Advantages of Curcumin
This post was last updated on January 15th, 2022
Curcumin is a naturally occurring antioxidant abundantly found in the popular spice turmeric that has been used since ages in cooking and Ayurvedic medicines for its incredible health benefits. Turmeric holds a pious place in Ayurvedic medicine and is applied on cuts and burns due to its anti-septic properties. Turmeric milk is extensively consumed in India as turmeric is studied to cure gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory issues and helps in treating various bodily disorders.
The Indian food culture places peculiar importance for spices and it is mainly used for making curry dishes as it renders distinct colour, flavour and nutrition to the food. Being such a valued spice on the health front, people across the world now understand the health benefits of Curcumin. Various medical researchers worldwide have investigated on how consuming turmeric or curcumin supplements can alleviate various health issues.
The positive results of several medical studies have brought forth these advantages of Curcumin:
1. Maintains Eye Health
Various studies have found that curcumin is a great ingredient that helps in maintaining and improving eye health. If you are suffering from free radical damage or oxidative stress, having curcumin supplements on regular basis can be of extreme help.
Curcumin supplements have shown positive results on conditions like keratitis, floaters, cataracts, conjunctivitis, uveitis, retinopathies like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and even glaucoma.
2. Improves Body’s Immunity
The immune system is responsible for defending the body from developing illnesses and diseases. The immune system is by large associated with how well the digestive system works in the body. Proper absorption of nutrition and excretion of waste is what an efficient digestive system does and this dispersion of nutrients helps in strengthening the immunity system, which helps in protecting the body from microbes, viruses, bacteria and even oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Researchers have found that Curcumin is one super food that helps in boosting immunity strength. Besides being rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin is loaded with antibacterial, antiviral and anti-microbial compounds. Having Curcumin in your diet can significantly boost your body’s ability to fight diseases.
3. Great For Digestion
The digestive system comprises of numerous organs working in tandem to ensure smooth breakdown of food into nutrients and this is an intricate process involving various bodily functions. Any disruption in any one function can interrupt the whole process. Enzymes, acids and excretions required for digestion are only produced when you have a wholesome diet comprising of fresh fruits and veggies, lean meat, high protein food stuffs and multi grains.
But having such clean diet in a busy schedule is not always possible and this is where you will find Curcumin to your rescue. Curcumin is rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants along with anti-inflammatory compounds that provides enough nutrition to support digestive system’s muscle movement, acid production, enzymatic reactions and maximum nutrition absorption. Adding one teaspoon of turmeric in your daily diet or consuming turmeric milk or Curcumin supplements is the best way to ensure healthy digestive system.
4. Boosts Brain Health
Curcumin antioxidants have been found to have neuroprotective properties and some studies suggest that having Curcumin on regular basis may be effective against Parkinson’s disease. This is a neurogenerative disease that reduces brain’s ability to produce dopamine negatively impacting movement with the passage of time.
The Curcumin compound stimulates repairing of stem cells of the brain, which helps in recovery from neurodegenerative diseases like stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been found that Curcumin may also aid in improving memory in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.
5. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The most common cause of pain and discomfort and sometimes serious illnesses is untreated inflammation in the body. Instead of opting for temporary relief provided by over the counter medications which also have associated side effects, you must go for all natural inflammation treatment in the form of Curcumin.
Safe and effective, Curcumin in turmeric supports the body’s natural process of fighting inflammation and provides better relief in comparison to synthetic alternatives. While powdered turmeric is great for topical application on wounds, having Curcumin supplements on routine basis can prevent inflammation in cells, muscles and tissues.
6. Treats Common Skin Problems
Ayurveda staunchly believes that turmeric is a magical ingredient that can cure all kinds of skin issues and make your skin radiant, flawless and youthful. It has been scientifically proven that applying turmeric based creams can prevent several skin problems and keep it healthy and glowing.
In a study conducted on 10 participants with vitiligo, they undergone the UVB therapy in combination with Curcumin cream and they witnessed significant re-pigmentation. Another study stated that some psoriasis patients were given 450 mg Curcumin supplements daily for 12 weeks, where few patients reported an improvement of more than 80 percent.
7. Reduces Risk Of Cancer
Antioxidants are known for their ability to fight the free radical effect, which is the main determinant for cancer. Curcumin is a power packed antioxidant which combats chronic inflammation that stimulates the production of cancerous cells. The high potent antioxidants in Curcumin support the body’s natural ability to sustain oxidative changes.
8. Stimulates Mental Health
Reiterating the fact that Curcumin helps in maintaining well being of your brain, it is also found by medical experts that Curcumin supports healthy functioning of various mental aspects like emotional and psychological.
In a random placebo controlled study, some of the total 123 participants who were suffering from depression were given low dose and high dose Curcumin extract, Curcumin – saffron mixture and placebo. It was observed that those participants who took Curcumin and Curcumin – saffron mixture showed noticeable improvements in comparison to participants who took placebo.
9. Lowers Risk Of Diabetes
Following sedentary lifestyle with low physical activity, mounting stress, inappropriate diet and inadequate rest has invited a host of lifestyle diseases, one of which is diabetes. According to a recent study, there has been stupendous rise in death due to diabetes in the last few years.
A research was conducted on 240 pre-diabetics who were given either a placebo or Curcumin supplements for nine months. It was found that 16.4 percent of people who were given placebo developed diabetes whereas the group consuming Curcumin supplement did not develop diabetes.
10. Keeps Heart Healthy
According to several medical studies, Curcumin is helpful in maintaining normal heart health. It helps in lowering bad or LDL (Low Density Lipids) cholesterol levels and ensures smooth flow of blood in the arteries. It also helps in discouraging the accumulation of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries which causes blockage. In one study, researchers found that curcuminoids can help in reducing myocardial infarction in people who have undergone CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting).
The ancient Ayurveda has iterated infinite advantages of Curcumin, some of which includes hormonal balancing, stimulation of hair growth, fat loss, liver cleansing, etc.
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Snehashree Bhat
A young writer who loves to pen words from creative perspective. Passionate internet surfer, a versatile homemaker and a person who finds pleasure in adopting healthier and positive changes in her persona. An enthusiastic feminist who wishes to make serious changes in the stereotypical thought process of the society via the voice of her words.
