wild Harvest, a family-owned herbal supplement brand, was established in scenic Central Oregon circa 1994 by Pam and Randy, registered surgical nurses. For more than 25 years, they have focused their efforts to farming, wellness, and science. They believe there is nothing better than to grow, create, and formulate helpful plant medicines for entire families.
As such, they have created their Turmeric Supplement as a vital wellness option that offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory turmeric benefits. The supplement is made of high-quality ingredients, but its daily dosage requires three pills, and it gets more costly than similar alternatives.
7- Source Naturals Turmeric 1000
Source Naturals Turmeric 1000 comes in a convenient quick-absorbing tablet form that contains a potent dose of curcuminoids, drawn out from the root of turmeric rhizomes. It is fortified with extracts of bromelain and black pepper to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of turmeric.
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- Superior bioavailability
- Fortified with bromelain and extract of black pepper
- Powerful source of antioxidant
- Potent turmeric supplement
Cons
- Uses more fillers due to limited turmeric compounds
Ingredients
One daily serving of one tablet includes
- Curcuminoids (1,052 mg extract of turmeric rhizome) 1 g
- Bromelain (per gram – 2000 G.D.U. **) 150 mg
- Fruit Extract of Black Pepper (BioPerine) 10 mg
Rating
4.5 of 5
Who Produces it?
Source Naturals, established in 1982, is a natural wellness and health brand. They spearheaded the idea of blending nutrients, nutraceuticals, and herbs and came up with the renowned Wellness Formula. The brand employs a holistic technique to health that incorporates nutritional alignment and balance for enhancing general wellness and health.
Source Naturals used their expertise in ensuring their Turmeric 1000 will help support a healthy inflammatory reaction of the body. However, it contains a limited number of turmeric blends because of its strict curcuminoids-only formulation, thus it utilizes more fillers.
8- Solaray Turmeric Root Extract
Solaray Turmeric Root Extract comes in a vegan capsule, taken once per day, formulated with 95% curcuminoids as standard. It is produced by a trusted and reliable brand considered as a leader within the supplement community for several years and guarantees product potency.
Pros
- Highly potent formulation
- Optimized for 95% curcumin
- Made by a trusted brand
- Vegetarian capsule form
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for pregnant women and nursing mothers
Ingredients
One daily serving of one VegCap provides:
- Turmeric root extract (Curcuma long) 300 mg (standardized [95%] Curcumin 285 mg)
Rating
4.3 of 5
Who Produces It?
Solaray, a leading nutraceutical company, is highly passionate about creating healthy products. The company is vertically integrated, so they are involved in every stage of the operation, from production, distribution, including marketing and sales of all products. That means they have tighter control on quality procedures, and also allows the brand to offer potent products at reasonable prices!
9- Bluebonnet Nutrition Standardized Turmeric Root Extract
Bluebonnet Nutrition Standardized Turmeric Root Extract, a highly potent turmeric product, is standardized with 95% curcumin. It comes in a convenient vegan capsule form that makes it easily absorbed by the body. It is an excellent supplement for people searching for a basic turmeric supplement that can be easily added to the daily regimen.
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The supplement claims to promote healthy joints and eliminate free-radicals. Further tests and research are being conducted to support said claims.
Pros
- Vegan and Vegetarian
- Soy-Free and Gluten-Free
- Kosher and Non-GMO
- Sustainably harvested
Cons
- Not suitable for pregnant or lactating women
Ingredients
One daily serving of one vegan capsule contains:
- Extract of Turmeric Root 400 mg (Curcuma longa formulated to 95% curcuminoids [380 mg])
Rating
4.1 of 5
Who Produces it?
Bluebonnet Nutrition has been a leading supplement brand for more than 26 years that is committed to making products that are known to be “as near to being 100% natural as possible.” They employ NSF-GMP compliant manufacturing facilities to produce mainly farm-to-market, USDA-certified organic complete food supplements.
