What it is: Turmeric is a rhizome, or underground root, from the Curcuma longa plant and a source of the bioactive compound curcumin. It is widely recognized both as a culinary spice and an herbal remedy in traditional medicine systems.
What it does: Turmeric, through its curcumin content, is involved in supporting the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and helps modulate normal inflammatory processes in tissues and joints.
How it is used: People use turmeric most commonly in joint health, immune support, and general wellness supplements, where it is valued for its potential to support comfort, flexibility, and cellular health.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Turmeric naturally occurs in the root of the Curcuma longa plant. Supplements may contain turmeric root powder or extracts standardized for curcumin, sometimes paired with black pepper extract to increase absorption, and are available in capsules, tablets, or liquid form.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Turmeric is included because of its well-studied antioxidant properties and its use in supporting healthy inflammatory responses, often drawing on traditional use and modern research.
What to know before use: High doses of turmeric or curcumin may cause digestive upset or interact with blood-thinning medications; consult a healthcare provider if you have medical conditions or take prescription drugs.
What it does: Turmeric, through its curcumin content, is involved in supporting the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and helps modulate normal inflammatory processes in tissues and joints.
How it is used: People use turmeric most commonly in joint health, immune support, and general wellness supplements, where it is valued for its potential to support comfort, flexibility, and cellular health.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Turmeric naturally occurs in the root of the Curcuma longa plant. Supplements may contain turmeric root powder or extracts standardized for curcumin, sometimes paired with black pepper extract to increase absorption, and are available in capsules, tablets, or liquid form.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Turmeric is included because of its well-studied antioxidant properties and its use in supporting healthy inflammatory responses, often drawing on traditional use and modern research.
What to know before use: High doses of turmeric or curcumin may cause digestive upset or interact with blood-thinning medications; consult a healthcare provider if you have medical conditions or take prescription drugs.
Interesting Fact
Turmeric's Vibrant Color Comes from Curcumin
Turmeric is well known for its bright yellow-orange color, which is due to a natural plant compound called curcumin. This compound is not only responsible for turmeric’s distinctive hue in foods and supplements, but also makes it a popular choice in wellness formulas. Turmeric has been traditionally used in South Asian cooking and is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant.
