Turmeric in its many forms - what are the benefits?
Portrait of this articles author: Miriam Ferrer

Author Miriam Ferrer, PhD

Last updated 04 August 2021

Why take turmeric?

Turmeric has been a popular spice and traditional remedy for thousands of years. Now multiple studies confirming the health and fitness benefits of its active ingredient, curcumin, are making it one of the UK’s best-loved supplements.

The history

Turmeric (curcuma longa) is a herbaceous plant of the ginger family, native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

The roots are harvested every year, then boiled and ground to produce the familiar yellow powder that is used as a flavouring and colouring agent in food.

Best known for the warm, earthy flavour and the golden tint it lends to curries and other South Asian dishes, turmeric has also been used medicinally for thousands of years.

The science

The primary active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, a natural phenol responsible for the root’s golden colour. Curcumin forms only about 3% of the content by weight, meaning that highly-absorbable, bioavailable curcumin supplements are far more effective than eating turmeric powder.

Scientists have made research into the effects of curcumin a priority, with 30 published clinical studies focused on FutureYou’s patented formulation alone.

Various studies have found that curcumin:

  • is a natural, highly effective anti-inflammatory. Many chronic conditions are caused or exacerbated by inflammation, including arthritis and heart disease
  • helps to support and maintain healthy and flexible joints
  • helps with normal muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise
  • is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by the environment or as a biproduct of normal metabolism
  • reduces delayed onset muscle soreness
  • improves memory and mood in people with mild, age-related memory loss

Furthermore, studies conducted with the participation of elite athletes have shown that curcumin aids muscle recovery after high-intensity exercise. That allows for better training and improved performance over time.

International press coverage of positive studies has led to a growing market for turmeric tablets, curcumin capsules, and easy-to-swallow extracts.

Although these products are increasingly popular, the benefits of curcumin are difficult to obtain because it is not water soluble, and the body breaks it down before beneficial compounds can be absorbed. After two hours in the stomach, more than 98 per cent of the curcumin in turmeric is destroyed.

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