Nature's Healing Gold: The Benefits of Turmeric Supplements

You probably have it in your spice cabinet: Turmeric! Turmeric is a spice commonly used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. But it has proven to be much more versatile than its uses in the kitchen. For centuries, turmeric has been used in ayurvedic and other forms of traditional medicine in China and India

According to the NIH, it was traditionally used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system. Today turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement to help alleviate a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, and depression.

One of the active ingredients in turmeric is a natural compound curcumin, which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, many of turmeric’s health benefits are attributed to curcumin.

Here are some of the common conditions that turmeric is used for:

• Anti-inflammatory: Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

• Pain relief: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric may also help alleviate pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions.

• Improved brain function: Some studies suggest that curcumin may help improve cognitive function and memory in elderly adults, and may also help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

• Anti-cancer properties: Curcumin has been found to have anti-cancer properties and may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. It may also help enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

• Improved heart health: Turmeric may help improve heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and by improving cholesterol levels.

• Digestive health: Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. It may also help improve symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

So, how much turmeric should a person take per day? According to Healthline, “Studies show that turmeric could be beneficial in doses ranging from 500–2,000 milligrams (mg) per day. However, the recommended dosage can vary depending on the specific condition you’re trying to treat.”

As with any health decision, you should talk to your healthcare provider before making any major changes to your diet.