Embrace the Golden Glow of Turmeric Supplements & Skincare

Let’s talk turmeric! This ancient spice has garnered a lot of attention in recent years - and for good reason. Turmeric touts a diverse range of benefits, helping with everything from inflammation to heart health and even glowing skin. We dug up the dirt on turmeric so you can learn the best ways to add these super-powered supplements and skincare products to your daily health routine.

Nicknamed "The Golden Spice" due to its stunning yellow-orange color, turmeric (pronounced “ter-mer-ick”) is a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Like ginger, turmeric is a rhizome — aka, a fleshy stem that grows underground.

While ginger and turmeric are similar in appearance, and are both beloved ingredients in many dishes, their flavors couldn’t be more different. Turmeric has a slightly peppery, earthy taste with a hint of bitterness, and it’s most common in powdered form. Ginger is a piquant, spicy flavor you already know and love – definitely a far cry from its golden cousin.

In recent years, turmeric has garnered popularity as both a supplement and a skincare ingredient, thanks to curcumin: the compound in turmeric that’s responsible for its health benefits.

Improves mood: Turmeric and turmeric supplements have been shown to reduce the inflammation associated with depression.

Could help prevent cancer: Curcumin has been shown to help kill cancerous cells, inhibit the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, reduce the spread of cancer, and possibly even prevent cancer from forming.

The best way to take turmeric supplements is really a matter of preference. Some people prefer the ease of turmeric capsules or gummies, while others might prefer a powder that can be blended into smoothies or mixed to make golden milk.

Does turmeric need black pepper?

Curcumin, that nifty little chemical that gives turmeric its health-boosting powers, isn’t readily absorbed into the bloodstream — this is where black pepper comes in. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that’s responsible for the spice’s flavor. While piperine has a ton of health benefits on its own, it also helps the body absorb curcumin. Look for turmeric supplements that contain black pepper in order to get the most out of curcumin.

What are the benefits of drinking turmeric with milk?

Turmeric is fat soluble, which means it dissolves in fat. Taking tumeric supplements or drinking turmeric powder with a liquid that contains a lot of fat — like milk — helps turmeric stay inside your body for longer, helping you absorb more of its nutrients.

How often should you take turmeric supplements?

While most people can take turmeric daily, some folks might experience adverse side effects if they take too much. Read the labels on any turmeric capsules or powders to ensure you’re taking the product correctly. As with any supplement, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor first to make sure turmeric is the right choice for you.

Turmeric side effects

Some possible side effects of taking too much turmeric include allergic reactions, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Avoid turmeric if you:

• Have diabetes
• Have an iron deficiency
• Have gallbladder disease
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Golden milk, or turmeric milk, is a drink made by combining antioxidant-rich turmeric with cow’s milk or plant’s milk. It’s often mixed with other super spices like cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper for an extra boost in nutrients and flavor.

How to make golden milk

Ingredients:

• 3 cups milk of choice
• 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric or 2 inches of fresh turmeric, sliced
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger or 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 pinch ground pepper
• Sweetener to taste

Instructions:

1. Add milk, spices, coconut oil, and sweetener to a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk to combine, then heat until the liquid is hot but not boiling. Stir frequently.
3. Pour into two cups, and enjoy!

Spice things up with golden milk powders

If you want the benefits of golden milk without the work, try a golden milk powder. Ora Organic’s Golden Milk Powder and Gaia Herb’s Golden Milk are both loaded with plant-powered extras — plus, they’re super easy to mix into your daily cuppa for on-the-go golden goodness.