Turmeric has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines for centuries, but only recently has it come into the limelight of Western medicine as well. It contains unique compounds called curcuminoids, which not only have anti-inflammatory properties but also demonstrate antioxidant activities that may help prevent cellular damage from free radicals associated with various diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It also has strong detoxification effects that can help remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body. Here are 10 reasons why turmeric curcumin supplements are worth your time and money!
1)Anti-inflammatory
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. In studies, curcumin supplements have been shown to reduce symptoms associated with the following inflammatory diseases: arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative proctitis, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Research also shows that it can decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-1b as well as inhibit enzymes like COX-2. Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Unlike most common over-the-counter drugs for inflammation like ibuprofen and aspirin, turmeric contains natural compounds that work together synergistically.
Anti-oxidant: Besides reducing inflammation, research has found turmeric is an effective natural antioxidant that may help prevent oxidative stress and thereby limit cell damage from free radicals. It also increases glutathione levels which are responsible for neutralizing oxidants in your body.
2) Antioxidant
Antioxidants are substances that can counteract the effects of molecules in the body called free radicals, which damage cells and have been linked to aging and disease. Antioxidants come from many sources, including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. In addition to these antioxidants, you may also choose to supplement with turmeric curcumin supplements as they contain a potent antioxidant that has been shown to be helpful with a variety of health conditions.
1) Research has shown that antioxidant activity within curcuminoids such as turmeric is correlated with improved brain function in older adults.
2) Research has also found that taking supplements containing turmeric curcuminoids can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.
3) Cardiovascular health
Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its yellow color, may help to protect cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation. A 2016 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that curcumin-only supplementation significantly reduced serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol without affecting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can build up along the walls of arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease. According to researchers, The reduction in serum total cholesterol with curcumin was comparable to commercially available hypolipidemic agents. LDL is one type of blood fat called bad fat because it has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease.
4) Brain health
Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, meaning it can help protect your brain against oxidative damage that can lead to Alzheimer’s and dementia. In fact, a study found that turmeric intake is linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps with other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. For example, one study found that curcumin (the main active compound in turmeric) works as well as Prozac for people with major depressive disorder. And another found that taking just 400 mg a day led to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms after six weeks.
5) Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells within the body. Normally, cells grow and multiply in a controlled way to form organs and other structures. When cancer starts growing, it can spread to other parts of the body through blood or lymphatic vessels.
Cancer occurs more often in men than in women, especially prostate cancer and lung cancer. Cancer rates are on the rise for both men and women but are higher for men. The most common type of cancer in males is skin cancer (melanoma), followed by prostate cancer. For females, breast cancer is the most common type, followed by lung cancer. The two leading causes of death from cancers are lung and colon cancers in both sexes combined.
6) Digestive Health
Turmeric has been used for centuries to help with digestive health. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties that help to improve the function of the digestive tract.
Turmeric also reduces acid reflux and indigestion by calming stomach muscles and reducing the production of gastric acids. It is a natural treatment for diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and diverticulitis. It can be taken in capsule form or brewed as a tea with ginger and black pepper or simply mixed with yogurt.
Turmeric is also good for respiratory health because it clears mucous buildup in the sinuses and lungs while also fighting inflammation caused by bacterial infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.
7) Skin health
Turmeric curcumin supplements have been extensively studied for their effects on skin health. These include acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis. Research has shown that topical application of turmeric extract can reduce the severity and incidence of these skin disorders. The anti-inflammatory properties are believed to be due to the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) activation and reduction in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). In one study involving patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, a topically applied cream containing 0.5% of an ointment formulation containing curcumin was found to be significantly more effective than a control treatment or oral medication over eight weeks. Another study found it could reduce symptoms by 20% in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
8) Pain relief
Turmeric is a common spice originating from the Curcuma longa plant, a species of ginger native to Southeast Asia. The curcuminoids within it have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity with a wide variety of uses and benefits and very few side effects. One such benefit is pain relief, which can be achieved through various methods including ingestion or topical application.
Turmeric’s effectiveness in treating pain may come from its ability to inhibit COX enzymes, as well as its ability to stop the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the body. PGE2 is responsible for increased sensitization in nerve cells, which causes inflammation and pain sensitivity as well as other reactions associated with chronic pain.
9) Arthritis
Curcumin has been shown to reduce symptoms and inflammation in patients with arthritis by inhibiting the enzymes that destroy cartilage. In a clinical trial, joint pain decreased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after taking curcumin supplements for 12 weeks. The same is true for osteoarthritis, as curcumin reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory markers associated with the disease. It also helps maintain healthy joint mobility by reducing collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen, which helps keep joints supple. Curcumin has even been shown to be effective at relieving the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis when taken orally or injected directly into the joint.
10) Boosts immunity
Turmeric is a common spice originating from the Curcuma longa plant, a species of ginger native to Southeast Asia. The curcuminoids within it have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity with a wide variety of uses and benefits and very few side effects. It’s been shown to boost immunity, fight cancer, reduce inflammation in the brain and improve mood as well as treat acne.
Turmeric comes from the rhizome, or root-like underground stem, of the turmeric plant. The rhizome has a bitter taste that can be removed through cooking or by adding other ingredients like honey or lemon juice.