In turmeric extracts, the concentration of these is often increased to as high as 95%. Therefore, it is not unusual for a capsule containing half of a gram of turmeric extract to provide 400 mg of curcuminoids, while the same amount of turmeric powder (ground herb -- just like the spice) might provide only about 15 mg.
With turmeric powder, you are going to have to consume more of it in order to get the same amount of curcumin. This means that if you are looking for purely health benefits, it is best to simply take the supplements. They are far more concentrated, and get you the curcumin you need without the bloat.
The best way to take turmeric is in supplement form. Choose a supplement that has been specially formulated for better absorption. And look for a USP-verified mark on the bottle. Like any supplement, turmeric may interact with other medications you take.
Eat With Good Fats
So, by eating the turmeric with good fats, like avocado, olive oil or coconut oil, you're more likely to absorb more of it into your bloodstream. This is also why turmeric is commonly mixed with warm milk—any kind of milk including coconut, cow, almond.
However, the average content of a turmeric supplement capsule will usually see a maximum of 53%, leaps, and bounds above the meager 3.14% concentration found in the powders. This makes capsules vastly more effective than simple powder.
There are no long-term studies to show whether it's safe to take turmeric supplements every day. Studies suggest it is safe at small doses, but be aware that high doses or long-term use may cause GI issues in some people. Turmeric may also interfere with certain medications and health conditions.
The most effective way to take turmeric is with a liquid, such as in liquid shot form or even blended within a drink or smoothie.
Another way to increase the bioavailability of turmeric is to consume this spice with a source of fat (such as avocado, nut butters and nuts, fish, etc.), and therefore curcumin will directly be absorbed into the blood stream and bypass the liver.
Black pepper is not necessary for turmeric to be effective, but it can be helpful. Black pepper contains a compound, piperine, which inhibits the metabolic breakdown of turmeric compounds in the gut and the liver.
This is the primary reason why you should take turmeric with black pepper. Black pepper contains a compound called piperine that helps to increase the rate at which turmeric is absorbed by the body. In fact, research shows that piperine can increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.
The typical study dose of 500 to 2,000 mg of turmeric per day had potential benefits. The exact dose depends on the medical condition. The Arthritis Foundation suggests taking turmeric capsules (400 to 600 mg) 3 times per day.
The available research suggests that turmeric's antioxidant effects can be felt between 4-8 weeks. One study found that turmeric's stimulative effect on SOD activities was seen after about 6 weeks. “The available research suggests that turmeric's antioxidant effects can be felt between 4-8 weeks.”
The recommended daily dose for turmeric powder is about 3 grams per day, which is equivalent to a teaspoon.
Additionally, when it comes to liquid turmeric vs capsules, we believe that turmeric is at its most bioavailable when in liquid form, as the body doesn't have to break down any solids as it would with capsules. This means the nutrients can be absorbed more quickly and effectively.
Studies using high doses of curcumin have reported some mild adverse effects, including nausea, diarrhea, headache, skin rash, and yellow stool.
Research has found that exposing turmeric and curcumin to heat can increase its solubility in water. Other studies have also shown that heating enhances the overall antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, as well as producing an even stronger ability to fight cancer cells.
Heat it up to help activate it. When cooking, and Turmeric is heated up, it becomes more bioavailable.
Curcumin-an effective ingredient in turmeric with anti inflammatory property-plays an important role in protecting the joints against destructive factors. Gingerols and piperine, are the effective ingredients of ginger and black pepper, which may potentially enhance and sustain the effect of curcumin in this direction.
The natural acids in coffee can make it difficult for the spice to dissolve, affecting the solubility of a compound in turmeric. That compound is curcumin, found in spices like ginger and turmeric.
Turmeric and curcumin supplements do not seem to have any serious side effects. However, some people may be prone to mild discomfort, such as headaches or diarrhea, at high doses.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends 400 to 600 milligrams (mg) of turmeric capsules, three times per day, or half to three grams of the root powder per day for inflammation relief.
And a recent analysis of research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food on turmeric extracts concluded that eight to 12 weeks of treatment with standardized turmeric extracts can reduce pain due to arthritis, compared with placebo.
Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, and willow.
Research indicates that turmeric doses of 500–10,000 mg per day may be effective. However, high doses are not recommended long-term.
Turmeric dosage for arthritis: According to the Arthritis Foundation, a turmeric capsules dosage of 400 to 600 milligrams three times per day or 0.5 gram to 1 gram of powdered root up to 3 grams per day for osteoarthritis and 500 milligrams twice daily is a recommended turmeric for rheumatoid arthritis dosage.