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64
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Turmeric whole root powder

Inflammation · Antioxidant · Culinary
Tier 2 — Promising

What it is

Contains only about 3 percent curcuminoids, far less than concentrated curcumin extracts. While cooking with turmeric is healthy and safe, the whole root powder as a supplement delivers very little active curcumin to the bloodstream. A 2024 review confirmed whole turmeric is significantly less effective than bioavailable curcumin extracts for measurable anti-inflammatory benefits. Stick with food use or choose a proper curcumin extract instead.

Efficacy
2/5
Safety
5/5
Research
2/5
Onset
2/5
Cost
5/5
Drug-int.
5/5

Dose

1–3 g/day in cooking is fine; as a supplement, bioavailable curcumin extract is far more effective

Time of day & tips

Use freely in cooking. As a supplement, choose a bioavailable curcumin extract instead. Add black pepper when cooking to boost absorption.

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