So before we get into the skincare science, let’s quickly cover the recipes I tested: I prepared both the Golden Banana Bread and the Beauty Food Smoothie from Golde’s excellent, recipe-packed blog, The Golden Hour. Banana bread and smoothies were already some of my favorite foods, and Golde’s Turmeric blend was a welcome addition—enhancing both the flavor and nutritional. Truly, though, this spice blend tastes incredible (it’s pleasantly noticeable, but not too overpowering) and I can’t wait to see what other drinks and foods it will also pair nicely with. And before we dive in, an important note: before adding any new dietary supplements to your diet, it’s best to consult with your doctor.

Now, what we’re all really curious about: food as skincare. We chatted with Chicago-based dietitian Molly DePrenger, M.S., RD, CSOWM (and also notably, my cousin!) about Golde’s Turmeric Blend and the intersection of skincare and nutrition.

After taking a look at this blend’s ingredients, what skin and overall health benefits did you identify?

These ingredients each have great benefits. Coconut milk is a nice medium to begin with because it’s low in carbohydrates (which may not be as beneficial in beverages as they are in foods). Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, with curcumin as its active ingredient. The blend’s black pepper gets its anti-inflammatory properties from pipertine, which actually makes the turmeric’s curcumin more bioavailable.

What do you mean by “bioavailable”?

Bioavailability is the amount of a substance that’s capable of being absorbed and available for use or storage. [Editor’s note: Think, greater bioavailability=better nutritional value.]

In this instance, it was very much by design that these two ingredients (turmeric and black pepper) were included together, because you don’t absorb as much turmeric without that black pepper. So this means that you’ll need them both together, or you may not see the benefits (such as anti-inflammation) to the same extent.

Why are anti-inflammatories important?

It’s important to consume foods with anti-inflammatory properties to treat this risk of inflammation that we’re all exposed to daily. Some things that can cause inflammation are processed foods and sugar, poor sleep, acute illness or infection, and stress (which can release inflammation-causing hormones). [Editor’s note: Inflammation is a culprit with almost all skin conditions, so it must be treated before anything else—otherwise skincare actives will typically further irritate the skin!]

Ultimately, this is a product I would recommend because the claims can be supported by their ingredients.

Any other ingredients you want to call out?

Ginger is anti-inflammatory as well, and cinnamon has antioxidant properties. These will be helpful in preventing long-term or permanent skin damage that can be caused by environmental factors like pollutants and UV rays.

How do different recipes impact the blend’s nutritional value? Are some recipes better than others?

The bioavailability of these nutrients is improved when consumed with a fat. So for optimal benefits, I’d make it into an unsweetened nut milk latte because the milk contains fat. That said, if you cook the blend or heat it, it will not reduce the bioavailability. If you’re incorporating it into banana bread, it will improve the properties of the bread.

Overall, is this a product you would recommend, or invest in yourself?

Yes, because the claims can be supported by their ingredients. Ginger matches up with their claim around supporting gut health. The turmeric and black pepper support clarity and radiance, because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cardamom may be associated with a boost in immunity as it decreases the secretion of inflammatory compounds that increase your risk of infection, according to a 2019 study.

Are there any other particular foods, vitamins, etc. that you would advise adding into your diet specifically for promoting skin health?

As it speaks to skincare, I am absolutely positive skin health is related to fatty acid intake. The absorption of many nutrients may be improved when consumed with a fat source. An omega-3 supplement can work as well.

This study speaks to fatty acids found in fish oil. Fish oil and the related actives, such as omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fats), have been proven helpful in maintaining skin homeostasis and helping to improve the effects of cutaneous abnormalities, like photoaging, cancer, and dermatitis. These fatty acids improve skin’s barrier function, inhibit UV-induced inflammation and hyperpigmentation, accelerate skin wound healing, and prevent skin cancer development. So what this is saying is that the more nutrients you eat, the more powerful these PUFAs will be.

[Editor’s note: TLDR; Eating fatty acids and fish oil is great for skin, but their effectiveness is enhanced when you have a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet, too.]

And the verdict is...

From the taste test to the dietician’s stamp of approval, Golde’s Turmeric Latte Blend is a pantry must-have. Not only is the blend easy and delicious to incorporate in your favorite recipes, it promotes skin health from the inside out. Because why not have your skincare and eat it too?

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