Curcumin may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. Many studies have shown that it has major benefits for your body and brain.
You may have heard of turmeric and used it in the kitchen before. Have you ever heard of turmeric’s health benefits?
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow colour. Turmeric comes from a tropical plant called Curcuma longa, a part of the ginger family. Turmeric is a bright yellow rhizome (underground stem) commonly found in its powdered form made by dry grinding of the mature turmeric root.
Here are 10 health benefits of turmeric:
- Medicinal Spice
Turmeric contains bioactive compounds with powderful medicinal properties. It has been used for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions such as liver disease, skin problem, boosts the immune system, reduce acid reflux symptoms and reduces pain and inflammation in the body associated with arthritis and general wound healing.
- Curcumin Is A Potent Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound
Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation by lowering levels of two inflammation enzymes in the body. Inflammation is a complicated immunological process that takes places in the cell. Curcumin works at a cellular level to block out bioactive molecules that trigger the inflammation process common in most chronic diseases such as arthritis and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Turmeric Dramatically Increases The Antioxidant Capacity of The Body
One of the mechanisms behind ageing and many diseases is oxidative damage. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals in the body helping to prevent aging and disease. It can also stimulate the body’s own antioxidant properties.
- Curcumin Increases Brain Function By Boosting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a type of growth hormone that functions in the brain. Curcumin has been shown to increase neurogenesis, potentially via modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and by increasing (BDNF) production in the brain.
- Curcumin Has Been Shown To Have Incredible Benefits Against Depression
Depression has been linked to reduced levels of BDNF. Studies have confirmed that curcumin, found in turmeric, has a similar effect as antidepressants on patients suffering from depression by boosting levels of BDNF. Curcumin has also been shown to boost the brains neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
- Boosts Heart Health
Due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties curcumin can lower the chance of heart diseases. Curcumin improves the lining of the blood vessels, regulate blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. One study found that curcumin is just as effective as exercise at improving blood flow to the heart.
- Protection From Cancers
Curcumin contains anti-cancer compounds that can strengthen the body providing cancer protection.
- Prevents Arthritits and Relieves Joint Pain
Given that curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory, it makes sense that it could help with arthritis as it has a positive effect on joint swelling and pain-reduction. Some studies suggest that patients with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was even more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug.
- Improves Alzheimer’s Disease
Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can pass through the blood/brain barrier, unlike other substances and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Fights Chronic Disease and Premature Aging
Due to all of curcumins potent health benefits listed above such as reducing inflammation in the body and being a potent antioxidant curcumin provides compounds that kill off free-radicals that cause the ageing process and prevent disease.
Find out more about the benefits of turmeric and curcumin at this fascinating site