Curcumin (the beneficial extract of turmeric) is a wonderful supplement which is best known for its benefits in fighting inflammation and joint pain. The only bad thing about curcumin is that it’s very difficult for the body to absorb.
We've recently started carrying a new form of curcumin known as curcumin phytosome which has a much higher absorption rate compared to other forms of curcumin. Curcumin phytosome is different from regular turmeric extracts because it takes the not very well absorbed curcumin and bonds it to phosphatidyl serine, an essential component of our cells which the body can easily absorb. This special superior absorbing form is patented and known as Meriva.
One study researched Meriva's superior bioavailability compared to ordinary curcumin. The study, done not on animals, but humans, demonstrated 29-times greater bioavailability compared to regular turmeric extracts. The patented Meriva extract resulted in higher blood concentrations of curcumin from a much smaller dose than with ordinary curcumin.
The specialized curcumin extract has been researched with impressive results for joint pain. A recent study compared 1000mg of the Meriva curcumin phytosome with patients taking the prescription joint drug Voltaren (Diclofenac Sodium). The curcumin phytosome group had the same reduction in swelling as the prescription drug group, but without the side effects present in the prescription group.
Curcumin has a number of other benefits. One recent study found that curcumin was as effective as Prozac for treating depression. Curcumin has also been researched as a possible preventative and treatment for Alzheimer’s, since it may help to reduce the amount of amyloid plaque in the brain, a hallmark of the disease.
There is no doubt that Curcumin has a long list of benefits, so we’re excited to offer a new, better absorbing form. The brand Jarrow has 500mg capsules of the patented Meriva Curcumin Phytosome, which we highly recommend. I feel like I'm constantly recommending Jarrow, but they really do have singular products that stand out, which is why we recommend them so often.