Turmeric is one of my favorite natural products. So I wanted to put together a great guide on how to buy turmeric, like what to look for and where to buy it, along with the necessary information you should know about this great supplement. With no further ado, here is the ultimate guide to buying turmeric.
What is turmeric? |
Turmeric is a plant native to Southwest India. It is boiled, dried and ground into a orange-yellow powder often used as a spice. Turmeric has a peppery and somewhat bitter flavor, and is used to make curry.Turmeric is also used for medicinal purposes because the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and disinfecting properties. |
How do I take turmeric? |
One of the best ways to take turmeric is to add turmeric powder (our favorite powder) to liquids like water, tea, soups, and sauces. You can also take turmeric capsules (our favorite capsules) as supplements. |
Is turmeric good for you? |
Definitely! Turmeric has many great health benefits that make it an excellent dietary supplement or cooking spice. It has been recognized for its health benefits in China and India for centuries. |
What are the health benefits of turmeric? |
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and disinfecting properties, which allow it to help wounds heal more quickly, relieve indigestion, relieve an upset stomach, reduce inflammation, and alleviate arthritis pain. Check out our top 8 health benefits of turmeric to learn more. |
What kind of turmeric should I buy? |
There are a few different ways you can buy turmeric: 1) turmeric powder (like this), 2) turmeric capsules (like this), or 3) turmeric extract (like this) which contains a higher concentration of the active ingredients in turmeric. All of these are good options. If you enjoy the taste of turmeric, I recommend buying turmeric powder and adding it to tea or food. If you want to be sure to take turmeric everyday you should go with the capsules or extract since you can quickly take these on their own. |
Should I only buy organic turmeric? |
Like any supplement or food, you have the option to buy organic vs. non-organic turmeric. We recommend buying an organic supplement because you can have a little more trust that the producer is taking care to produce a quality product, but non-organic turmeric could also be a high-quality product. Take the time to research the brand of the turmeric you buy or pick from our favorite turmeric brands. |
Is turmeric safe? |
Turmeric in food is considered safe so don’t worry about eating it. However, herbs can trigger side effects and may interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.
Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes, are interested in taking large doses of turmeric for long periods of time, have stomach ulcers, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a surgery coming up. |
Can pregnant women consume turmeric? |
Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements, i.e., don’t go out of your way to consume turmeric if your pregnant. |
Should kids consume turmeric? |
According to the University of Maryland, turmeric supplements haven’t been studied in children, so there is no recommended dose. Similarly to pregnant women, children should probably not go out of their way to consume turmeric. |
What else is turmeric used for? |
Turmeric is used for medicinal purposes, as a spice in many cuisines but especially curry, and as a dye in textiles. |
Where can I buy turmeric? |
You can buy turmeric powder at grocery stores and turmeric as a health supplements at many health food stores. You also research and buy turmeric on Amazon (our preferred way because of course who doesn’t love 2-day shipping). |