Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

First, there are the researched benefits of curcumin (the yellow pigment in Turmeric): -fights many types of cancers -measurably boosts immune function -prevents and helps repair many types of degenerative brain disease -fights inflammation -fights heart disease -protects and even stimulates regeneration of liver cells -reduces weight gain So we know curcumin is really good stuff. But is this New Chapter "Turmeric Force" product any good? Here is what I have found in my research about the use of curcumin. First, studies have shown that the most beneficial way of consuming curcumin is by consuming low doses over long periods of time. This is easily done by adding TUMERIC to your meals on a regular basis. If you like Indian food, this will be easy. If not, taking an organic tumeric supplement is easy and low cost and will give you the maximum benefit. In the event you have a major injury (inflammation), infection or are diagnosed with cancer, this is where a concentrated curcumin supplement comes in handy. It is also worth noting that curcumin is often a synergistic supplement that gives it's maximum benefit only when taken with other specific nutrients. For example. It is the combination of vitamin D3 *with* Curcumin that has shown to be very powerful in preventing and healing Alzheimer's disease and dementia. New Chapter's Turmeric Force is a basic Turmeric supplement (not a curcumin supplement, nor a "concentrated" Turmeric). The packaging/ label does not mention the % of Curcuminoids and because there are some additives in the mix, this product is probably delivering less than the 2% Curcuminoids found in fresh plain Turmeric. They have added olive oil, maltodextrin, hypromellose (the capsule) and beeswax. The only ingredient in that list that I am not familiar with is hypromellose. A little bit of specific research reveals that, "Hypromellose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is an inert, viscous and elastic semi-synthetic phthalate polymer."[...] The part of that quote that concerns me is "semi-synthetic phthalate polymer". Hello! Translation: Half synthetic dissovable phthalate plastic to be ingested! I have seen enough references to the toxic endocrine disrupting effects of Phthalates that I certainly do not plan to intentionally ingest them! Unfortunately, this particular "semi-synthetic phthalate" is being deceptively promoted as "100% vegetarian capsules". While New Chapter is a company that (historically) built its reputation for offering higher quality products, I am disappointed to see the use of known phthalate in this particular product. New Chapter is not what it used to be. It is now owned by Proctor and Gamble. This coincides with the decrease in quality and increase of cheap synthetic ingredients. I also think this product is overpriced. At $20 for 30 capsules, that is 67 cents per dose! You can buy a POUND of clean, pure, organic turmeric powder with zero additives for $10 bucks! A teaspoon of turmeric powder is the daily recommended dose for maximum long term benefits. Keep in mind that the most beneficial part of turmeric is the curcumin found in the PIGMENT, not the oils, so don't worry about "the loss of oils" that occur with dry powdered Turmeric. We grow fresh organic Turmeric root and freeze it. We cut off chunks as needed and crush/mince/puree to add it to our food regularly. We also keep organic turmeric powder on hand for culinary use (sprinkle on eggs in the morning). We also keep a concentrated CURCUMIN supplement on hand for illness or injury. If your food preferences don't allow for adding turmeric to your food, I would suggest going for an organic liquid supplement (easier to consume than dry powder) that does not include these nefarious "phthalate" capsules. "Herb Pharm Turmeric System Restoration" liquid looks pretty good, but there are probably others as well. If you must have capsules, I like the Gaia Turmeric line (includes the synergistic ingredients that make turmeric more effective at various healing tasks). The Gaia line comes in liquid caps that are made of Chlorophyll Vegetable Cellulose, not Hypromellose. Thanks for reading, I hope this review is helpful!