How turmeric can support healthy joints

The popular yellow spice can help relieve mild joint inflammation and pain, thanks to an important active ingredient.

A twinge in the knee, an aching shoulder or stiff fingers. Sound familiar?

There’s lots to love about ageing (it is, after all, a privilege) but aching joints isn’t one of those things.

What causes achy joints?

When you take a close look, being a joint in a human body is no easy gig.

A lifetime of moving around (whether you’re the slouchy type or an exercise-aholic) can take a toll on your cartilage – the smooth, rubbery connective tissue that cushions joints and helps them move easily.

As your cartilage gets thinner, bones may not get the cushioning they need. Add to that less lubrication from the synovial fluid (which helps keeps cartilage healthy) and your joint can be in world of ouch.

Joint changes can lead to mild pain and inflammation, and our hips, knees and fingers are common problem areas.

So where does turmeric come in?

Used in curry powders and mustards and known for its bright yellow colour, turmeric is prepared from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is grown across India, other parts of Asia and Central America.

Yes, it’s red hot in wellness circles right now (turmeric latte anyone?) but the spice – specifically its extract, curcumin – has been used for thousands of years in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) and Chinese medicine to treat a range of ailments and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

How curcumin supports joint health

Inflammation is a common factor in mild joint pain and happens as the body tries to repair damage at a particular site.

Studies show that curcumin can help support joint health by lowering inflammation (and therefore swelling) around the joint and enabling better movement and functioning.

It is thought to do this by blocking the key inflammatory pathways and the molecules responsible for them.

As an antioxidant it also helps to reduce free radical damage to body cells and to maintain and support general health and wellbeing.

Incorporating turmeric into your day

There’s no need for curry for breakfast, lunch and dinner to meet your turmeric intake (much as we might love that!).

GO Healthy’s GO Turmeric 30,000+ 1-A-Day is a high concentration supplement (we’re talking 30,000mg per capsule) in a vegetarian and vegan friendly, once-a-day dose capsule.

As well as its high-strength turmeric formulation and high levels of active curcuminoids, GO Healthy’s GO Turmeric 30,000 1-A-Day has added boswellia, another anti-inflammatory herbal extract that can help reduce mild osteoarthritic pain.

Keep in mind the need for a healthy lifestyle, weight and regular exercise, along with a well-balanced diet and you’ll bring in the new season with a spring in your step – and your joints!

* This post is brought to you by GO Healthy’s GO Turmeric 30,000+ 1-A-Day. Always read the label. Use only as directed. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

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