Curcumin has been touted for decades as one of the most powerful natural remedies. In the West, we’re finally starting to see the benefits of this ancient compound, which comes from the roots and seeds of the Curcuma longa plant. Curcumin is one of the most well-researched natural molecules out there. Scientists have been researching curcumin for more than 30 years, and the number of published papers about it has increased exponentially in the past decade. One of the main reasons for this increase in research is the molecular diversity of curcumin. This yellow natural compound is found in many foods and has a variety of biological effects. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has used curcumin in many different formulations spanning more than 2,000 years. Today, we have more evidence to back its effectiveness than ever before. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of curcumin.
What is curcumin?
Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric. It’s a bright yellow, aromatic compound that’s found in many food products, especially curry powders. Turmeric’s native region is in Southern Asia, where the plant has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It’s often used as a vehicle for other herbs and spices. When people in India and other parts of Asia consume turmeric on a daily basis, they may experience a lower risk of heart disease. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. It’s also a potent anti-inflammatory. These properties make it a strong candidate for pain relief, especially for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and the inflammation that comes with conditions like cancer or inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s disease.
Turmeric as a spice and dietary supplement
Turmeric is a yellow spice that’s used in many curries. It’s also a dietary supplement that people take to improve their health. When you consume curcumin, your body converts it into important molecules called metabolites. These metabolites can have benefits of their own, including anti-inflammatory properties. Because curcumin is found in many foods, including onions, garlic, black pepper, and yellow mustard, it’s easy to consume daily. Consumers can find turmeric supplements in the health food or grocery stores.
Turmeric for pain relief
Turmeric is often used to treat joint pain, menstrual cramps, or other conditions that can cause discomfort and inflammation, such as arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease. Several clinical studies have examined the effectiveness of turmeric for pain relief. One study examined the effectiveness of taking curcumin capsules for knee osteoarthritis. The participants took one 800-mg capsule per day for eight weeks. Compared to a placebo, the curcumin group experienced a significant improvement in pain. Another study evaluated the effects of turmeric on chronic pain in type 2 diabetes. People with this condition often experience excruciating nerve and joint pain, making daily activities like eating, sleeping, and walking difficult and unpleasant. People with this pain often aim to self-treat with supplements.
Curcumin for inflammation
Curcumin can be helpful for reducing the inflammation that’s associated with conditions like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and certain cancers, especially pancreatic and prostate cancer. One study evaluated the effectiveness of taking curcumin capsules for reducing inflammation in people with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The participants took one 400-mg capsule per day for eight weeks. Compared to a placebo, the curcumin group experienced a significant reduction in inflammation.
Curcumin for brain health
People with brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease have lower levels of curcumin metabolites in their brains. Some studies have investigated the effects of taking curcumin on brain health. One study examined the effectiveness of taking turmeric for improving cognitive function and reducing inflammation in people with epilepsy. The participants took one 400-mg capsule per day for 12 weeks. Compared to a placebo, the curcumin group experienced a significant improvement in cognitive function and reduction in inflammation.
Curcumin for skin health
People with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis often experience intense itching and a buildup of skin cells. This can cause discomfort and make daily activities difficult. Taking curcumin can help reduce this discomfort. Several studies have investigated the effects of taking curcumin on skin health conditions. One study examined the effectiveness of taking a supplement containing curcumin, piperine, and black curcumin powder pepper for the reduction of skin symptoms in people with eczema. The participants took one 400-mg capsule per day for eight weeks. Compared to a placebo, the curcumin, pepper, and piperine group experienced significant improvement in skin symptoms.
Turmeric for better vision
Turmeric may help improve vision in people with age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. One study examined the effectiveness of taking a turmeric supplement to improve macular degeneration. The participants took one 1,000-mg capsule per day for 12 weeks. Compared to a placebo, the turmeric group experienced a significant reduction in macular degeneration symptoms, like blurring of vision.
Bottom Line
Curcumin is one of the most studied natural compounds in the world. This bright yellow spice is found in many foods and has a variety of biological effects. Consumers can find turmeric supplements in the health food or grocery stores. These supplements typically contain standardized curcumin and can help improve your health. They may also help with pain relief, inflammatory conditions, and brain health. When it comes to natural health supplements, turmeric is a proven winner. This yellow spice may sound like a myth, but it’s a very real ingredient that can help improve your health.
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