06.03.2016 - By Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Dr. Susan Mitchell
PODCAST. Turmeric…you know it as an ingredient in mustard or curry powder. You may be taking turmeric or curcumin supplements, drinking golden milk or using the spice in food, particularly Indian cooking.
Curcumin is the compound in the spice turmeric that provides that brilliant yellow-orange color. It’s a relative in the ginger family and used in East Indian medicine or Ayurveda for arthritis and various abdominal ailments.
Don’t miss the companion Food Fit Fabulous video How to Make Golden Milk.
Three things to know.
#1. The curcumin in turmeric contains polyphenols…you may have heard of these in grapes, blueberries or green tea. It’s the polyphenol content that provides the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits you hear about. When curcumin is taken orally as a supplement, only a low amount is actually absorbed by the body.
But studies are looking at ways to increase absorption and use by the body such as giving curcumin with piperine, the major active ingredient in black pepper. Isn’t that interesting how they may work as a team?
Listen to the podcast for more on turmeric.
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