Encore Episode: Curcumin: Turmeric's Active Ingredient

Turmeric is a spice prevalent in southeast Asia. Curcumin is contained within turmeric and provides health benefit.

You would need to ingest a lot of turmeric on a regular basis to enjoy the health benefits of curcumin. 

When curcumin is ingested, much of it is broken down by the digestive system and doesn’t make it into the bloodstream. The compound doesn’t have great bioavailability on its own. Combining it with black pepper can enhance its absorption. It can also be combined with oils or fats.

But, taking a curcumin supplement blended with turmeric essential oil can help you overcome those challenges and really reap the benefits.

Curcumin is largely safe to use with many common prescription drugs, but black pepper may have negative interaction with some pharmaceuticals. Keep this in mind if you are trying to enhance curcumin absorption in your body.

Taking 300 mg to 500 mg of curcumin per day can be useful for prevention of health conditions. Taking two grams per day split over three meals can help with existing health conditions.

Listen as Dr. Ajay Goel joins Dr. Mike Fenster to discuss the wonders of curcumin.