After creating Future Pharm Botanicals over two years ago with our founding product, turmeric extract, we still get asked this question quite a bit. With so much confusing and conflicting information out there on what is healthy and what isn’t, we’re not surprised by this question. So, are there really health benefits to taking turmeric? Let’s dig deeper.
Studies show the health benefits of turmeric
Since it’s possible for anyone to go and self-proclaim themselves an “expert”, it’s important to get health advice, tips and insights from the true professionals in the industry. There are many, many studies, videos, and testimonials about turmeric. Below are a few of the more recent ones for you to see for yourself:
Mayo Clinic Minute
This video, just released this year, speaks to the many health benefits of turmeric. Mayo Clinic is one of the most well-regarded health establishments in the country if not the world. When they release information about supplements or other health products, the information is reputable and accurate.
Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Referenced in the preceding Mayo Clinic video, this study shows curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric, effectively kills certain cancer cells.
Ackerman Cancer Center
In this well-written article, Ackerman Cancer Center discusses the pros and cons of turmeric, stating, “In human studies, curcumin has been tested against various diseases and health conditions with many positive outcomes.” As with any supplement, there are circumstances where it’s not ideal to take, such as when you’re also actively taking other products containing acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Need more studies? There are four universities in particular that have studies on turmeric: UCLA, Oregon State University, University of Maryland, and University of Arizona.
What exactly can turmeric do to improve my health?
Need a quick list of all that turmeric may help? Here you go:
- Reduces inflammation
- Increases antioxidants
- Improved brain function
- Lowers risk of heart disease
- May help prevent and treat cancer
- May prevent and treat Alzheimer’s
- Helps reduce arthritis
- Fights depression
- Anti-aging properties
The above is a pretty powerful list and for some, not quite believable. A few things to consider: First, many of the items listed above are created or exacerbated by inflammation. Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, is a proven and powerful anti-inflammatory. Therefore, it makes sense that taking a natural anti-inflammatory such as turmeric can help treat or prevent health issues related to inflammation. What are some negative effects of inflammation? Here’s is a partial list:
- Can harm your gut
- Can harm your joints
- Linked to heart disease
- Linked to a higher risk of cancer
- Can negatively impact your sleep
- Bad for your lungs
- can impact your gums
- Damages bones
- Makes weight loss more difficult
- Affects skin
- Linked with depression
Of course, it’s always encouraged that anyone considering adding turmeric to their diet for any of the above or other inflammation-related issues consult with their doctor or medical professional.
Are there really health benefits to taking turmeric? It would certainly appear to be so. To ensure you’re getting the most benefit from a turmeric product, here are a few things to look for when purchasing a turmeric supplement:
- Look for organic
- Look for all-natural
- Look for products with 3rd party testing for purity and effectiveness
- Choose an extract over powder
- Choose a product sourced from fresh root, not dried root
- Find a product that uses liposomes for additional absorption and effectiveness
- Find a product manufactured in the United States
- Use a product with a bioavailability enhancer such as BioPerine
- Find a product manufactured to cGMP standards
When you’re ready to try turmeric as a healthy addition to your routine, consider Future Pharm’s all-natural turmeric extract.
