The Golden Child

Convenient and tasty, turmeric gummies are the hottest new supplement promising to fight inflammation and improve your health—but do they really deliver?

- HEATHER ADAMS

Turmeric is everywhere, and we're not mad about it

The brightly-hued spice with anti-inflammatory properties has a whole lot of potential, offering up possible health benefits for your heart, mind, and joints. But one visit to your local drugstore or supermarket will show you that turmeric isn't just a trend it's the trend.

Countless brands are unveiling gummies that promise all the perks in a deliciously sweet form. But do the supps deliver? Or are they just overhyped?

Turmeric gummies may offer potential benefits

Just like pills and powders, turmeric gummies may deliver a good-for-you dose of beneficial bioactive compounds in the form of curcumin. Curcumin and the other curcuminoids present in the yellow-orange spice are the nutrients that make it so great for your health. With natural, powerful anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant content, curcumin may help fight chronic inflammation within the body. It may also fight free radicals and the oxidative damage they may cause.

The curcumin content in turmeric may also have potential advantages for those with certain health concerns or conditions. Curcumin studies have suggested some promise in treating arthritis, its symptoms, and the inflammation it causes in the joints. Research also suggests some positive potential in treating depression. Even if you don't have any health concerns, one study suggests that curcumin may help propel you into a better mood. In the study, curcumin boosted key neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, that can perk up your outlook.

So, turmeric gummies containing curcumin just may have potential benefits when taken regularly. But popping a couple of supps once a day may not be as powerful or effective as taking more traditional forms of turmeric.