A Guide to the Best Turmeric Supplements for Vegans + Tips and Benefits of Supplementing Turmeric
Homeopathy has been an important source of healing for millennia. Throughout human history, various civilizations have relied on natural remedies to help alleviate anything from a sore throat to cancer.
Snapback, and it seems like many people are starting to return to natural products for health and medical reasons. Turmeric is just one of those natural products that have returned to immense popularity.
So, what are the best turmeric supplements? The five best vegan turmeric supplements you can buy are Nutricost Turmeric, Fresh Healthcare Pure Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine, Schwartz Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine, NativOrganics Turmeric Curcumin Supplement, and Pukka Organic Turmeric Lifekind.
Why are people returning to natural products for health and medicine? It could be that people are starting to lose faith in the pharmaceutical industry. Scams reduced regulation, and huge costs have made many people suspicious of the industry’s ethics and motives.
We also have far more research than ever before for natural products. Some seriously don’t work like castor oil for inducing women into labor. Castor oil will make you poop, it won’t help you give birth.
But some natural remedies have been proven to almost certainly work. Marijuana is the finest example we have at this moment. The world’s most famous weed is now being used to treat anything from anxiety to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and it’s working.
Don’t be one of those people who dismisses natural products because you think science can’t do any wrong. It can and frequently does, especially when it comes to health and medicine. Do your research, learn from people’s experiences, and try yourself. Make up your own mind.
The Top-5 Turmeric Supplements Your Money Can Buy
So, before we get into what turmeric supplements are and what they can do, here are the best you can buy right now.
Nutricost - Turmeric
This turmeric supplement from Nutricost is one of the best ranked in the world. It is a powerful fast-dissolving turmeric supplement that works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Each bottle contains 120 vegan-safe capsules (made with vegetables) that provide you with 500mg of turmeric in each one. This product is of high quality made with non-GMO ingredients and is completely gluten-free. Each capsule is made up of 95% curcuminoids, which have been found to possess powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutricost Turmeric is also a reasonable price at just under $20. It’s one of the highest-rated and well-reviewed turmeric supplements on Amazon.
Fresh Healthcare - Pure Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine
If you don’t already know about Fresh Healthcare, then where have you been? This is one of the most popular supplement creators within the vegan community, and this turmeric product does not disappoint.
This product is USDA-Certified, so you know you’re buying quality. The reviews for this product are outstanding, with many people reporting significant benefits from taking it consistently.
Each bottle gives you a 3 month supply of turmeric capsules. They’re 100% vegan-safe and easy to swallow. The quantity for the price is one of the best deals.
BioSchwartz - Premium Ultra Pure Turmeric Curcumin
One of the best-rated turmeric products on Amazon and for a good reason. Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine from Schwartz is a powerful supplement with one of the highest potencies around delivering 1500mg of turmeric curcumin and 10mg of BioPerine with each capsule.
All the ingredients are completely natural, vegan-friendly, and non-GMO. You won’t find any nasty fillers, preservatives, or allergens like soy and dairy.
This supplement is formulated and produced in the USA to the highest quality following the strict GMP guidelines. Both the turmeric and BioPerine are third-party tested for quality and effectiveness, so you can be rest assured they offer the benefits they claim.
NativOrganics - Turmeric Curcumin Supplement
I love the NativOrganics brand. I have bought various supplements from them in the past, and I think they’re some of the best quality on the market. This turmeric curcumin supplement is no different.
NativOrganics have always been very transparent about their business, testing, and manufacturing methods, which means they’re trustworthy. Hence why vegans love their products so much.
Each capsule will provide you precisely what you need for one day, which is around 620mg of turmeric. You also get added extras such as goji berry and ginger extract for further immune system protection and a boost of antioxidants. Each ingredient is USDA-certified organic.
An all-around great supplement from NativOrganics.
Pukka - Organic Turmeric Lifekind
For those not looking for a huge dose of turmeric or are new to turmeric supplementation, this is probably the best product for you. It has a relatively low dose of just 155mg of turmeric per capsule.
It also includes a healthy dose of piperine, which is found in black pepper. Why? Because research shows that piperine helps turmeric to absorb better and increases your chances of reaping the benefits.
Again, this product is 100% vegan, and almost all the ingredients are organic except for the silicon dioxide used for the caking. Just one bottle will provide you enough capsules for one month or more. Test it out, see how you feel, and then move to something stronger if you wish to.
What is Turmeric?
Do you know how Indian curries always have that yellow tinge, and some are bright yellow? That’s turmeric. It is a bright yellow spice mostly used in Indian cooking for its color, and its health benefits.
The turmeric spice comes from the turmeric plant. It has little to no taste, maybe a little bitter but hardly noticeable when mixed into a curry or other dish. People also use the root of turmeric, which is used to make various medicines.
The yellow color comes from the chemical named curcumin. It is widely used to color anything from your curry to clothes to cosmetics. Anyone that cooks Indian food will know how difficult it is to remove the yellow color from dish clothes and even pots and pans.