10- Nature’s Answer Turmeric-3
Nature’s Answer Turmeric-3, a turmeric extract concentrate, comes in liquid drop form. It is pure and potent because you are directly taking undiluted turmeric. The formulation comes in low serving quantities, with the dosing comparatively less convenient compared to pills or tablets for some individuals. It also delivers a considerably low turmeric dosage.
Pros
- Potent and pure extract drops
- Alcohol-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Kosher
Cons
- Dosing in liquid form not very convenient
Ingredients
One daily serving consisting of 1mL (approximately 28 drops) delivers:
- Curcuma longa-Rhizome Extract Turmeric 200 mg standardized (95% Curcumin, 190 mg)
Rating
4.2 of 5
Who Produces it?
Nature’s Answer is an organic supplement manufacturer that offers products made with holistic health practices since its founding in 1972 by husband and wife Frank and Josephine D’Amelio. They initially started with the Bio-Botanica herbal extraction company, which later grew into the current Nature’s Answer brand. They formulate, process, and package all their products, so they can ensure supplements of the highest purity and finest quality.
11. Nature’s Nutrition Tumeric
Nature’s Nutrition Turmeric is a “premium joint support formula” with a potent 1,950mg dose of the main ingredient. It also includes a nice dose of Bioperine black pepper extract to enhance the absorption of ingredients.
The blend of ingredients is supposed to enhance the effectiveness of the ingredients much more than turmeric alone.
The product is made in the USA.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- GMP certified
- Vegan
- Lab-tested
Cons
- Few complaints about the quality
Ingredients
- Organic turmeric
- Turmeric 95% curcuminoids
- Bioperine (black pepper extract)
- Cellulose (vegetable capsule)
- Magnesium stearate
Who makes it
Nature’s Nutrition products are USA-made and tested for purity and potency to ensure an effective dose of each formula.
12. NatureWise Turmeric
A best-selling product, NatureWise organic turmeric curcumin contains 2250mg of the star ingredient and 500mg of curcuminoids standardized to 95% for heart and joint support.
In addition, they’ve included ginger and Bioperine black pepper extract; natural bioenhancers that are believed to boost herbal formula.
Ginger is a superfood that has antioxidant, anticancer, and other health-promoting properties. Then, of course, the black pepper extract enhances nutrient absorption.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Few concerns with product label info
Ingredients
- Organic curcumin complex
- Organic turmeric root
- Organic turmeric extract
- Organic ginger
- Bioperine black pepper extract
- Cellulose
- Rice flour
- Organic rice bran
Who makes it
It’s all in the name. NatureWise products are made with clean, natural ingredients and the formulas are created with cutting-edge research to ensure they can offer the best quality options.
How we ranked
There are literally hundreds of turmeric/curcumin supplements available in the market, and they all promise the sky in offering you solutions. Since we are aware of the challenge that choosing for the best one presents, we give you a list of the criteria we used to evaluate each product.
Brand promise
Is the brand promising to completely cure your joint aches and pains in just two weeks, and all you need is to swallow a few drops or capsules? Be wary of brands making outrageous claims. Remember that wellness and overall healthy body function is not an overnight success, but a time-consuming and demanding effort.
Brand character
Are you familiar with this company or brand? Are they known in the health and wellness industry? Maybe you know an acquaintance or a friend who is familiar with them? You can check them out in Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot to make sure there is nothing skeptical about the brand before making any decisions.
Product format
Many curcumin supplements come in capsule or tablet form, while others come in liquid drops. The method and form doesn’t influence the product’s effectiveness so that you can make any choice according to your preference.
Quantities and amounts
Always be mindful of the number of capsules or tablets per serving, as well as per container. This step also applies to products in liquid drop form. All those features affect the overall product value.
Value for your money
At times, the price can be an indication of quality or, in the case of supplements, potency; if it is very low compared to other brands, the dosages may not be enough or include unproven components. On the other hand, if it is too expensive, it should have the correct amounts of essential ingredients.
