Many high-quality studies show that Turmeric significantly benefits your body and brain. Many of these benefits come from its main active ingredient, Curcumin. In this review, we hope to show you that this excellent natural supplement has the potential to assist with so many of today’s health issues by studying the latest recognized and proven scientific research.
What Can Turmeric Be Used for?
Curcumin is a natural compound in Turmeric, a spice used for centuries in Asian cuisine and medicine. Curcumin has many health benefits, such as:
Reducing Inflammation
Curcumin may help lower the levels of molecules that cause inflammation, such as cytokines and enzymes. This may help with arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Fighting Oxidative Stress
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA. Curcumin may also boost the activity of the body’s antioxidant enzymes. This may help prevent or delay aging and chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
Improving Mood and Cognition
Curcumin may positively affect the brain by increasing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation and motivation. Curcumin may enhance neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, promoting brain cell growth and adaptability. This may help with depression, anxiety, memory, and learning.
Supporting Heart Health
Curcumin may improve endothelial function, which is essential for blood vessel health. The endothelium helps regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation. Curcumin may also lower cholesterol and triglycerides, which are fats that can clog the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
Curcumin is not very well absorbed by the body, so it is essential to take it with some enhancers, such as black pepper extract (piperine), fats or oils, or other ingredients like Ginger or Boswellia. You can also take curcumin supplements that have improved bioavailability, such as liposomal or micellar forms.
Why is Turmeric Good for You?
Turmeric (Curcumin) is a natural anti-inflammatory compound.
Not all inflammation is harmful. When we take a knock and bruise ourselves, the inflammation helps protect that area and has a role in repairing damage in your body. However, chronic can have exceedingly adverse effects and start to attack your body tissue and defenses.
Scientists now believe that chronic low-level inflammation can affect some health conditions.
These include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain/joint mobility
- heart disease
- cancer
- metabolic syndrome
- Alzheimer’s disease
- various degenerative conditions
Scientists worldwide are looking at ways to help fight chronic inflammation and prevent and deal with the health issues shown above.
With the treatment of inflammation, there is no simple answer: one drug, supplement, herb, or spice does not work for everything or everyone; the best way to describe how the scientific community has looked at Curcumin is that it is a bioactive substance that has been proven to help fight inflammation. However, very high doses of pure Turmeric are required.
In this review, we will look at the positive effects of Turmeric (Curcumin). For this review, we will use the term Curcumin, which is the crucial extract for the Turmeric spice.
What Are the Benefits of Turmeric Supplements?
Turmeric supplements contain Turmeric, a spice used for centuries in traditional medicine. Turmeric has many health benefits, mainly due to its active ingredient, Curcumin. Curcumin is a compound that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other properties that may help with various conditions. Some of the benefits of turmeric supplements are:
The latest scientific evidence is supported by data showing that Turmeric will help reduce inflammation and pain in your joints, muscles, and skin. Curcumin can block specific molecules that cause inflammation in your body.
They may improve your brain function and mood. Curcumin can boost the levels of a brain hormone called BDNF, which is involved in learning, memory, and mood. Curcumin may also help with depression and anxiety by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
They may support your heart health. Curcumin can lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, risk factors for heart disease. Curcumin may also prevent blood clots and improve the function of your blood vessels.
The Top 7 Best Curcumin Supplements
Below are our picks for the best curcumin supplements:
- FlexAgain
- Garden of Life Mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric
- Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies
- Qunol Turmeric + Ginger Gummies
- Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin Turmeric Extract
- Manna Health LLC Liposomal Curcumin
- WellYeah Turmeric Kids
FlexAgain
FlexAgain is currently our number one product for joint pain and joint mobility relief, so we have no reservations about listing this as our number one rated product for Curcumin.
This product is a premium-grade supplement made with the best ingredients and dosed at the recommended levels, as suggested by Arthritis societies worldwide. Many scientific studies have backed it to give the best results at the time of writing.
Ingredients
- Curcumin extract 500 mg – Curcumin extract is the active ingredient in Turmeric; taking a pure extract means that FlexAgain can get the same results from 500 mg that you’d need 2-3 grams of Turmeric.
