Looking for an easy way to spice up your health? You may want to consider turmeric. Research has shown various benefits of this common Indian spice, from helping brain and joint health to softening the visible signs of aging.

Turmeric is a perennial plant (Curcuma longa) found in the ginger family. The dried and ground rootstock of this plant is the source of the orange-yellow turmeric spice commonly found in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, most notably curry. The active components of turmeric that are responsible for its rich color and numerous health benefits are known as curcuminoids.

Research has suggested that curcuminoids may play a role in helping to protect joint health. One study investigated the results of adding curcumin to cultured human cartilage cells and tissue¹. Researchers found that this spicy substance actually inhibited the production and release of pro-inflammatory compounds (including S-glycosaminoglycans, better known as GAGs) within the cartilage. The study authors noted that due to its anti-inflammatory effects, curcumin could potentially play a role in helping with osteoarthritis.

Another study conducted on mice found that curcumin's natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may reduce oxidative damage and certain pathological abnormalities in the brain that could lead to Alzheimer's disease². Curcumin appears to reduce the incidence of harmful plaques (known as amyloid-beta peptides) by slowing the maturation of certain proteins (amyloid-beta precursor proteins) within the brain that may play a role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease³.

In India and Southeast Asia, where people consume a great deal of turmeric, there is a low incidence of Alzheimer's disease. However, additional controlled clinical studies are needed to determine the efficacy of turmeric/curcumin in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Another exciting anti-aging benefit of curcumin may be visible on the surface of the skin. In a recent study, two groups of women ages 40 to 60 applied a moisturizing cream with either turmeric and niacinamide (vitamin B3) or niacinimide alone⁴. After eight weeks of twice-daily applications, researchers found that those who used the cream containing both turmeric and niacinimide experienced a 15% greater visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Turmeric is more than just a tasty spice; it contains powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from damaging free radicals, promote healthy aging and support many areas of health. I suggest putting turmeric spice on your food, but it is best to add the turmeric after the food is cooked so the spice can retain its nutritional potency.

Alternatively, you could take a pill with turmeric extract concentrated for the active ingredients curcuminoids - be sure to choose a formula with black pepper extract to enhance absorption. I suggest consuming multiple antioxidants including turmeric/curcuminoids together with CoQ10 and alpha lipoic acid, which are nutrients that can restore the antioxidant function of other antioxidants that have become inactive after neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.

As always, to your good health,
David N. Ilfeld, M.D.


1. Mathy-Hartert M, Jacquemond-Collet I, Priem F, Sanchez C, Lambert C, Henrotin Y. Curcumin inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators and metalloproteinase-3 production by chondrocytes. Inflamm Res. 2009 Dec;58(12):899-908.

2. Lim GP, Chu T, Yang F, Beech W, Frautschy SA, Cole GM. The curry spice curcumin reduces oxidative damage and amyloid pathology in an Alzheimer transgenic mouse. J Neurosci. 2001 Nov 1;21(21):8370-7.

3. Zhang C, Browne A, Child d, Tanzi RE. Curcumin decreases amyloid-beta peptide levels by attenuating the maturation of amyloid-beta precursor protein. J Biol Chem. 2010 Sep 10:285(37):28472-80.

4. Swanson C, Deng G, Kaczvinsky J, Li J, Pepple S, Raleigh P, Robinson L. Topical turmeric extract in a moisturizing cream formula reduces the appearance of facial spots and fine lines and wrinkles on human facial skin. Annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Feb 2010.