Turmeric Supplement Benefits Beyond Inflammation | Cooper Complete
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Turmeric Supplement Benefits: More Than Inflammation Support

Turmeric powder and root on a wooden table, learn about turmeric supplement benefits

Inflammation is a common response to many infectious diseases. However, growing evidence suggests that chronic inflammation plays a role in many long-term health concerns. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, helps support a healthy inflammatory response†. Cooper Clinic Platinum (Concierge Medicine) Physician Riva Rahl, MD, explores turmeric curcumin’s key benefits of joint† and skin health†, as well as helping reduce free radicals†. “Most people who take turmeric are now taking it for the curcumin, for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties†,” says Dr. Rahl. Does taking turmeric provide additional health benefits beyond these three†?

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Turmeric Curcumin Supplement

Turmeric curcumin support for joint comfort and mobility.

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Summary: Turmeric supplements are best known for supporting a healthy inflammatory response, but emerging research suggests their benefits may extend further. Curcumin, turmeric’s primary active compound, has been studied for its role in joint health, heart health, digestion, skin appearance, brain function, metabolic balance, and weight management†. This article explores the science-backed turmeric supplement benefits, how curcumin works in the body, and what to consider when choosing an effective turmeric supplement†.

How Turmeric Supports a Healthy Inflammatory Response†

Curcumin from the turmeric plant is an antioxidant that fights free radicals (unstable molecules) in the body that can damage cells†. Scavenging free radicals in the body reduces the body’s stress levels†. Supporting an inflammatory response, it promotes balance in the body’s natural reaction to physical stress and helps maintain overall joint and cellular health†.

“Turmeric works to suppress the protein complex NF-κB, which causes inflammation at a molecular level and is attributed to many chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer†,” explains Dr. Rahl. “Beyond suppressing NF-κB, turmeric has also been shown to reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis†.”

Joint health and pain reduction†

Turmeric studies often focus on curcumin and its effects on joint health†. Many studies have reported reductions in chronic inflammation throughout the body following curcumin administration†. By controlling inflammation levels, curcumin helps maintain joint comfort and flexibility during everyday physical activity†.

Excessive joint inflammation can significantly contribute to arthritis pain†. Reports indicate that curcumin can be effective in reducing joint inflammation†. Two smaller studies found curcumin to reduce joint swelling and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis†.

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties make the powerful spice an ideal daily supplement for many people†. “I personally take Cooper Complete Turmeric Curcumin Complex Supplement,” says Dr. Rahl. “I like to run a lot, which tends to make my joints inflamed†. I have found turmeric to really help with that†.”

Turmeric is best absorbed with a fatty meal. Piperine, a compound found in black pepper, also enhances turmeric absorption by 2000 percent†. Regular black pepper is 2-7 percent piperine, so it is estimated that ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper is the equivalent of 10 to 35 mg of piperine†. Piperine has also been shown to improve the absorption of coenzyme Q10 and iron†. Cooper Complete Turmeric Curcumin Complex supplement is a formulation of 1000 mg curcumin (standardized to 95 percent total curcuminoids) and 10 mg BioPerine® (a patented black pepper extract that is 95 percent piperine).

Turmeric for Skin Health and Antioxidant Protection†

Skin is another part of the body that can be damaged by increased inflammation†. Many common skin conditions, such as rashes and itching, are directly caused by skin inflammation.

The use of curcumin to improve skin health has been the focus of recent studies†. For example, one study used curcumin to improve health after UV ray exposure†, and another concerned with curcumin and healthy bacteria found positive results†.

Turmeric and Heart Health Support†

 Turmeric is reported to improve blood vessel function and to counteract inflammation and oxidative stress†. For a healthy heart, cholesterol levels must be kept at safe levels to ensure optimal blood flow†. Excessive blood lipids, such as cholesterol, lead to fat deposits building on artery walls and increasing blood pressure. As a result, a higher risk of heart disease is directly related to these conditions.

In a study published in the Nutrition Journal, scientists tested the ability of turmeric to control blood lipid levels. Results indicate curcumin was able to reduce blood lipid levels for patients considered at risk for heart disease†. The patients in the study taking turmeric curcumin supplements experienced “a natural cardioprotective effect” in controlling LDL and triglyceride levels†.

Turmeric for Digestive Health and Gut Support†

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, some smaller studies have suggested turmeric may be helpful for digestion†.  Low stomach acid and inadequate bile levels can contribute to poor digestion. Bacterial infections can result from poor digestion and a lack of stomach acid to break down food properly.

