What is turmeric?

Turmeric – you’ve likely been using this spice for years when cooking, adding its bold taste and vibrant yellow color to curry dishes and soups without a second thought. It’s also often included in mustards and cheeses.

The spice comes from the rhizome of the turmeric plant, or the underground stem. It’s from the ginger family and grows in India, Central America and Asia, where it has been turned to for thousands of years for its beneficial effects.

What does turmeric do?

Turmeric has a long history in the ancient, holistic Ayurvedic tradition and traditional Chinese medicine. That’s because turmeric contains curcuminoids, chemical compounds with antioxidant effects that have been studied for their believed anti-inflammatory properties. (It’s also the plant nutrient responsible for turmeric’s golden yellow color!)

Some benefits of turmeric

History shows that ancient traditions turned to turmeric for certain skin conditions, upper respiratory issues, joint health and digestive issues. Current researchers are studying turmeric for inflammation, joint health, arthritis, depression and memory, among other conditions.

Turmeric for joints

Dietary supplements that support joint health often include glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint cartilage and connective tissue as well as flexibility, mobility and overall healthy joints.† But you can also look to turmeric for joints. Why? Because of the antioxidant effect of those yellow curcuminoids we talked about.

Katie Throop, RD, a registered dietitian and researcher for Nutrilite™ products, said that as people age, natural wear and tear, weight, genetics and even nutrient deficiencies can have an effect on joint health.

“Oxidative stress and free radicals can also impact our joints and bones,” she said. “Turmeric has been used for thousands of years to support overall joint health, function and mobility. As science has evolved, it has been shown in studies that the curcuminoids in turmeric act as an antioxidant and support a healthy inflammatory response following intense physical exercise or activity.”

Turmeric can also help promote joint comfort and support relief of temporary aches and pains associated with exercise, Throop said.

What to look for in a turmeric supplement

Because of ongoing research, people continue to make turmeric a regular part of their daily intake, especially those who follow popular anti-inflammation diets. Some people will liberally add turmeric to recipes, start drinking turmeric lattes and smoothies or consume it through turmeric supplements like capsules or gummies.

There are some things to consider when choosing a turmeric supplement to ensure you’re getting the botanical’s full beneficial effects in a safe way.

Bioavailability of turmeric supplements

Consuming turmeric can be beneficial, but only if your body absorbs it before it travels through your system and gets eliminated as waste. The problem is that turmeric is naturally difficult for our bodies to absorb – it has poor bioavailability.

“When curcumin is better absorbed into the cells, it has a better chance to deliver its benefits,” Throop said.

That’s why the turmeric in Nutrilite Organics Turmeric Capsules is paired with soluble dietary fiber from organic fenugreek seeds, a clover-like herb. Pairing it with the fenugreek seed fiber forms a special, natural dietary fiber microgel that improves absorption by protecting the curcumin so that it has a better chance to deliver its benefits, Throop said.

Evidence suggests that the turmeric extract used in the Nutrilite capsule is 45-times better absorbed than standard turmeric extract.* “Consuming 400mg of the turmeric extract in Nutrilite Organics Turmeric Capsules provides the equivalent curcuminoids as consuming nearly 6000mg of standard turmeric extract,*” she said.

Traceability of turmeric supplements

It’s also important to choose a turmeric supplement from a reputable company that supports traceability of its ingredients. Food adulteration is more common than people think. Make sure you research the traceability standards of the company making your turmeric supplement.

Nutrilite Organics Turmeric Capsules, certified USDA organic, follow the extensive Nutrilite traceability process that involves hundreds of quality tests and thousands of records to ensure its purity and potency, including being able to trace a finished product, step-by-step, back to the certified organic farm where the fresh turmeric was grown and harvested.

“People can have peace of mind knowing that the turmeric was intentionally selected and is traceable to our certified organic partner farms, ensuring purity and safety,” Throop said.

Are there any turmeric side effects?

As with any dietary supplement, it’s wise to consult your doctor before starting to take turmeric supplements regularly, especially if you have any preexisting conditions, such as gall bladder disease. Experts say the risk of any turmeric side effects is low, but you should be on the lookout for negative outcomes, including interference with existing medications.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

* At 95% curcuminoids