Curcumin is highly effective against chronic inflammation, which leads to tissue damage and serious illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer. Found in turmeric, also known as Indian saffron, curcumin 95 is the main anti-inflammatory ingredient with powerful biological properties.
In this article, you’ll learn more about curcumin and its uses.
What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is the active bio-ingredient in turmeric. Most curcumin supplements distill this element out of turmeric in order to provide the maximum health benefits.
Usually turmeric contains:
- Protein
- Fat
- Carbohydrates
- Fiber
- Sugar
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Iron
- Manganese
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Gastric cancer
Further, it has other vitamins and minerals, but the amount of curcumin present is quite less, making it important to extract out curcumin and use it separately.
Why Consume Curcumin Supplements?
As curcumin has poor bioavailability, hindering its absorption by the body, one needs to rely on supplements to get enough amounts.
Various formulations are available that increase the bioavailability of curcumin.
But no natural formulation is as effective as the one with piperine, a black pepper extract.
Piperine increases the rate of absorption of cucumin, ensuring your body gets enough amount that has proven to be beneficial in scientific studies.
Benefits of Curcumin
As the primary active component in turmeric, curcumin provides most of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties to this spice.
Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, curcumin can provide many health benefits, some of which are mentioned below.
Fights Chronic Inflammation
Turmeric is famously known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and curcumin is primarily responsible for these benefits.
Research shows that consuming the right amount of curcumin can be more effective for fighting inflammation than common anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil.)
Since chronic inflammation leads to many illnesses and increases pain, curcumin can reduce your chances of developing these conditions later in life.
Improves Heart Health
Endothelial, a thin membrane inside the heart and blood vessels, regulates blood pressure. As we age, this membrane gets regularly damaged by free radicals and inflammation.
By lowering the level of inflammation in your body and fighting free radicals, curcumin can reduce the damage done to the endothelial and protect you from developing serious heart diseases related to aging.
Reduces Cancer Risk
Inflammation causes damage to cells and their DNAs. Damage to a cell's DNA is the primary cause of tumor formation. Curcumin can reduce your risk of developing:
However, curcumin as a cancer treatment is still being researched.
Ameliorates Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes inflammation and pain. Because of its antiinflammatory properties, curcumin can be considered a long-term safe and effective treatment option for osteoarthritis.
A study on mice noted the efficacy of curcumin at slowing the progression of OA. Further, topical curcumin treatment options were effective at providing pain relief.
May Help with Diabetes
Some reviews of scientific studies have noted that 95 curcuminoids may be effective at preventing and treating not only diabetes but also associated conditions such as peripheral neuropathy.
Curcumin can help in managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Though its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin may improve the factors that ultimately lead to diabetes or exacerbate it.
May Help with Mental Health Conditions
Depression and anxiety are major mental health conditions that have an impact on our physical health, cognitive abilities, and overall outlook.
And then there are age related mental decline diseases, such as Alzheimer’s which have a neuro-degenerative effect.
Scientists have discovered that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be responsible for keeping neurons and the communication among them healthy.
This is essential for people suffering from depression and Alzheimer’s, as both these conditions lower the levels of BDNF in the brain.
According to a study, curcumin may not only reverse the effects of chronic stress but also boost the levels of BDNF in the brain.
Because of its ability to boost BDNF levels, curcumin shows promise to be an effective and potent antidepressant.
Further, a rat study proved that taking higher doses of curcumin has antidepressant effects.
May Improve Skin Health
As inflammation, oxidants, and microbes cause many of the skin conditions, such as eczema, photoaging, acne, and psoriasis, curcumin may improve your skin health by reducing inflammation, neutralizing free radicals, and killing microbes.
One scientific review notes the effectiveness of oral curcumin as a treatment option for psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
However, it isn’t a good topical treatment option because of its poor bioavailability.
Antioxidative Effects
As a potent antioxidant, curcumin neutralizes free radicals, which put your body in a state of oxidative stress and cause damage to the cells in the body.
Free radicals are created during metabolism and cause diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Also, curcumin can prevent the creation of free radicals, reducing the oxidative stress on your body.
And because of these benefits of curcumin, it is being regarded as a great anti-aging supplement.
Conclusion
Because curcumin has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, it may be effective against many serious mental and physical health conditions such as depression, heart disease, and cancer. By taking curcumin regularly, you can reduce the oxidative stress on your body and enjoy a healthy life.
FAQs
Q. Is curcumin and turmeric the same?
A. Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric. Turmeric contains curcumin in a very little amount, so it is important to consume cucumin extracted from turmeric to gain the potential health benefits.
Q. Why is there piperine in curcumin supplements?
A. Piperine, a black pepper extract, increases the bioavailability of curcumin. As curcumin isn’t easily absorbed by our body, piperine is used to boost its absorption rate.
Q. Is curcumin effective against chronic inflammation and pain?
A. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It can not only reduce inflammation in your body but also neutralize free radicals to reduce oxidative stress on your body.
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