This review article by Hewlings and Kalman explores the health benefits of curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric, a spice known for its medicinal properties. Curcumin is effective in managing oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. It also aids in reducing exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, enhancing recovery and performance in active individuals. The poor bioavailability of curcumin, due to its rapid metabolism and elimination, is addressed by combining it with enhancing agents like piperine, which can increase bioavailability by up to 2000%. The review highlights several studies demonstrating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin, particularly in conditions such as osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, and healthy individuals. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to improve cognitive function, mood, and blood biomarkers in healthy adults. Despite its generally favorable safety profile, some side effects have been reported, including diarrhea, headache, and gastrointestinal issues. The authors conclude that curcumin's multiple health benefits are primarily due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and that combining it with enhancing agents can significantly improve its bioavailability and therapeutic effects.This review article by Hewlings and Kalman explores the health benefits of curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric, a spice known for its medicinal properties. Curcumin is effective in managing oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. It also aids in reducing exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, enhancing recovery and performance in active individuals. The poor bioavailability of curcumin, due to its rapid metabolism and elimination, is addressed by combining it with enhancing agents like piperine, which can increase bioavailability by up to 2000%. The review highlights several studies demonstrating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin, particularly in conditions such as osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, and healthy individuals. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to improve cognitive function, mood, and blood biomarkers in healthy adults. Despite its generally favorable safety profile, some side effects have been reported, including diarrhea, headache, and gastrointestinal issues. The authors conclude that curcumin's multiple health benefits are primarily due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and that combining it with enhancing agents can significantly improve its bioavailability and therapeutic effects.