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.
To date, the curcumin formulation comprised of liquid droplet nano-micelles containing Gelucire® and polysorbate 20 (BioCurc®) has been shown to have the highest bioavailability with an absorption >400-fold as compared to unformulated curcumin [15].
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.
There is no official consensus on whether it's best to take curcumin or turmeric supplements. Most studies use extracted turmeric with a high concentration of curcumin or curcumin alone. Both turmeric and curcumin can reduce joint inflammation, cholesterol, blood sugar, as well as tumor, fungal and bacterial growth.
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. Another option is to take a half to three grams of the root powder every day.
Turmeric should be taken with meals to help with absorption. It's also a good idea to divide it into two doses taken 8 to 12 hours apart. This will help increase absorption and keep levels steady in the body. Dividing the dose may also help reduce possible side effects.
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.”
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.
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.
People who are on blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin are typically advised against taking a curcumin or turmeric supplement, because the supplements can enhance the drugs' blood-thinning effects, perhaps to dangerous levels.
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.
The only genuinely official advice is to take your curcumin within three hours before or after your meal. Some studies have also implied that taking curcumin in the evening makes it slightly more difficult for some individuals to sleep. However, this effect is not universal and will vary from person to person.
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.
Research indicates that turmeric doses of 500–10,000 mg per day may be effective. However, high doses are not recommended long-term.
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Turmeric in food is considered safe. However, taking large amounts of turmeric and curcumin in supplement form for long periods of time may cause stomach upset and, in extreme cases, ulcers. People who have gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric.
Magnesium is ideal when you're stressed or anxious or have trouble sleeping or when your muscles are tight and tense. Turmeric can help to support joint health, comfort and mobility so you can keep doing the things you enjoy. Together these two powerful ingredients help support both muscles and joints.
Seema Singh, chief clinical nutritionist & HOD, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, told indianexpress.com, “Besides reducing inflammation associated with obesity, consumption of turmeric increases the metabolic rate which helps burn calories faster in the body. Turmeric water or turmeric tea can help you reduce belly fat.
But in high doses (more than 8 grams or about ½ tablespoon), the curcumin can cause upset stomach, dizziness, and diarrhea. Turmeric supplements are also not recommended for pregnant women, people who take blood pressure medication, or people who have gallstones or gastrointestinal problems.
“It's safe to take up to 8 grams per day, but my recommendation would be somewhere on the lighter side: 500 to 1,000 milligrams a day for the general population,” says Hopsecger. For optimal absorption, try taking with heart-healthy fats like oils, avocado, nuts and seeds, she adds.
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.
Turmeric — and especially its most active compound, curcumin — have many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health and prevent against Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
According to experts, turmeric water is best consumed in the morning. “Though used both in the morning or before bed at night, turmeric water serves to be the most beneficial when had empty stomach as it helps the body burn excess flab,” Chawla said.