WHAT IS TURMERIC?
Turmeric is a perennial herbaceous plant which is part of the ginger family. The rhizome, which is more commonly known as a root, has been used in cooking, as a textile dye, and in traditional medicine for many years. It is native to Southern India and Indonesia. At MOJU we source our turmeric from Peru, as we believe the growing conditions there produce some of the highest quality product.
TURMERIC POWDER
You can typically find turmeric powder in the spice section of the supermarket as a bright orange powder. It is prepared by boiling the rhizome, drying it in a hot oven, and then grinding the dried roots. As with the case with many dried spices, it will lose its potency overtime.
HOW ARE TURMERIC CAPSULES MADE?
The use of capsules rose from 1968 to present day within the medical industry as an alternative way to consume medicine/supplements overcoming the negative effects of bad tastes and/bitterness that often came with tablets.
Capsules often contain dry powdered ingredients. In this case dried turmeric and are made in two halves. A smaller diameter section ‘body’ is filled and then sealed with a slightly larger cap, to form a capsule.
WHAT ARE CAPSULES MADE OF?
Capsules are typically made from gelling agents, such as gelatin or plant derivatives.
Gelatin is made through a process that involves boiling down certain parts of cows. The hooves, bones, and connective tissues are boiled until it is a gel like substance, and then allowed to cool and expand in cool water. (link).
The vegan and vegetarian alternative to gelatin is created by forming vegetable cellulose. The vegetable cellulose used is hydroxypropyl methyl-cellulose. The second is pullulan which is an extract from tapioca roots
DIGESTION OF CAPSULES VS TURMERIC SHOTS
For your body to access the nutrients or active compounds in a capsule it needs to break down the hard outer casing before it can even start to digest and absorb the nutrients. There is evidence that this can take from 15 mins to 2 hours (link).
A turmeric shot does not have the barrier of breaking down to get over, they are in a format that the body can use straight away allowing the turmeric shots to get to work right away.
SWALLOWING A CAPSULE VS A TURMERIC SHOT
Lots of people find it difficult to swallow capsules. There are multiple reasons for this. We naturally chew food before swallowing, capsules require a conscious over-ride to the normal chew and swallow reflex (link). In some groups trouble swallowing can affect 15-90% of individuals (link).
Turmeric shots are in a format that does not face this issue and can be enjoyed as a 60ml shot. If you prefer a longer drink, you can add it to still or sparkling water or add it to smoothies and other dishes. A turmeric shot is therefore an extremely versatile product!
THE ENJOYMENT FACTORS: A CAPSULE VS A TURMERIC SHOT
When it comes to consuming a capsule there is absolutely no feedback or enjoyment associated with it, in fact it's quite boring when you think about it.
A turmeric shot on the other hand fires up your senses, visibly you can see the cold pressed turmeric root bursting with colour. Small flecks of pepper in suspension. This is added to the formulation as our bodies do not have the greatest ability at absorbing turmeric and its numerous components, such as curcumin. Luckily, research has found a solution. Black pepper contains a compound called piperine and studies have shown that piperine can increase the absorption of curcumin by up to 2000% (link).
You can also smell the turmeric shot which activates certain areas of the brain leading to increasing the enjoyment associated with consuming a turmeric shot. This means you a more likely to take the turmeric shot every day, and consistency of use over a long-term period will lead to better results for your health.
Lastly, connected with smell is taste. With a turmeric shot you can taste the goodness as you are consuming the shot. This reinforces the fact that you are giving your bodies some amazing nutrients to cope with the daily demands of life.
The evidence is compelling when it comes to a turmeric shot vs a capsule. Quite clearly the turmeric shot trumps a capsule on multiple levels!
Ready to give our fresh pressed turmeric shot a go? Head here to try it now!
