Turmeric is derived from a root similar to ginger. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has been widely studied for its benefits. Perhaps best known as a way to fight inflammation, you can easily and safely incorporate it into your diet and routine. By treating inflammation, that pesky root cause of so many health issues, turmeric lays the groundwork for major healing. If you’re looking for a way to replace common anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, turmeric and curcumin extract are great options. This wonder-herb has been in use for centuries, perhaps even thousands of years.

You may find turmeric especially helpful during the upcoming holiday season, fast approaching at the time of the post! People tend to eat less healthy, drink more alcohol, and generally indulge in inflammatory foods. The holidays are the perfect time to introduce turmeric to your health routine if you haven’t yet!

How to consume turmeric

Turmeric is a versatile remedy and can be consumed in many ways: as a powder, capsule/tablet, gummy and as an blend infused into beverages. It’s also traditionally utilized as a popular ingredient in Indian and Caribbean cooking. If you’re feeling confused by seeing such a wide variety of food and goods that include turmeric, fear not and read on!

As a powder in food and beverages

In addition to our bulk Turmeric for cooking, Rebecca’s also carries high potency turmeric with 95% curcumin in powder from our Rebecca’s brand, as well as Gaia, Garden of Life, Megafood, New Chapter and more.  Turmeric powder can easily be added to food or drinks. Add it to smoothie recipe, as part of a curry, or even consider making a warm drink, turmeric latte style. We carry Golden Milk powders from Gaia or Garden of Life, which are “latte ready,” combining turmeric with punchy ginger and cardamom. Just add to milk of choice, water, ghee etc. Bonus: turmeric gives your food and drinks a beautiful yellow hue and warms you up on a chilly Winter day!

As a supplement (turmeric + curcumin extract)

If you’d prefer your turmeric in a potent supplement, we have several varieties, including tasty gummies from Garden of Life and Kuli Kuli. We also carry turmeric with black pepper extract from Nature’s Answer. Black pepper helps to aid absorption, but black pepper extract is not recommended for those with GERD.

You can also try pure curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) extracts in capsule or softgel from Terry Naturally or Life Extension. Many studies, including notable ones from Baylor University, have shown that BCM-95 Curcumin fights cancer, inflammation, and depression. If you’re looking for the potency, pure curcumin is a great well-studied option!

Where else?

Turmeric can be found in many other supplements. Because of its efficacy in treating inflammation, it is utilized as part of joint formulas with collagen, like Solgar No 7 or Natural Factors’ OsteoMove. Popular non-NSAID Pain Relief formulas such as Terry Naturally Curamin Acute and New Chapter Zyflamend also incorporate turmeric.

We carry turmeric rich foods too like Garden of Life Golden Milk Powder in addition to many Turmeric tea options.  

As always, come see us at Rebecca’s Natural Food to ask any questions about incorporating turmeric/curcumin into your health routine. We’re happy to guide you to the options best for your needs!

Photo by Osha Key from www.lovetariandiet.com via Unspalsh