Turmeric – How healthy is it really? Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. It gives a curry powder it’s ‘yellow appearance’.Turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties called curcuminoids, the main active ingredient is called ‘Curcumin’. It has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities and is a very strong antioxidant.Curcumin can suppress many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation. This could help people with joint pains, back ache, and any bone inflammation. People with Arthritis and general joint pains often benefit from consuming and taking Turmeric as a supplement. By adding Turmeric powder to foods, this medicinal herb contributes in many ways to your body, however, it doesn’t absorb well, so by adding Black pepper is essential. Black pepper contains an active compound called Piperine which helps break down Turmeric and vastly improves absorption and therefore efficiency. Taking Turmeric as a supplement (capsules or liquid) is the most effective way if you take if for health reasons. It often comes as a complex, with other pain easing compounds added such as Manganese, Copper, Rosehip, and Ginger.Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of the hormone BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) including depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin can increase brain levels of BDNF. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world. Curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process, as it improves the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of your blood vessels. It’s well known that endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease and involves an inability of your endothelium to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world and a leading cause of dementia. It’s known that inflammation and oxidative damage play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, and curcumin has the beneficial effects of both these qualities. So, here we have a yellow powder, growing as one of the ginger root family, that not only adds colour and fragrance to a curry, but offers many proven health benefits for people with certain ailments. It’s always wise to chat with your G.P. or speak with a professional should you be taking other medicines or treatments, but Turmeric is natural, and as we all know , your body will work with any naturally grown foods and find a use for them in your body.