GMO-free
A vital factor, the curcumin supplement must not contain any genetically modified organism.
Presence of metallic compounds and allergens
Turmeric plants are naturally grown or cultivated. As such, there should be no heavy metals present. Another vital indication is the absence of allergens like gluten, egg, lactose, soy, corn, and others. Although most curcumin supplements are fortified with black pepper (Piper nigrum) extract for better bio-assimilation, it does not pose as a hazardous allergen.
FDA/cGMP certifications and approvals
It is crucial to discern that a product contains safe and high-quality ingredients. One perfect way to find out is by checking if the products are made in cGMP/FDA approved or certified facilities and processes. There are other third-party certifications and seals for other essential matters about ingredients and components. Some of these are the Halal and Kosher certifications, the NSF-GMP, USDA, and others.
User comments
In case you do not have acquaintances that have tried the product before, you can check out websites like iherb.com or Amazon, as well as other online sites associated with health and wellness campaigns.
Who Should Purchase Curcumin supplements?
People suffering from Arthritis
Studies have indicated that the anti-inflammatory features of turmeric may help in treating the fundamental cause of arthritis, and also provide safe and natural pain relief. The two main forms of arthritis – rheumatoid and osteoarthritis arthritis – both generate stiffness at the joints and thus pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation of joint tissues that results when a disorder in the autoimmune system causes it to attack the former. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis, which occurs when the cartilage lining the joints deteriorates usually from aging and ‘wear and tear.’ Turmeric dosages from 400mg to 600mg regulated turmeric taken thrice daily have been known to help in treating osteoarthritis. Standard turmeric doses amounting to 500mg taken twice daily have been utilized to improve rheumatoid arthritis.
People suffering from Digestive problems
Turmeric can aid in treating digestive problems like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), heartburn, indigestion, and gas. Natural compounds in turmeric assist in preventing acid overproduction, which can cause excess gas and helps in treating abdominal aches that usually occur with gas.
Turmeric also serves as a natural source of potassium and magnesium, which can treat diarrhea. A study discovered that turmeric supplements lessen mucosal trauma in acid-induced types of colitis, one form of IBD resulting from colon lining inflammation.
The Elderly
Turmeric can aid in the treatment and prevention of several common health problems that emerge as we age. Digestive issues and Arthritis both belong in this category. Furthermore, turmeric is known to be a potent antioxidant.
Antioxidants are mixtures that safeguard cells from getting damaged, and they are favorable to aged adults because they aid in reducing oxidative cellular degeneration that accelerates aging based on the theory of free radical aging. That means antioxidants may help in slowing the process of aging some. Turmeric or curcumin supplements contain potent curcuminoids and polyphenols that combat free radical degradation of your cells.
People who have High Cholesterol
Turmeric can be an excellent supplement for individuals suffering from high cholesterol. Researches using animals have indicated that turmeric may help lower triglyceride levels, total cholesterol levels, and LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Currently, only a few studies have been conducted with human subjects, however, the polyphenols in turmeric are already showing some promises of being favorable to our cardiovascular system.
Sports and exercise
The turmeric benefits concerning anti-inflammation and pain reduction seem like the best support for athletic recovery. Curcumin supplements may aid in reducing inflammation and soreness that follow intense exercise. A few studies also propose that turmeric may help in improving recovery speeds thanks to the curcumin content. A particular study showed that mice administered with curcumin gained full muscle recuperation four days after muscle deterioration, compared to the control group’s 20 days of experiencing a full recovery. That means turmeric may help in improving overall human athletic training and recovery.
How do I Choose the Best Curcumin Supplement?
Effective curcumin supplements should be manufactured by respectable companies that thoroughly abide by good manufacturing practices (GMP). They must be essentially free of toxins and heavy metal contamination.
