Turmeric has become a hugely popular supplement for horses, with much anecdotal evidence to support its use for maintaining health and comfort. Racehorses are under a huge amount of stress, both physical and mental.  Training, travelling, racing and feeding regimes are major challenges, so natural supplements, which are permitted under the rules of racing, can make a huge difference to their performance and well-being.

Turmeric could benefit performance horses in the following ways:

A healthy immune system

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger. It is hepatoprotective, therefore helping to flush out toxins and maintain healthy blood cell balance.

A healthy respiratory system

As well as antioxidants to maintain the immune system, turmeric is also anti-microbial and anti-bacterial thus helping to rid the body of the causative agents of respiratory infections. In guinea pigs, trials have shown an anti-asthmatic effect of turmeric with a reduction in airway constriction and hyper-sensitivity to histamine.

Support joint comfort

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and widely recommend for arthritis sufferers. It can help maintain freedom of movement and relieve stiff joints.

Digestive Health

Turmeric is believed to increase gastric wall mucus production, therefore having a protective effect on the gastro-intestinal tract. It is also believed to enhance the healing of ulcers and could promote a healthy micro-flora.