Live Healthy Over 50 Daily · October 19, 2026
Plenty of us stir turmeric into dinner or take it in a capsule, hoping it eases sore knees. Here is what the research shows so far, and the one safety catch worth knowing.
What it may do for you
Turmeric is a yellow spice from a plant in the ginger family. Its main active part is curcumin, which gives the spice its color, says the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), part of the NIH. It has a long history in traditional medicine for things like indigestion and arthritis.
Several reviews of studies looked at turmeric or curcumin for knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness. The NCCIH calls the early evidence positive, but says better studies are needed before anyone can draw firm conclusions. It adds that we don't know enough yet to say turmeric or curcumin helps for any health purpose.
Curcumin is hard for the body to absorb, like a key that rarely reaches its lock. Many supplements add piperine from black pepper, and the NCCIH says that combination is one way to improve absorption. Some supplements made to be absorbed even better have been linked to liver damage in a few people.
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Add a pinch of turmeric and a few twists of black pepper to tonight's soup, eggs or roasted vegetables.
Good to know
If you take any medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using a turmeric supplement, because herbs and medicines can interact in harmful ways (NCCIH). Stop and call your provider if you notice dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, poor appetite, or unusual fatigue.
Want the full story? Watch What Happens To Your Body When You Take Turmeric Everyday on our YouTube channel.
To your health,
The Live Healthy Over 50 Team
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For general education only. Not medical advice. Talk with your doctor before changing your diet, especially if you take medication or manage a health condition.