Furthermore, they should not contain any GMO or genetically modified organisms and should be free of allergens such as gluten, egg, lactose, soy, corn, etc.
The mode or form of dosage is also of import in selecting the best curcumin supplement for your needs. Most come either in pill/tablet/capsule or pure liquid form. Whichever type you choose does not affect the potency or effectivity of the product in any way.
Price is also an indication of potency and effectiveness. Most of the turmeric brands have comparable price ranges, thus giving you a guide at a reasonable cost. Anything grossly too low or too expensive is suspect and should be considered with care before purchasing.
Other pluses would be certifications or seals of approval by reputable organizations within the health and wellness communities, quality circles, and standardization institutions. Examples of such are Kosher, NSF, USDA, among others.
Lastly, it wouldn’t hurt to check out the feedback from other users. You may have acquaintances that are familiar with some of the brands. Otherwise, hundreds of reviews, health and wellness websites and online shopping sites (like Amazon, iHerb, etc.) feature lots of user feedback. Most of these are excellent sources of information, not just for prospective buyers, but also for the manufacturers themselves as an alternative feedback system.
With all that in mind, you can now start your deliberation in choosing the best option that will suit your needs and preferences. For additional information to help you in your selection, please continue reading the following sections on turmeric’s benefits, possible side effects, dosage recommendation, frequently-asked questions, and our final summary with suggestions.
What are Turmeric’s Benefits?
Turmeric is an essential herb well renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used as a spice for several world recipes and has recently been comprehensively researched for its inherent benefits (there are more than 10,000 widely-accepted researches focusing on turmeric and its main active compound, curcumin.
Here are a few of the well-researched turmeric advantages:
Anti-inflammation
Probably turmeric’s most popular advantage is its influence on inflammation. The active composite of turmeric, curcumin, helps in keeping inflammation controlled in our body. It is very effective that it was considered as having been more potent in mitigating inflammation than aspirin or ibuprofen. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are the reasons for several potential disease-combating and health-enhancing effects of the plant.
Antioxidant
A powerful antioxidant, curcumin is known to aid in fighting damage due to free radicals. It is known that antioxidants add to several vital health aspects by keeping the cells from getting damaged. Further to turmeric’s inherent antioxidant content, it can also assist in boosting the body’s intrinsic antioxidant enzymes, despite these effects having largely been noted in animal researches. It is worth mentioning that curcumin is only approx. 3% turmeric in weight, so it is best to choose an extract containing higher curcumin concentrates.
Diseases
Turmeric’s potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may aid in warding diseases off such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and more. Chronic inflammation has been established to be a contributor to the growth of such diseases, with curcumin effectively curbing inflammation. Also, curcumin can successfully block the molecule NF-kB , which is thought to have a major influence on several chronic diseases and inflammation. So, it is believed that turmeric (through its active element curcumin) can be helpful in decreasing the risks of some diseases – although scientists caution against the common notion of turmeric being a cure-for-all.
Brain Functions
It is believed that curcumin can enhance “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor” (BDNF) levels of our brain. BDNF, an important growth hormone, is responsible for forming new cells and neurons in our brains. Low BDNF levels have been associated with depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and others, creating the possibility of curcumin’s properties for BDNF-boosting being helpful in improving brain function. It also lowers the risks of several brain disorders and brain function deficiencies related to aging. Animal testing results have been very promising, however, more human tests are required to confirm the results.
Heart Health
Cardiovascular disorder is the foremost killer on earth, so scientists have devoted substantial effort and time to study this lethal disease. Early studies have shown curcumin as having some defensive influences on the heart concerning the cardiovascular disease. Curcumin is believed to offer help in improving the endothelium function, and on the lining system of blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction serves as a remarkable heart disease driver, therefore, it is believed that curcumin’s beneficial influence on endothelial functions can help in reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Arthritis
Curcumin is known to have positive effects on arthritis symptoms. That is because of the herb’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A study has indicated that curcumin is significantly more potent for osteoarthritis compared to a leading anti-inflammatory medicine.
