The health benefits of curcumin

Spices are one of the most important aspects of cooking, as they have the ability to improve the flavor and aroma of food. In many countries, spices are a big part of their cuisine and are deeply ingrained in their culture. One such example is turmeric, which has been largely associated with Indian culture for thousands of years. Today, turmeric is utilized in cuisines all over the world, from South Asian and Middle Eastern dishes to popular recipes in American cooking. It's one of the core ingredients used to make curry dishes, and is the source of their distinctive yellow color and flavor. Turmeric has been used for centuries in ancient Ayurvedic medicine as well. Indians used it as an antiseptic for cuts and burns, and as a remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort and respiratory conditions, and more. But what makes turmeric such a valued spice? Through advancements in technology, modern medicine has discovered that turmeric contains curcumin, a naturally occurring antioxidant that is the source of turmeric's various health benefits. Due to the purported health benefits of turmeric over the centuries, many researchers have investigated this spice to discover the truth to these claims. The list below presents some of their findings about turmeric's capabilities, which you may find very remarkable: • May have anti-inflammatory effects — Curcuminoids found in turmeric may inhibit the activity and synthesis of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), which are enzymes related to inflammation. In one study conducted on rats, researchers discovered that curcumin profoundly helped reduce joint inflammation. • Helps support your digestive health — Curcumin may have help maintain digestive health. In a study that involved five people affected with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), researchers found out that curcumin helped improve the symptoms of the participants. • May help boost eye health — In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, patients affected with chronic anterior uveitis (inflammation of the uvea, or the middle layer of the eye) were given 375 milligrams of curcumin three times daily for 12 days. Within two weeks, the participants experienced an improvement in symptoms, with no reported side effects. • Support recovery after surgery — Those who have just undergone surgery may experience pain and tenderness at the site of operation, a problem that curcumin may help with. In one study, patients who received 400 milligrams of curcumin three times a day for six days, as part of their postoperative treatments, experienced an 84.2% decrease in pain intensity. • May help keep your brain sharp — Recent research explored the potential neuroprotective benefits of curcumin. One such study suggested that curcumin may be effective against Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disease that causes your brain to gradually produce lower levels of dopamine, negatively affecting movement over time. Another study notes that curcumin may help with cognitive impairment. • Helps lower cancer risk — Curcumin may play a role in diminishing the growth of cancerous cells by affecting pathways such as "mutagenesis, oncogene expression, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, tumorigenesis and metastasis." • Supports your mental health — Aside from keeping your brain healthy, curcumin may help promote the healthy functioning of various mental aspects, such as emotional and psychological well-being. In a randomized, double-blind study, 123 participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder were given a placebo, a curcumin-saffron mixture, a low-dose curcumin extract and a high-dose extract. Results from the study indicate that those who took the curcumin and curcumin-saffron combination exhibited improvements in symptoms compared to the placebo group. • Helps keep your skin healthy — Applying a curcumin-based cream on your skin may help keep it healthy and prevent the development of skin diseases. In a study that involved 10 subjects affected with vitiligo, researchers subjected them to a procedure that combined UVB therapy and curcumin cream, which resulted in significant re-pigmentation. In another study, patients suffering from psoriasis were provided a 450-gram curcumin supplement per day for 12 weeks. After the study, two participants reported an 83% to 88% improvement of symptoms. • Helps lower risk of diabetes — According to a study published in Diabetes Care, consuming curcumin regularly may help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Over the course of nine months, researchers monitored 240 prediabetics who were given either a placebo or a curcumin supplement. Results indicated that 16.4% of the group who were provided a placebo had developed diabetes, whereas the curcumin group did not. • Supports optimal cardiovascular function — Curcumin may help maintain normal heart function, according to several studies. In one example, researchers demonstrated that curcuminoids can help decrease myocardial infarction in people who received coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In another study, researchers suggested that curcumin can help lower total cholesterol level, as well as LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Source: mercola.com, 9/2/19.