- Eurovita Extract 77 250 mg (or ginger) – As effective as 3000 mg of standard Ginger in reducing inflammation and improving joint mobility.
- Omega 3 1100 mg – This meets your Recommended daily dose, which we all realize helps to reduce joint pain and inflammation.
- Methylsulfonylmethane 50 mg – Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a natural compound that contains sulfur. It is found in small amounts in some foods and can be taken as a supplement.
- Glucosamine 400 mg HCL – Glucosamine HCL is three times as potent as the weaker glucosamine sulfate seen in a lot of other supplements; it’s a lot more expensive and doesn’t have quite as many trials, which is why we don’t see it very often in other supplements, although there are still dozens of trials backing its use. It’s simply a purer form of glucosamine.
- Chondroitin 250 mg – Chondroitin essentially functions to support glucosamine; the molecules work together, and it’s been shown to amplify the joint protective effects, although when studied in isolation, it doesn’t do much by itself.
- Bromelain 100 mg– bromelain has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility. It’s not the most effective ingredient on this list, but it still has a mild impact. A good inclusion in a catch-all supplement, like FlexAgain, is not so good as a main ingredient for joint support.
- Boswellic acid 100 mg– boswellic acid is an extract from Boswellia serrata, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility.
- Resveratrol 100 mg is good for brain and joint health, improving mobility and reducing inflammation and pain.
- Vitamin D 15 mcg – Around half of the US population is deficient in vitamin D, and it is essential for maintaining healthy joints, cartilage, and bones—good inclusion by FlexAgain.
- Vitamin K2 70 mcg – K2 fills a similar function to vitamin D, although it has been shown to reduce joint pain when supplemented by individuals who are not deficient.
Pros
- It also gets our endorsement for excellent reviews on Amazon, Reddit, TrustPilot, and their website.
- Eleven premium blended ingredients that are dosed correctly and backed by the latest scientifically backed data.
Cons
- If we are to be ultra critical, there is one ingredient that we believe could be dosed higher, MSM; we think that this could be made with a more significant addition; however, when you compare this against other premium brands, the amount of additive is still for a time more excellent the competition.
Garden of Life Mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric
- Mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric Price: $26.39
MyKind, the Organics Extra Strength Turmeric manufacturer, Has looked at providing an anti-inflammatory product with a well-dosed turmeric extract and provided Ginger and black pepper to be both used as a carrier of the Turmeric and as an anti-inflammatory ingredient in their own right.
Ingredients
MyKind, the Organics Extra Strength Turmeric manufacturer, has used Turmeric root extract with 95% curcuminoids and organic fermented turmeric root.
The latest scientific research has acknowledged that a recommended dose of Turmeric should be between 50 and 2,000 mg, containing 95% curcuminoids. Curcuminoids, found in Turmeric, act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Organic Fermented Ginger Root (50mg)
Ginger is a fantastic anti-inflammatory; however, using just 50mg of fermented ginger root is somewhat underdosed to have any meaningful full effect as an anti-inflammatory.
Black Pepper Fruit Extract 7 mg+Probiotic Blend
According to some studies, black pepper extract and its active compound, piperine, may have anti-inflammatory benefits. However, there is no extensive human research on black pepper extract’s optimal dosage and safety. Some sources suggest that doses of piperine often range from 5 mg to 20 mg per day. This would again make this dosing a little on the low side.
Pros
- It is certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher (a big plus).
- Organic ingredients
Cons
- Not as good as FlexAgain
- Under dosed ingredients
Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies
Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies are a vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free supplement that contains 200 mg of Longvida Optimized Curcumin per serving. Curcumin is a natural compound found in Turmeric, a spice used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties and may support healthy metabolic balance, joint health, and cognitive function.
Longvida Optimized Curcumin is a patented form that uses Solid Lipid Curcumin Particle (SLCP) technology to enhance its bioavailability and absorption. Solid lipid curcumin particle (SLCP) is a novel technology that aims to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of Curcumin, a natural compound with various health benefits. Curcumin is derived from the spice turmeric and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. However, Curcumin is poorly absorbed and metabolized in the body, limiting its therapeutic potential. SLCP is a process that coats Curcumin with lipids (fats) to form micelles (tiny spheres) and then dries them into solid particles.
