Q: I use turmeric as a spice rather than buying capsules of it.  It is absorbed much better if you take it with a little pepper or ginger.

I used to just put a little turmeric on a spoon with some kind of fat and some pepper and eat it, but I noticed that it was irritating my stomach that way.  Then I read that in India they put turmeric in warm milk and give it to kids to drink. I tried that (in almond milk) and no longer have an upset stomach.

A: You are quite correct that in India people use turmeric regularly as a spice rather than take it in capsules as a dietary supplement.  It is a key ingredient in curry.

Medical uses for turmeric keep expanding.  The active ingredient, curcumin, has been shown to ease inflammation and pain associated with arthritis (Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, June 15, 2016).  It also has anti-cancer activity.

Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon

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