It sits quietly in kitchen cupboards, stirred into curries and soups without much thought.
But for many people living with aching joints or low mood, everyday ingredients are increasingly being viewed in a different light.
A growing wave of online health discussions has put turmeric back in focus, with claims that the bright yellow spice could offer noticeable benefits in as little as two weeks.
Natural compound in focus
The renewed interest follows comments from Dr Eric Berg, a doctor and online health commentator, who highlighted turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, as a powerful anti-inflammatory.
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In a video reported by the Daily Express, he suggested short-term daily use may help reduce inflammation linked to conditions such as arthritis.
According to the NHS, more than 10 million people in the UK have arthritis. Scientific research has explored curcumin’s potential role in lowering inflammation markers, including a review published in the journal Foods, which found measurable effects in several clinical trials.
However, researchers noted absorption can be limited unless combined with substances like black pepper.
Mental health questions
Turmeric has also been studied for its possible impact on mood. A meta-analysis in the Journal of Affective Disorders found curcumin supplements were associated with modest improvements in depressive symptoms compared with placebo.
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Researchers cautioned that supplements should not replace prescribed antidepressants and emphasised the need for larger human studies.
Health bodies, including the NHS, advise speaking to a GP before starting supplements, particularly for those taking medication, as turmeric can interact with certain drugs.
Sources: Express
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