Recent scientific studies have shown that turmeric may be nature's most powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to block the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. This natural compound has been shown to be as effective as some prescription medications in reducing inflammation. Today we'll take a look at the best turmeric supplements in the UK.
What are turmeric supplements and what are the health benefits?
Turmeric powder is a yellow-orange coloured spice made from the dried root of Curcuma longa, a plant in the ginger family. It has a warm, peppery flavour and is often used to spice or colour curry powders, mustards, and other dishes. Turmeric powder has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is now being studied for its potential health benefits. This potent spice has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Recent scientific studies have shown that turmeric may be nature's most powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to block the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. This natural compound has been shown to be as effective as some prescription medications in reducing inflammation.
Curcumin has also been shown to boost your brain function, and lower cholesterol levels to improve your heart health. Turmeric also contains a small amount of iron, which is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood.
Some people take turmeric supplements, but it’s also possible to get benefits by adding it to your diet. If you suffer from chronic inflammation, adding turmeric to your diet may help to reduce your symptoms. This spice can be easily added to many foods, or you can take it in supplement form. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can interact with other medications you may be taking.
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory
Organic turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that has been shown to be effective in reducing long-term inflammation. Curcumin has also been shown to reduce the production of inflammatory compounds in the body.
Turmeric contains a bioactive substance called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin can block the activity of several inflammatory molecules, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
In animal studies, curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, colitis, and Crohn's disease. In human studies, it has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
While the scientific evidence is still inconclusive, some studies have shown that turmeric supplements may indeed help reduce inflammation. (1)
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant
Organic turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your body against free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, and they’ve been linked to a number of health conditions, including cancer and heart disease.
The compound curcumin in turmeric supplements is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and help protect cells from damage. While more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest that turmeric may be an effective way to protect your body against free radical damage.
Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation and boost immune function. It has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels by preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. Curcumin inhibits the production of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the liver.
If you’re looking for an easy way to add more antioxidants to your diet, try adding turmeric to your next meal or consider taking turmeric supplements.
Turmeric has anti-cancer effects
A recent study found that curcumin in organic turmeric was able to kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Researchers believe that the compound works by targeting cancer cells’ ability to grow and spread. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer cells, including breast, colon, and skin cancer cells.
While more research is needed, the findings suggest that organic turmeric may be a promising natural treatment for cancer. If further studies confirm these results, turmeric could become a valuable weapon in the fight against cancer.
Turmeric might be a brain food
Hundreds of studies have shown that turmeric can have powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer effects. But did you know that this golden spice might also be brain food?
Turmeric has been shown to boost cognitive performance and memory, as well as to protect the brain against age-related degenerative diseases. What's more, recent research suggests that turmeric may also help to lower depression and anxiety symptoms(2).
According to a new study, the spice could help improve memory and cognitive function. The study, which was conducted on rats, found that those who were given a turmeric supplement performed better on memory and cognition tests than those who weren't given the supplement.
While more research needs to be done to confirm these findings in humans, the results suggest that turmeric supplements could be a helpful addition to your diet if you're looking to boost your brain power. You might just be surprised at how this humble spice can make a big difference in your mental health.
Turmeric can trigger the process of liver detox
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including the ability to trigger liver detoxification.(3)
The liver is responsible for removing toxins from the body, and when it becomes overloaded, it can lead to a build-up of harmful substances in the blood. Turmeric can help to stimulate the production of enzymes that break down these toxins, making them easier for the liver to eliminate.
In addition, curcumin has been shown to protect the liver from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. This means that turmeric supplements can help to reduce the risk of liver disease and promote healing after liver detoxification.
An important note
Now, although turmeric looks like a wonder herb, one of its weaknesses is that it has a low bioavailability – that is, our bodies struggle to absorb the roots. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this problem ; simply combine turmeric with black pepper (which contains piperine). Researchers have found that this increased absorption 2000 fold. Thus, you should have no trouble bypassing turmeric's effects.
And the recommended daily intake of turmeric supplements?
