Turmeric is a vibrant spice that has been used in India for thousands of years as a staple as well as a medicinal herb.
Modern research has found out that turmeric has several medicinal properties called curcuminoids.
Curcumin, a superstar molecule in turmeric, accounts for most of the medicinal value in turmeric, but as a fat-soluble molecule, you can reap its benefits even better with a healthy fat or a meal in your system.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of curcumin and why it deserves a place in your daily routine.
7 Benefits of Curcumin for Your Health:
1. Strong Anti-inflammatory Properties
- When considering curcumin and its capacity to ensure anti-inflammatory properties on a molecular level, one can easily see how curcumin is able to outperform others in this capacity. It specifically inhibits NF-kB, a protein complex that triggers the inflammatory response in your cells.[1]
- It has been identified that there are various points along the way where curcumin works within the body to ensure anti-inflammatory properties.
- However, it should be noted that one must take curcumin supplements of high quality to achieve medicinal results. Curcumin may be able to assist in the treatment of various chronic inflammation-related diseases
2. Less Oxidative Damage
- Aging and various contemporary chronic health disorders may be linked to oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is typically the result of highly reactive compounds within the body known as free radicals.
- Curcumin has been shown to have a unique chemical structure that has been proven to be an effective antioxidant. The actions of curcumin work to counteract free radicals before they have a chance to cause damage to cellular membranes.
3. Supports Brain Function (BDNF)
Your brain can make new neural connections at any age due to the presence of a protein known BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) that promotes the growth of new neurons).
- Higher BDNF levels are linked to better cognitive function.
- Low levels are often associated with depression or dementia.
4. Improves Heart Health
The heart disease process comprises many interrelated components, one being endothelial (the inside lining of blood vessels) dysfunction; as a result, curcumin benefits through targeting one aspect of heart disease; endothelium.
Endothelial dysfunction leads to increased risk of elevated blood pressure (high BP) and thrombosis (clotting) by not functioning appropriately (proper functions).
Curcumin works via regulating endothelial function, thereby reducing
- Inflammation
- Oxidation
- Risk of high blood pressure and clotting
5. Relief of Arthritic Symptoms
Since many forms of arthritis involve joint inflammation, it follows that curcumin would help relieve symptoms.
In clinical trials, osteoarthritis patients reported significant improvements in the area of pain relief with curcumin than they did with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) [2].
6. Supporting Mental Health and Mood
There are even signs of evidence that curcumin can be used as a natural form of antidepressant. This works by releasing “feel-good” neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine [3].
- Promote a sense of well-being
- Reduce brain inflammation
- Encourage “brain plasticity“
7. Potential Role in Cancer Prevention
Although it should never be used as a replacement for medical treatment, curcumin has also been researched for its ability to affect cancer growth and development. Research says:
- Contribute to the death of cancerous cells
- Reduce angiogenesis [4] (the growth of new blood vessels in tumors)
- Reduce metastasis (the spread of cancer)
The Bottom Line
Curcumin is a powerhouse ingredient in turmeric that has several science and research-backed benefits from fighting inflammation to a role in cancer prevention.
To get the most out of it, it must be taken with fat in your meals as it is a fat-soluble molecule.
While it is an extremely impactful and effective supplement, it is crucial for one to consult a healthcare professional so that the intake, dosage and requirements meet your personal needs.
References
[1] Foods Journal: Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health (Supports the overview of medicinal value and the necessity of fat-soluble absorption).
[2] Journal of Biological Chemistry: Curcumin inhibits NF-kappaB activation (The foundational study on curcumin’s molecular anti-inflammatory mechanism).
[3] Journal of Medicinal Food: Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: (Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis.)
[4] Phytotherapy Research: Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder:(Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Major Depressive Disorder)