Turmeric may help support healthy digestive processes by promoting bile production and overall digestive function†. Adequate stomach acids allow food to break down more efficiently and move through the body more smoothly†. In addition, turmeric supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy stomach lining, which can help prevent ulcers from forming in the stomach†, resulting from stress or alcohol.

A small study of 116 adults found that turmeric was more effective than a placebo for indigestion†. The participants taking turmeric took 2000 mg per day (500 mg, four times daily)†.

It is best to take this dietary supplement with a snack or meal that includes fat, which aids turmeric digestion and absorption.

Photo of Cooper Complete Turmeric Curcumin Supplement bottle

Turmeric Curcumin Supplement

Turmeric curcumin support for joint comfort and mobility.

$37.48 Add to cart

Turmeric and Blood Sugar Balance†

Preliminary research shows that individuals with metabolic syndrome or prediabetes who take turmeric long-term may have a lower chance of advancing to diabetes†. Curcumin may help lower blood sugar and increase insulin levels in healthy individuals after eating†. A study of 15 healthy young adults (average age 26 years) found that turmeric taken before meals reduced the postprandial rise in blood glucose by 61 percent and insulin levels by 26 percent compared with a placebo†. The same researchers also conducted a 90-day study of 29 adults (average age 52) with insulin resistance and found that supplementation reduced insulin resistance compared to placebo†.

Brain Health and Mood Support†

Turmeric may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, which supports the formation of new neurons and could play a role in maintaining cognitive function†. Curcumin may help support healthy serotonin and dopamine levels, which are important for mood regulation†.

Several research studies show curcumin, the substance that creates turmeric’s yellow pigment, possesses antidepressant properties†. Consuming 1 gram daily of oral curcumin significantly improves symptoms of depression after six weeks and enhances the performance of antidepressants for adults with major depressive disorders†. However, it is unclear whether curcumin is beneficial when used for longer than eight weeks†.

Asthma and Seasonal Allergy Support†

One in four adults in the U.S. suffers from seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR), an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. Curcumin—a compound found in Cooper Complete Turmeric Curcumin Complex—may provide relief to AR sufferers by improving nasal airflow† and modulating immune response†. In addition, studies have shown that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects provide clinical benefits to adults with asthma†.

Weight Management and Metabolic Health†

Compiling and analyzing results from 11 studies, a group of researchers concluded that curcumin supplementation delivered significant positive effects on body weight and body mass index (BMI) when administered at 1 gram per day for 8 weeks or longer†. Additionally, curcumin significantly reduced waist circumference in overweight adults when administered at the same dose and duration†.

Forms of Turmeric and Curcumin Content

Turmeric is grown in Southeast Asia. Grocery stores in larger cities may have fresh turmeric root in the produce section and turmeric powder in the spice aisle. Only around 3 percent of turmeric’s total weight contains curcumin, and the turmeric extracts found in supplements are much higher, at levels as high as 95 percent total curcuminoids†. (Cooper Complete Turmeric Curcumin Complex supplement contains curcumin extract standardized to 95 percent total curcuminoids†.)

Enormous amounts of turmeric would need to be consumed in food to approach the levels found in supplements. The typical Southeast Asian diet contains more turmeric than the average American diet. However, turmeric powder from the grocery store spice aisle, used in food, contains very low levels of curcumin and is poorly absorbed without enhancers such as black pepper†. While turmeric is commonly found in most curries, adding it to smoothies and juices is also an easy way to incorporate this ingredient into your diet.

Possible Side Effects and Safety Considerations

When taken at recommended doses, common side effects of a turmeric curcumin supplement may include gas, bloating, and acid reflux†. If taken in large doses, the small amount of oxalate found in turmeric may induce problems for people prone to specific types of kidney stones containing oxalates†.

While research continues on the benefits of turmeric, it is always important to consult your physician before adding a supplement to your regimen. Your physician understands your health profile best, so it’s important to talk to them about which supplements are best for you.

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About the Author: Jill Turner is the President of Cooper Complete® Nutritional Supplements, where she oversees product development and customer experience. She enjoys writing about vitamins, supplements, and preventive health to help consumers make informed, science-backed decisions.

Contributor: This post features clinical insights and contributions from Dr. Riva Rahl, Medical Director of Cooper Clinic Platinum direct medicine practice. Dr. Rahl is board-certified in Internal, Emergency and Lifestyle medicine.

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