Curcumin is an active compound within the Indian spice turmeric. High quality studies have shown it has major body and mind benefits. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best reasons to include more of this compound into your lifestyle and start gaining Curcumin benefits…

 

1. Natural Anti-inflammatory compounds

Inflammation plays a vital role in fighting foreign invaders and repairing damage. If there is no inflammation, pathogens such as bacteria can overrun the body and eventually kill us. It’s when the inflammation becomes chronic (long-term) that issues begin and it’s believed that this can play a major contribution in every chronic, Western disease. Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome and various degenerative conditions can potentially be prevented and treated by addressing chronic inflammation.

Curcumin actually targets multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway, at the molecular level. This blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases.

 

2. Helps Prevent Cancer

Cancer involves the uncontrollable growth of cells and while there are many different forms, they have some commonalities and they do appear to be affected by supplementing with Curcumin. In several studies, researchers have noted that Curcumin is beneficial in cancer treatment and affecting the growth, development and spread at a molecular level. Studies have also shown that Curcumin can reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels and tumours), metastasis i.e the spread of cancer along with contributing to cancerous cell death.

 

3. Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease is essential as it’s one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world with no known good treatment available. Curcumin has been shown to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and have beneficial effects on both inflammation and oxidative damage in Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques or protein tangles are one key feature of Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin can help with clearing these plaques although if it can slow or reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s disease requires further study.

 

4. Curcumin Has Benefits Against Depression

Curcumin benefits depression according to one study. In one controlled trial, 60 patients were randomised into three groups. One took Prozac, another a gram of Curcumin and the third group took both.

After a 6 week period, the Curcumin had shown to deliver improvements similar to Prozac – although the group taking both did the best. This small study shows how Curcumin is an effective anti-depressant. Curcumin can boost BNDF levels, potentially reversing these changes. Curcumin has also been shown to boost brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

 

5. Delays Aging and Can Fight Age-Related Chronic Diseases

Oxidation and inflammation play a vital role in aging and Curcumin is for this reason believed to be a good anti-aging supplement to look young and promote longevity.

 

6. Arthritis Patients Respond Well To Curcumin Supplements

Arthritis is one of the most common problems in Western countries and there are several different types that can result in inflammation in the joints. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help with arthritis and several studies have reported this to be true.  In one study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Curcumin was found to be even more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs.

 

7. May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Curcumin may help to reverse many of the steps in the heart disease process. One of the main benefits of Curcumin is that it can improve the lining of the blood vessels – the functioning of the endothelium. A major driver of heart disease is endothelial dysfunction and this is the inability of the endothelium to regulate blood pressure, clotting and other factors.

There are several studies that have suggested Curcumin can lead to improvements in endothelial function. One study also suggested that this is as effective as exercise, while another showed it worked as well as Atorvastatin.

Curcumin can reduce inflammation and oxidation in the body and these are important in treating heart disease. One study of 121 patients who underwent CVry artery bypass surgery were randomised to take 4g of Curcumin daily or a placebo, a few days before and after surgery. Heart attack risk in a hospital within the Curcumin group was found to have decreased by 65%. This highlights how Curcumin has beneficial effects for for several factors that can play an important role in heart disease.

 

8. Linked To Improved Brain Function and Lower Risk of Brain Diseases

Curcumin can increase levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and this is a type of growth hormone that functions within the brain. There are common brain disorders associated with decreased levels of BDNF and this includes Alzheimer’s and depression. By delaying or reversing brain diseases, age-related issues decrease in brain function.

 

9. Increases Antioxidant Capacity Of The Body

Oxidative damage in the body is one of the main factors behind aging and diseases. Free radicals tend to react with organic substances such as fatty acids, DNA or proteins. Antioxidants are so powerful as they protect our bodies from free radicals and Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralise free radicals due to its chemical structure. Curcumin also has the ability to boost antioxidant enzyme activity within the body.

 

10. Curcumin’s Bioactive Compounds Have Powerful Medicinal Properties

Curcumin is a powerful active compound with strong antioxidant effects. Unfortunately within turmeric, the curcumin content isn’t very high – about 3% by weight. Taking an extract of Curcumin is recommended as it contains significant amounts of Curcumin, with average doses exceeding 1 gram per day. It’s difficult to reach these levels from using turmeric alone in foods. This is why a Curcumin supplement is ideal especially if it’s bonded to a phospholipid that enhances the absorption rate of Curcumin into the bloodstream.

 

If you want to get the maximum Curcumin benefits it’s worth considering the following supplements, as noted below, upon recommendation from Robert Redfern.

 

Recommended Examples

Curcuminx4000™ – Curcumin’s potent antioxidant abilities offer the potential for numerous health benefits within the body. Increased antioxidant capacity, natural anti-inflammatory properties, along with Meriva® enhanced biovailability that’s backed by clinical studies and formulated for the digestive system – all ensure maximum absorption into the bloodstream.  Curcuminx4000™ is available from Good Health Naturally.