Is a turmeric (curcumin and black pepper) supplement advisable to take to promote a generally and overall healthy lifestyle? any downside?

Yes,not for everyone: Turmeric is one of the healthiest foods we can consume but is poorly absorbed so mixing it with black pepper enhances absorption (or with phospholipids in a form called Meriva). It reduces inflammation,is good for brain,heart and liver,thins blood,protects against heart disease, cancer & Alzheimer's but can cause stomach upset for some and interacts with some drugs. See http://tinyurl.com/o2eknpt