15% off €35 OR 20% off €45

Code:SAVE
 

15% off €35 OR 20% off €45

Code:SAVE

OffersSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchPayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyOutlet2 for €23 Mix & MatchShort Dated2 for €6 Mix & MatchIntroductory OfferVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBioglanNatures AidBetterYouNovominsWild NutritionNeubria3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 pricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyOutletIntroductory OfferDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksProtein ShakesJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaNakdHeath & HeatherPerfectTedTwiningsNOMOTREKSave up to 1/2 pricePayday EventBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyShort Dated2 for €6 Mix & Match3 for 2 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoPrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionMyproteinGrenadeUSNPhDTriActiveSiSPulsinSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 PricePayday EventOnline Only3 for 2 Mix & MatchIntroductory OfferShort Dated2 for €35 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmSea MagikSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 PricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €23 Mix & MatchOnline OnlyOutlet3 for 2 Mix & MatchAlcohol FreeFluoride freePalm Oil FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDEat WaterUSNNatures AidNew NordicApplied NutritionSave up to 1/2 pricePayday Event3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline OnlyBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceShort Dated2 for €35 Mix & MatchSugar FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesEnergyGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseHolland & BarrettNaturtintVitabioticsDr OrganicSolgarBetterYouWildApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionWeledaSave up to 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy One Get One 1/2 PricePayday EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOnline Only2 for €23 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeAlcohol FreeWheat FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inNew InBest SellersTrendingShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergyWomen's HealthMenopauseSkincareJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesEnergyWomen's HealthPeriod & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

What is curcumin?

turmeric capsules
Ever heard of curcumin? It's the pigment which gives turmeric its bright yellow colour. Learn more about the benefits of curcumin and what it's used for.

Summary

1What is curcumin good for?

Like other bright natural foods, curcumin is rich in phytochemicals and phytonutrients...

2Potential side effects of curcumin

Most people can take curcumin supplements without any problems. However, some people experience adverse side effects, including: Nausea, Diarrhoea...

3How to include more curcumin in your diet

Scientists have shown that cooking turmeric with oil encourages curcumin absorption.17 It’s easy enough to add a spoon of olive or coconut oil to a...

Explore related topics

If you’re into health and wellness, you’ve probably heard about turmeric and why it’s good for you. But what about curcumin? Here, we’ll investigate exactly what it is, curcumins different health benefits and we’ll take a look at any potential side effects. We’ll explain how to get more in your life, including how curcumin supplements work.

What is curcumin?

Perhaps you don’t know curcumin by name. Still, you’d certainly recognise it on sight as curcumin is the pigment which gives turmeric its bright yellow colour.1 Curcumin is responsible for turmeric’s reputation as a healing food in Ayurveda, India’s ancient holistic tradition.2 Modern science has proven turmeric’s association with health and wellness is justified by demonstrating that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects.

Handpicked content: What is turmeric?

How much curcumin is in turmeric?

However, turmeric itself is only 3% curcumin, which means it’s near impossible to get curcumin’s benefits by adding turmeric to meals.4 Many people choose instead to take curcumin as a supplement.

What is curcumin good for?

Like other bright natural foods, curcumin is rich in phytochemicals and phytonutrients.5

1. May have soothing effects

Various scientific studies have highlighted that curcumin may possess certain anti-inflammatory qualities, which may help to improve and manage some of the symptoms that come along with that are experienced with this biological response. 6,7
 

2. May have antioxidant effects

Oxidative stress, a natural process that has been found to be exacerbated by smoking and pollution (among other things), is strongly linked to ageing and age-related diseases.8 Not only does curcumin contain antioxidants which help fight oxidative stress8, but it scientific research shows that it may also help the body to promote antioxidant activity.9,10
 

3. May support mood support.

Curcumin may also be able to help support your mood and reduce stress. In fact, one study from 2020 concluded that the participants who took curcumin supplements experienced an improvement in some aspects of mood and memory function.11 Another study found that when chronically stressed rats were given curcumin supplements, they did not experience a stress-induced decrease in their serotonin levels.12
 

4. May help to Improveimproves cognition.

Another potential benefit of curcumin is that it may support certain cognitive functions. One study from 2012 found that curcumin possessed the ability to encourage the growth and plasticity of genes in the brain.13

Looking for more details on how curcumin could be good for you? Our guide has you covered.
 

Potential side effects of curcumin

Most people can take curcumin supplements without any problems. However, some people may experience adverse side effects, including:14 
Curcumin supplement capsules, turmeric powder in glass bowl and curcuma root in background. Herbal medicine Curcuma against inflammation
  • Nausea 
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Headache 
  • Yellow stool15
  • Acid reflux 
  • Indigestion
People with liver complaints shouldn’t take curcumin without consulting their doctor, as curcumin increases bile secretion.16

How to include more curcumin in your diet

Scientists have shown that cooking turmeric with oil encourages curcumin absorption.17 It’s easy enough to add a spoon of olive or coconut oil to a curry, or rice dish, prepared with turmeric, and doing so helps the body better process curcumin.

Taking curcumin supplements

With so many different benefits of curcumin, taking curcumin tablets is a fantastic way to enjoy this pigments health benefits. Most supplements include black pepper, as the blood can’t effectively absorb curcumin without it. Black pepper increases the blood’s efficacy at absorbing curcumin by 3000%!18

How much curcumin per day?

So, how much curcumin can you take each day? The World Health Organisation (WHO) state that 1.4mg per pound of body weight is acceptable to take per day.19

The final say

That’s the lowdown on all things curcumin. Now you know more about this interesting component of turmeric, will you add it to your diet? Keep in mind that it may interfere with some medication and pre-existing conditions, so please speak to your GP before trying it.

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers
Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.