Golden Hug | Curcumin Supplement | 1-A-Day for Joint & Muscle Support

Curcuminoids are natural polyphenol compounds present in the rhizome of turmeric plant and impart bright yellow color to the spice. Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin are the three curcuminoids. Of these, curcumin is the principal active and also used as common name to denote 3 curcuminoids. Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine, particularly as an antioxidant and an anti -inflammatory agent.

Every medicinal plant or herb has bioactive (active compound) which acts on the body systems that may promote good health. Turmeric has been extensively used since ancient ages for management of cough and cold, joint health etc. Curcuminoids are the major bioactive compounds present in turmeric and are responsible for these health benefits.

1. Turmeric powder has only 3%-5% curcuminoids - large quantities are required to get any benefit.
2. The major problem with turmeric is the poor absorption of curcuminoids in the body
3. Poor absorption means most of the turmeric is converted in inactive forms and thrown out of body before it can reach our body systems and cells
4. Poor absorption results in low bioavailability in our blood and hence it cannot reach body systems in desired quantities.

For getting the desired health benefits, turmeric root powder is required to be consumed in the high quantities of approximately 8 grams or 3 teaspoonfuls every single day and that too only by mixing it well in any fatty substance, ideally ghee (clarified butter) or in full fat milk! This is not a tasty and practical option for daily consumption. A well formulated turmeric supplement can overcome these challenges by offering a practical, sustainable, and effective way of gaining the benefits of turmeric naturally.

Yes, but only if they are taken in the right quantity and if they are not laden with artificial inactive. Besides turmeric powder, the following two varieties of turmeric supplements are available in the market:

1. Standard turmeric extract with very high concentration of curcuminoids and
2. Bioavailable turmeric which overcome turmeric’s inherent absorption issues

Standard turmeric extract however continues to suffer from poor absorption and hence requires 1.5 to 2 gm (4-6 capsules a day). To lower this quantity, a number of formulators add black pepper to improve absorption and bioavailability of turmeric extract. While this lowers the dose, it can be at the expense of adding a plethora of artificial chemicals (known as surfactants and excipients - inactive) which can be harmful to your body especially when consumed over a long duration.

With the amount of inactive, the concentration of curcuminoids is once again compromised and despite the high bioavailability multiple doses are still required.