Traditionally used in cooking for it’s warm, bitter taste and vibrant yellow colouring, Turmeric has also been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. In recent years, it’s become quite a trendy supplement to take but there’s still a bit of confusion about why it can be so good for your body.
Turmeric has been found to contain compounds with really high medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties, the most important one which is curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric and is not only a powerful anti-inflammatory but is also a very strong antioxidant.
Studies have shown that taking turmeric regularly can decrease your body’s overall inflammation levels, decrease free radicals in your system and has even been linked to benefits for those with arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and even depression.
However, the curcumin content of the turmeric in your kitchen cupboard isn’t that high. It’s around 3%, by weight, meaning you’d have to add it to a lot of your daily recipes to feel any benefits!
Most people choose to increase their turmeric intake by taking a supplement that contains high doses of curcumin itself, with dosages curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it as this will allow your body to absorb more of the benefits – black pepper has been shown to increase the absorption of curcumin by 2,000% (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9619120). As curcumin is also fat soluble, taking it with a meal containing some good fats can also help your absoption.
Whilst safe for most people, you should consult with an appropriate health professional before starting to take any supplement, including turmeric. Those with known kidney, gut or liver issues should seek specialist advice, as well as those with dietary intolerances or allergies.
However, when taken appropriately, turmeric can act as a great natural anti-inflammatory alternative and improve many functions in your body!