In general, turmeric and curcumin both have several possible benefits and are fully accepted by many people with the least side effects.
We must mention that some people encounter difficulty digesting curcumin. It is suggested that you may want to consider supplements that contain black pepper extracts (Bioperine), as that may significantly increase curcumin absorption.
Side Effects of Turmeric
Turmeric as a natural supplement has been proven to be considered safe, especially when taken moderately and according to the manufacturer’s indications.
However, people may experience some side effects. Examples are stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, etc.
When taken in excess, turmeric can cause intensified stomach acidity that may lead to ulcers and may cause blood-thinning. Because of the latter, you should stop taking turmeric about 14 days before surgery. Also, avoid consuming curcumin supplements when you are taking blood thinners.
Potential complications and risks
Consult your doctor about taking turmeric products if you have:
- gallbladder inflammation or stones
- bile passages obstruction
- diabetes (turmeric supplements may lower blood sugar)
- stomach ulcers
Recommended Dosage
Turmeric comes in various forms including capsules or pills, liquid extracts, teas, tinctures, etc. Different turmeric doses are suited for different supplementation purposes.
The most typical daily dosages start from 1gram to 3 grams of the powdered root, or 400mg to 600mg thrice for standardized powder.
Tinctures are suggested at 15 to 30 drops each dose, four times per day. You can also take turmeric with a fatty source, as it is fat-soluble.
FAQs
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a root herb that has been used by humans for more than 4,000 years for several purposes. The plant has tuberous subsurface stems called rhizomes. Turmeric belongs to the ginger family, so it’s root looks so much like the ginger root.
What are the common uses of turmeric?
Similar to ginger, turmeric is mixed in Asian cuisine as the principal spice in curry. More importantly, it has been used as a medicinal herb primarily in Indian ayurvedic healing as it helps to reduce swelling or inflammation, and pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is the main compound in turmeric that gives it the orange color, and is used for its health benefits in several traditional medicine disciplines. Research suggests that curcumin is a main active biological compound that contributes to turmeric’s benefits, but has very poor bioavailability,
What is bioavailability?
Bioavailability is the body’s ability to absorb nutrient compounds, and curcumin supplements help your body utilize more of turmeric’s potency. Some curcumin supplements have additional ingredients to help your body to absorb curcumin.
What are the other uses of turmeric?
Turmeric can also reduce cholesterol levels, boost immune systems, aid in treatment of uveitis (inflammation of the iris), cure gastrointestinal tract ulcers, and may prevent cancer. Further studies are being conducted to verify these claims.
Recap
We have presented to you the benefits of turmeric “all-around spice medicine” and its subsequent supplement derivatives. Due to the herb’s (and its main compound curcumin) multiple uses, hundreds of curcumin supplements are available in the market. And choosing the best one for your specific needs and requirements can be a challenge.
We hope that providing you with the proper guide indicating the features and particulars to be considered has helped you in searching for the optimal brand.
As a summary, we reiterate the need to check if the curcumin supplement brand you are considering has the necessary features, ingredients, certifications (USDA, non-GMO certs, Halal, Kosher, etc.). It must be manufactured in GMP-certified facilities and processes; it should be allergen-free (Gluten-free), and must not contain any toxins or contaminants. You should also verify its potency concerning the product’s value for your money.
We would like to remind you that all the claims regarding benefits, general effects on health and wellbeing, of any of the turmeric supplements included in our list are based on current evaluations and usage. At this stage, there is no therapeutic evidence supporting the claims and are subject to further study, research, and evaluation.
Finally, we emphasize the importance of consulting with your doctor prior to consuming the available supplements, especially if you are pre-diagnosed with a medical condition.
Good luck, and we hope you thoroughly enjoy the benefits of your choice of the best curcumin supplement!
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