As medicine and supplement, people use turmeric for helping with pain and inflammation. Many people use turmeric to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis. Although evidence is limited for such uses. Other ailments turmeric is used for include:
- Hay fever
- Depression
- High cholesterol
- Types of liver disease
- Heartburn
- Thinking and memory skills
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Stress
- And many many other conditions
However, there is very limited good science that backs any of these benefits. Most people suggest trying it for yourself and seeing how you feel. Millions of people worldwide swear by turmeric for various health conditions.
Should You Take Turmeric Supplements?
If you live in the Western half of the world, it’s highly unlikely you consume a lot of turmerics already. Unless you’re in the local Indian curry house every other night, you won’t be getting enough turmeric to realize its potential health benefits.
You also won’t be getting any curcumin, which is the key compound in turmeric. You could start eating more curry (which I do!), but this isn’t realistic for everyone, and not everyone enjoys curry.
So, turmeric supplements make perfect sense here in the West for anyone looking to realize any benefits. Not all supplements are useful, in fact, many of them are a waste of time. However, personally, I think turmeric supplements are something worth experimenting with.
As with all supplements, it’s all about trial and error. If you buy something and feel no different and don’t experience any of the claimed benefits, don’t take them.
What to Look for In a Turmeric Supplement
When choosing a turmeric supplement, make sure you follow the advice below to ensure you’re buying quality and getting the best chance of realizing the health benefits available.
Look for Phytosome Technology
Phytosome technology is a revolutionary way to increase the absorption of curcumin in your turmeric supplement. Not all products contain Phytosome Technology and the ones that tend to be a little pricier.
Make Sure It Includes Piperine and Black Pepper
The curcumin molecule found in turmeric that has the most benefits for the body does not absorb well. Ingredients like piperine and black pepper can increase your body’s absorption of curcumin by up to 2000%!
Turmeric is fat-soluble, which means you need to make sure you take it with a meal. Otherwise, it will just go right through you!
Check the Dose
A rule of thumb for turmeric supplementation is to take 2 x 500mg twice a day with food. There isn’t much evidence to suggest taking any more or less than this amount, if any more beneficial.
However, try trialing different doses to see what works for you. I don’t recommend exceeding 1500mg per day.
Buy Quality
When you buy any supplement, always buy quality. It’s well worth the extra money, and you have the most chance of realizing the potential benefits.
Look for turmeric supplements that are:
- Certified organic
- Non-GMO
- Vegan-friendly
- Good dose
- Produced under GMP or similar regulations
- Tested by a third party for quality and effectiveness
Make Sure It’s Vegan!
Obviously, an important factor for us vegans. Don’t get sidetracked by the above factors and forget to check it’s vegan. Unfortunately, many supplements still use gelatine for their capsules.
Always look for vegetable-based capsules with any supplement you buy as a vegan.
So, What Are the Benefits of Turmeric
Ok, so you’re interested. Turmeric and curcumin sound exotic, and you think they may just give you an extra boost in health. Well, you wouldn’t be wrong. Here are the proven benefits of turmeric.
Powerful Bioactive Compounds
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is the key compound for health benefits. However, there is very little (3%) curcumin in turmeric spice. To realize the benefits of curcumin, you need a turmeric extract AKA supplement.
Most studies that prove the health benefits of turmeric mostly contain curcumin. So, turmeric itself may not be that important. Curcumin has been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a top antioxidant.
Chronic low-level inflammation is now thought to be the culprit of pretty much every known chronic Western disease. Studies have found this to be the case for heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and various degenerative conditions.
Multiple studies have proven that curcumin is a strong anti-inflammatory.
Increase in Antioxidants
The term word antioxidants became mainstream with the “superfoods” revolution. And the truth is, antioxidants are super important for our health. Oxidative damage is thought to play a significant role in the development of diseases and aging.
Thankfully, curcumin is packed full of antioxidants that actually raise your antioxidant capacity in your body. Curcumin has been found to actually neutralize free radicals and boost your antioxidant enzymes.
Boosts BDNF and Linked to a Lower Risk in Brain Diseases
First, what the hell is BDNF? Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Put simply, this is a type of growth hormone that functions in your brain. A lot of brain diseases have been linked to a deficiency in this hormone.
Curcumin is fantastic because it actually increases your levels of BDNF. It might even improve your memory and make you more intelligent. Indian curry night isn’t looking so bad now, is it?
Other Potential Benefits of Turmeric That Aren’t Quite Full-Proof
Above are benefits that have actually been proven multiple times with research. Below are some other benefits that you should realize when consistently taking turmeric supplements.
I say “should” because while we don’t have evidence that directly links turmeric to these health benefits, we do have other evidence for curcumin helping with other health issues that should help realize these overall benefits.
- Lower risk of heart disease – curcumin has been proven to improve the function of the endothelium.
- Prevent some cancers – curcumin has been found to hinder cancer growth and spread.
- Treat and prevent Alzheimer’s – curcumin has anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress benefits that are thought to help with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Helps with arthritis – curcumin is a top anti-inflammatory that should help.
- Fights against depression – curcumin is as effective as Prozac.
- Delay aging and fight against chronic diseases – curcumin has anti-inflammatory and oxidation properties.
Side Effects of Turmeric Supplements
There are no significant side effects related to turmeric supplementation. Some people can experience a stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, but this is rare.
It’s recommended that you only take a maximum of 1500mg per day to help realize the health benefits set out in this article.
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