Turmeric is a popular spice with potent health benefits. Turmeric supports liver health, gastrointestinal health, digestive comfort, cognitive health (mood and memory), joint health, movement and physical function, plus musculoskeletal health. It's an antioxidant that helps protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.*
The spice turmeric is used by chefs in curries, soups and sauces; moreover, many herbalists and health gurus use turmeric for its outstanding support for your liver, joints and gastrointestinal system. Over the last 25 years, modern medicine has increasingly acknowledged the importance of turmeric, particularly the benefits of curcumin, a well-known and frequently studied phytonutrient in turmeric. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and can help support heart, cardiovascular and joint health, which is why turmeric supplements can help promote liver and joint health, plus daily wellness.* Product labels may vary. Same formula. New look.
Why Choose a Turmeric and Black Pepper Supplement
Curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body, and black pepper can enhance the absorption of nutrients. Swanson's Turmeric and Black Pepper herbal supplement was designed to provide increased bioavailability to support the body's absorption of turmeric and the antioxidant curcuminoid, curcumin. When looking for a turmeric supplement, consider a turmeric supplement with black pepper like Swanson Turmeric and Black Pepper with 5 mg of certified organic black pepper (Piper nigrum) per serving in each veggie capsule.*
More About Turmeric
Turmeric is a plant in the same botanical family as ginger. It's native to southern Asia, but turmeric is grown in a few other warm, humid climates around the globe. Like ginger, it's the tuberous shoots (rhizomes) of the plant that are used in foods and health supplements. The powdered turmeric you find in the spice aisle is made by boiling, drying and finely grinding the roots of the turmeric plant. Most people think of turmeric as the "curry spice" and mistakenly think turmeric is spicy. Turmeric gives curry its signature, yellow color and distinct flavor, but it isn't actually spicy. Turmeric is also added to mustards, pickles and relish, and it's sometimes used as a substitute for saffron. But aside from lending color and flavor to some of our favorite foods, the potential health benefits of turmeric are truly impressive. Research and historical usage shows turmeric may provide relief and support to our bodies in many ways.*
History of Turmeric Use
Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic practices and as a culinary spice for nearly 4,000 years, dating as far back as the Vedic culture in India, where it also held religious significance. An Ayurvedic text dating back to 250 B.C. mentioned its use for relief from digestive disturbances related to spoiled food; plus, other cultures use turmeric for digestive health and liver support, even including it in lotions and creams as a skin tonic.*
Over the last 25 years, modern medicine has increasingly acknowledged the importance of turmeric as well, particularly the benefits of curcumin, a well-known and frequently studied phytonutrient in turmeric. Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant and can help support heart, cardiovascular and joint health.*
Turmeric and Digestive Health
Turmeric provides multifaceted digestive comfort and supports the lower gastrointestinal system. Herbalists have used turmeric for centuries as a liver tonic. Because of its digestive benefits, some people also use turmeric for weight loss.*
What is the Difference Between Curcumin and Turmeric
Turmeric is a plant scientifically known as Curcuma longa. It's the roots of this plant that are used in culinary spice powders and herbal tonics. Curcumin is a naturally occurring compound within the turmeric plant's roots. It's a carotenoid pigment that has strong antioxidant activity and gives turmeric its flashy yellow color. There are two other compounds in turmeric that are related: demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Collectively, they are all three known as curcuminoids.*
Turmeric Roots and Turmeric Extract
Turmeric roots contain a number of substances beyond curcumin. The turmeric spice you might have in your kitchen is made by drying and grinding whole turmeric root into a powder. Turmeric extract is a little different. It's made by shredding turmeric root and letting it sit in edible solvents for several weeks before straining, and the result is a strong elixir. Turmeric root is also used in wellness teas.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
