Curcumin, the polyphenol found in turmeric, is an anti-inflammatory and a strong antioxidant.

Chronic low-level inflammation is thought to play a role in many health problems, including cancer and heart disease, as well as joint-related conditions, so foods or supplements with anti-inflammatory properties could be helpful.

Meanwhile, the strong antioxidant properties of curcumin could help to counter the damage done in our bodies by free radicals.

This damage is believed to be linked to not only the natural ageing process but many diseases and conditions. These might include everything from cancer and asthma to eye disease and dementia.

Is eating turmeric good for you?

There are plenty of benefits from consuming turmeric in curries, soups and even lattes. However, you’re unlikely to absorb meaningful levels of curcumin from turmeric in your regular diet alone.

That’s because the curcumin content within turmeric is only around 3%. It’s also poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, in part due to the fact that it dissolves in fat rather than water.

When curcumin is absorbed, it is believed to be rapidly metabolised and ‘used up’ by the body.

Top tip: When you eat food containing turmeric, it’s thought that adding black pepper may aid curcumin’s absorption.

Should I take turmeric as a supplement?

Because it’s so hard to get beneficial levels of turmeric from food alone, if you want to benefit from the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of curcumin, it could make sense to take a supplement.

This could allow your body to absorb curcumin at much higher levels than from sources in your diet.

Nature’s Truth Standardised Turmeric Curcumin 2000mg + BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract combines high levels of curcumin with black pepper to aid its absorption.

For those who prefer to take their supplements as gummies (you’re never too old for them), get your fix with Nature’s Truth Turmeric Curcumin Gummies with Ginger Extract. A natural peach flavour makes these a tasty – and handy – alternative to curry as a way to get more turmeric into your life.

Another way to enhance your diet with added turmeric is Nature’s Truth Organic Turmeric Powder. This vegan powder is easily added to smoothies or can be used to make an at-home turmeric latte.

The choice is yours, but the benefits of curcumin could be of interest to us all.

Want to reap the benefits of turmeric? Shop Nature’s Truth turmeric collection here.