These particles protect Curcumin from degradation and enhance its absorption through the lymphatic system, bypassing the liver. SLCP has been shown to increase the blood levels of free Curcumin by 95 times compared to standard Curcumin. SLCP also has a longer half-life, meaning it stays in the body longer. SLCP may, therefore, offer a more effective way to deliver Curcumin to target tissues and organs
Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies have a mango flavor and are sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol that does not raise blood sugar levels. The gummies are gelatin-free and do not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They are also third-party tested and approved by Consumer Lab, an independent organization that evaluates the quality and purity of supplements.
The recommended dosage is two gummies daily, preferably with food. Some users may experience stomach discomfort or nausea from taking curcumin supplements, so it is advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it as tolerated. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medications, consult your doctor before using this product.
Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Curcumin Gummies has received mostly positive reviews from customers who have tried them. Many users have reported feeling less pain, inflammation, and stiffness in their joints and improved mood, memory, and focus. Some users have also noticed skin, hair, and digestion benefits. However, some users have complained about the taste or texture of the gummies or have not seen any significant effects from taking the product.
Ingredients
- Active Ingredient: Longvida(R) Optimized Curcumin Extract (Curcuma longa root) 200 mg.
Pros
- Claimed faster absorption rate.
- Gelatin-free, vegetarian gummy for adults
- No added sugar, artificial coloring flavoring, or preservatives.
Cons
- The taste was not to everyone’s liking.
- Mixed reviews
Qunol Turmeric + Ginger Gummies
We decided to test this product based on the personal endorsement of Tony Hawks, probably the most famous skateboarder of all time. Most of us taking part in this review either watched his amazing stunts on TV or played his video games only to be beaten by, in my case, my 10-year-old son.
So, apart from the fact that Tony Hawks endorses this product, what makes this stand out from the crowd? The first thing we liked was the taste; I could have sat and had the whole bottle without thinking. Only one of us didn’t enjoy the flavor, and they didn’t like tangerines.
Qunol is a CoQ10 and Turmeric supplements brand manufactured and distributed by Quten Research Institute, LLC, a company founded in 2006. Qunol was acquired by Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company, on July 28, 20233. Sanofi plans to expand Qunol’s presence in the US and other markets and develop new products for the healthy aging segment.
Qunol, the name behind these gummies, calls it “The Golden Gummie.” The main ingredients are Turmeric and Ginger, which have been used as an ancient remedy for over 5,000 years for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They claim that their product has a faster absorption rate of Turmeric into the bloodstream. With this product, the manufacturers have added Ginger as a carrier to help both get the Turmeric into the bloodstream and use it as an anti-inflammatory in its own right. However, 50 mg is under-dosed.
Pros
- Great taste
- Endorsed by a true legend.
- While this review is unsuitable for vegetarians, there is a vegetarian option and a liquid vegetarian option.
- Great for those who don’t like taking capsules.
Cons
- Mixed reviews.
- Slightly underdosed.
- Not as good as FlexAgain
Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin Turmeric Extract
Super Bio-Curcumin from Life Extension is a product that contains a patented form of curcumin extract called BCM-95, which is said to have up to seven times greater absorption than regular Curcumin. Curcumin is a turmeric compound with many health benefits, such as supporting joint health, heart health, and inflammation.
So, what is BCM-95? BCM-95 is a patented form of curcumin extract with enhanced absorption and bioavailability compared to regular Curcumin. Curcumin is a turmeric compound with many health benefits, such as supporting joint health, heart health, and inflammation. BCM-95 combines 86% curcuminoids (95% curcumin) with 7-9% essential turmeric oils (45% Ar-turmerone) derived from Turmeric. Arjuna Natural, an Indian herbal ingredient company, manufactures BCM-95.
BCM95 has been clinically researched for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, and antidepressant properties. It is 693% more bioavailable than primary Curcumin and has a longer half-life of 5 hours. BCM-95 is also 100% natural and does not contain any synthetic or non-turmeric additives
This product is non-GMO and available in multiple strengths. Life Extension also sells multiple turmeric offerings, including Turmeric paired with black cumin oil for better immune health and Turmeric paired with Ginger to complement Turmeric’s health benefits.
