Tasty way to ease aches

Curcumin, the spice that gives curry its vivid color, can thwart joint pain as effectively as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), according to researchers reporting in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy. They examined 15 studies in which arthritis patients taking curcumin supplements showed improvements in pain and stiffness that were on par with high-dose ibuprofen and the prescription NSAID celecoxib. The study authors credit curcumin’s anti-inflammatory action for its ability to ease pain and enhance mobility. A brand we like: Terry Naturally CuraMed ($28 for 60 softgels; Vitacost.com).