Curcuminoids are the key to a good turmeric supplement
Erin Stokes, Naturopathic Doctor, MegaFood Medical Director | Jan. 2021
“What are curcuminoids?”
I rarely heard this question when I first became a Naturopathic Doctor nearly 20 years ago, but it’s one posed to me with increased frequency these days. In scientific terms, this hard-to-pronounce word refers to a family of phenolic compounds. But here’s what you really need to know about curcuminoids: They’re a primary active ingredient in turmeric, imparting the mighty root’s signature orange/yellow hue along with some of its celebrated wellness benefits.* Curcumin - the best-known curcuminoid - is the on-going focus of numerous studies highlighting its role functioning as an antioxidant and in supporting healthy inflammation.*
In other words, curcuminoids are a big deal - and they are at the root of turmeric’s superstar supplement status. To get a mix of curcuminoids, I prefer supplements formulated with the whole turmeric root. Why? I recognize that although we’ve learned a lot about the constituents and the benefits of plants, there’s still more yet to be discovered. And, when it comes right down to it, there’s important synergy in the plant’s whole composition.
At MegaFood, we prioritize domestically sourced whole organic turmeric root. Some of our turmeric is grown sustainably from our Farm Partner Kauai Organic Farms on the North Shore of Hawaii. Last summer, I got to harvest turmeric root directly out of the rich Hawaiian soil, working side by side with our Farm Partner, learning about organic turmeric farming and unearthing the largest and most vibrant turmeric I’ve ever seen in my life. What an unforgettable experience!
Surrounded by all that turmeric, I couldn’t help but think about the modern importance of this ancient plant. Turmeric has been widely used in the Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, for thousands of years, and might be best known today as a key culinary component of Indian curries, “golden milk” and turmeric lattes. Of course, many people now take turmeric as part of their daily supplement routine - which is what brought MegaFood (and me!) to Kauai Organic Farms.
MegaFood puts all that whole organic turmeric root to good use in our convenient tablets (Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength† - Whole Body, to support healthy inflammation*, Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength† - Joint, to maintain joint health and mobility*, Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength† - Liver, to support liver health* and MegaFlora® Probiotic with Turmeric, for colon health, regularity & relief from gas & bloating*), delicious gummy (Turmeric Inflammation Response* Gummy, to support healthy inflammation*) and potent powder (Daily Turmeric Nutrient Booster Powder™, a stir-and-sip supplement to help you bounce back from your daily workout*).
I personally take Turmeric Curcumin Extra Strength† - Whole Body as part of my daily supplement routine. It features the whole turmeric root and delivers an impressive 475 mg of curcuminoids per serving. And there’s more! This blend offers a powerful array of healthful compounds, whole foods and extracts that support a healthy inflammation response.* It also contains BioPerine®, a patented black pepper extract that helps support the absorption of curcumin.
Looking to add turmeric (and curcuminoids!) to your daily routine? Check out our diverse line-up of turmeric supplements!