Pros
- Come in easy to take a capsule
- Non GMO and Gluten free
Cons
- It relies on one ingredient, and although the manufacturer claims that it is seven times more absorbent in the body, we would have liked to have seen some additional ginger or black pepper.
Manna Health LLC Liposomal Curcumin
- Manna Health LLC Liposomal Curcumin Price: $49.95
Liposomal Curcumin is a liquid that claims to have very high anti-inflammatory properties, which can have a powerful effect on decreasing inflammation and muscle and joint pain.
Our review has proven from current scientific data that Curcumin (Turmeric) can also positively affect our bodies.
Liposomal Curcumin by Manna claims to employ nanotechnology to increase absorption significantly. An article in BioMed Research International explored nanotechnology-applied Curcumin and its effectiveness in disease therapy.
BioMed Research International is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal covering various topics of biomedical science, engineering, and technology. In 2014, the journal published a review article titled “Nanotechnology-Applied Curcumin for Different Diseases Therapy,” which explored the potential of using nanotechnology to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of Curcumin, a natural compound derived from Turmeric with various health benefits.
The article summarized the current research on using different types of nanoparticles, such as liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, and solid lipid particles, to encapsulate or load Curcumin and improve its bioavailability, stability, and cellular uptake. The article also discussed the therapeutic effects of nanotechnology-applied Curcumin on various diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory conditions. The article concluded that nanotechnology-applied Curcumin might offer a promising alternative for treating these diseases, but more studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans.
Ingredients
Pure organic Curcumin derived from the turmeric plant. Curcumin is a yellow-orange pigment abundant in polyphenols, making it the most potent.
Using 500 mg of naturally extracted Curcumin per serving is on par with many competitors. The quality of the ingredients may make it stand out from the rest.
Pros
- Liquid form for those who do not like taking capsules
- Manna Liposomal Curcumin can decrease joint pain and inflammation.
- Potential other benefits support heart health, improve liver and bile production, promote better digestion, and enhance brain health.
Cons
- It only has one active ingredient.
- The taste wasn’t great for all of us.
- Mixed reviews, although there are a lot of positive reviews.
WellYeah Turmeric Kids
- WellYeah Turmeric Kids Price: $15.99
Our review would not be complete without looking at Turmeric for kids.
We understand that some kids suffer from a variety of ailments similar to our own. While you seek professional advice, especially with kids, we have tried to make a recommendation based on the best on the market today.
The manufacturers claim that “WellYeah” will support your child’s natural immune system and overall wellness with WellYeah Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper Gummies for Kids, a doctor-recommended brand.
With the power of turmeric curcumin (2000 mg), ginger (12 mg), and black pepper piperine (100 mcg), these gummies help support joint and muscle health, digestive health, and brain function. (This dosage is better than some of the adult dosages we have seen)
Kids and Adults loved the peach flavor of these gummies. Made with naturally sourced flavors and without any artificial colors or sweeteners, these gummies are a great-tasting and healthy choice.
Pros
- The child-resistant cap
- Turmeric Curcumin with Ginger, Black Pepper Gummies for Kids. (Perfect delivery system for the turmeric supplement.)
- Good dose.
- Great taste.
Cons
- We had no issues with this product.
Our Final Thoughts on The Top 7 Best Curcumin Supplements
Throughout all our trials, which we believe are very extensive, taking place over many months, we agree that Curcumin (Turmeric) is a fantastic supplement. The choice of how you take this supplement, Capsules, gummies, or liquid, is down to the individual.
However, we believe that the best option in 2023 is FlexAgain. We would have liked to see more MSM in the blend, but this is a minor consideration.
FlexAgain has excellent customer reviews across all the major review sites. We also wholeheartedly agree with these glowing endorsements.
This product has premium ingredients backed by the latest scientific data. Some feel that this product has a premium price. However, when you look at the ingredients and the dosages and compare Nutra FAs to the other premium competitors, it becomes evident who is giving the better Bang for your Buck.
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