According to JECFA (The Joint United Nations and World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives), the Allowable Daily Intake (ADI) value of curcumin (the active ingredient of organic turmeric) is 0–3 mg/kg body weight.
Nevertheless, much like everything else – you should avoid going overboard with turmeric intake. Keep it moderate, and within the amounts recommended above.
Our recommended best turmeric supplements in the UK
Best turmeric supplements #1
If you're looking for a nutritional turmeric supplement to improve your health, look no further than Nutrition Geeks' Turmeric Tablets 2000mg with Black Pepper & Ginger. This powerful tablet contains a potent dose of turmeric, which has been shown to have numerous benefits for overall health. In addition, the black pepper and ginger in the tablet help to improve absorption of the turmeric, making it even more effective.
What makes Nutrition Geeks' organic turmeric supplements different is that they provide tablets with 95% high strength extract compared to around 3% in other turmeric powder capsules.
They have added ginger as it is from the same family as turmeric and has similar properties. Studies showed that black pepper can increase bioavailability by up to 20 times, so they have added black pepper to maximise absorption of turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin.
120 high strength turmeric capsules (2 month supply)
33X more curcumin than turmeric powder capsules
Over 1000 5 Star Reviews on Amazon
Suitable for vegans and gluten-free
Compact design, letterbox-friendly
Best turmeric supplements #2
Nutravita is manufactured in the UK and you can't get more local than that. Made with high-strength turmeric, black pepper, and ginger, these organic turmeric capsules are a convenient way to get your daily dose of this powerful superfood.
Nutravita states that their turmeric capsules are:
100% certified organic ingredients
No binders or fillers
No artificial colours or flavours
GMO free
Free from allergens such as gluten, wheat, lactose and nuts
Suitable for vegans
Best turmeric supplements #3
One tablet contains 85 mg Turmeric extract (equivalent to 4000 mg Turmeric root). The tablets are presented in a duo pack for convenience to combine Omega-3 with Turmeric in a single daily dose. You also get the added bonus of Vitamin C and D to support a healthy body.
These tablets are not only a turmeric supplement. It has been formulated to support an active lifestyle and supports 4 important areas of joint care – cartilage, bones, muscles and connective tissue. The 4000mg turmeric capsule is an additional tablet in this duo pack.
Best turmeric supplements #4
Ingredients are organically sourced from India for manufacturing in the UK. These capsules are Organic Soil Association Approved and are also suitable for vegans.
As with the other products, Vitabright added ginger and pepper to help with curcumin absorption and the digestion of curcumin in turmeric so that you can reap the health benefits.
Vitabright is a family owned business in the UK. What makes their turmeric capsules a UK favourite?
Vitabright let us know that their turmeric supplement is:
High strength with 1380 mg in each capsule
Organic – Soil Association Certified
Non-GMO
Gluten, lactose and nut free
100% suitable for vegans
Made in the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth taking turmeric supplements?
Turmeric and its most active constituent, curcumin, are rich in antioxidants with a wide range of proven health benefits. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and may even help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and ease pain from arthritis.
Who should not be taking turmeric supplements?
Always consult your GP or pharmacist before taking any supplements. According to available information, those with gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, iron deficiency, liver problems, hormone-sensitive conditions and arrhythmias should not use turmeric. Pregnant women, as well as those planning to undergo surgery, should avoid turmeric.
How long should you be taking turmeric supplements before you see results?
You should usually expect to notice improvements within 4 to 8 weeks if you consistently take a turmeric supplement. Turmeric doesn't offer an immediate cure, so it may take daily consumption for it to have an effect. How long turmeric takes to show results can vary from person to person.
Final thoughts
Turmeric is an impressive ingredient, with a variety of beneficial applications for both food and health. Turmeric has a lot of remarkable properties, usable in many different ways in the kitchen and in medicine. From flavour and colour, to the benefits of this powerful root, turmeric is an entirely worthwhile addition to any meal toolbox!
Have you given it a try before? How did it fare? Share your thoughts below.
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