Turmeric, the golden flower and root, has been used for a long time across cultures, including my own. I am of Indian origin, and my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents have all incorporated turmeric into both their diet, health, and beauty rituals because of its nutrient-rich profile.
Ruhil Badiani, general practitioner at Cornerstone Clinic, agrees. There are a handful of studies that address the ability of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) to manage and reduce inflammation; it can also help with digestion, as well as help neutralize free radicals.
Beyond internal use, turmeric is a also popular ingredient in skin care. Turmeric can brighten skin—it works similarly to vitamin C—and I like to add a tiny bit to my homemade face masks (be careful, it stains!). If you’re worried about that, instead try a pre-made skin-care product where the orange pigment won’t come with a risk.
When it comes to supplements, you should always ask your doctor before trying something new, since a potential risk of interactions with current medications is at risk and it could be dangerous.
Instead, getting turmeric in your diet—either fresh or powdered—will give you all the benefits with one drawback. Circumin isn’t easily absorbed by the body because your digestive system breaks down these compounds and eliminates them quickly. To improve absorption, turmeric should be paired with black pepper, which enhances its bioavailability, and with a fat, such as olive oil or ghee, for ideal absorption.
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