Sunny and bright, there’s a lot to love about turmeric. Its innate ability to work in harmony with almost every system in the human body and its powerful impact on health are just a couple of the reasons turmeric remains strongly rooted in Ayurvedic practice in India. In recent years, this ancient superfood is quickly becoming a staple in the west as a natural way to help maintain wellness at every level.
Thanks to the latest research in science, we now understand that the reason turmeric is so beneficial for the human diet is indeed due to the special and unique antioxidant it contains called curcumin. It packs a dense punch of micronutrients that you can’t get anywhere else, which is why taking it in supplement form is one of the absolute best things you can do to support a conscious eating regimen.
Specifically, curcumin provides antioxidants to help fight free radicals and support overall health in one fell swoop. Here’s everything you need to know about this health-maximizing compound and why a supplement like 42Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin should be on your must-have supplement list.
Getting to Know Curcumin
When seeking to understand the benefits of curcumin, the best place to start is by getting acquainted with turmeric. Turmeric is a product of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, which is native to tropical South Asia.
The main component of its root is a volatile oil (containing turmerone) and the other components are called curcuminoids. They give turmeric its deep color and unique benefits. Curcuminoids consist of the natural antioxidants curcumin demethoxycurcumin, 5’-methoxycurcumin, and dihydrocurcumin.
The Power of Antioxidants
The natural antioxidants that reside in your body are like little superheros in your body, supporting everything from your joints to your bones, muscles, digestion, and more.
In fact, in order for your cells to keep functioning as they should, the body needs ample antioxidant molecules to fight off things like free radical damage and oxidative stress. Free radicals are generated by substances found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and many popular foods. Our bodies naturally produce some antioxidants, but not enough to keep ratios where they really should be.
Thankfully, enjoying lots of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, spices, green tea, and nuts helps maintain a healthy molecular balance to encourage robust wellness. And, you can take things one step further with a quality curcumin supplement to support your best efforts. Numerous studies indicate that curcumin and its potent, antioxidant goodness in your healthy diet helps encourage a lifetime of general health and well-being.
But, here’s the rub: Curcumin makes up a very small percentage of turmeric root, which is why taking it in supplement form (and standardized to 95% curcuminoids) is the best option for maximizing your intake of this bold component of turmeric.
How to Choose the Best Curcumin Supplement
Your health is worth seeking out the best supplements you can find. At 42Nutrition, we set an incredibly high bar for quality and integrity. Here’s what to look for in a curcumin supplement that truly qualifies as “gold” in our book:
1. Make sure the curcuminoids are standardized.
Many curcumin supplements on the market include large amounts of turmeric powder without much regard to ensuring high curcumin levels. That’s why it’s important to choose a supplement that’s standardized to 95% curcuminoids. It’s simply the best option for getting the antioxidant and overall health benefits you desire.
2. Look for BioPerine® on the label.
Piperine (the active ingredient in black pepper) has the ability to increase the bioavailability of many other nutrients we ingest—including curcumin, which is why you’ll want to choose a curcumin supplement that’s paired with BioPerine® so your body absorbs as much of that golden goodness as it possibly can.1
3. Check that the ingredients are clean and natural.
Be certain to look at the ingredient list for unnecessary ingredients that may be hiding out in your supplements. Always choose natural, vegan, synthetic-free, third-party independently tested, and free of all unnecessary additives, preservatives, fillers, and flow agents.
4. Make sure your purchase is ethical.
You have a choice when shopping, so support ethical companies that are taking the extra measure to ensure sustainable business practices that are good for our planet.
Maintaining vibrant health doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or difficult. Just supplementing your holistic diet with a plant-based curcumin supplement adds a touch of sunshine to your mind and body.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
1 Prasad, S., Tyagi, A. K., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2014). Recent Developments in Delivery, Bioavailability, Absorption and Metabolism of Curcumin: the Golden Pigment from Golden Spice. Cancer Research and Treatment, 46(1), 2-18. doi:10.4143/crt.2014.46.1.2