The Amazing Healing Benefits of Curcumin

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Curcumin is the active compound of turmeric. This chemical is composed of natural phenols that give turmeric its deep yellow coloring. This compound can be isolated and used as a food dye. Studies show that curcumin offers various health benefits.

In a 2012 study, doctors tracked 121 patients who underwent bypass surgery during recovery. Half of the patients were given curcumin capsules during recovery and the other half, a placebo. Researchers found that patients who took placebo were 30% more likely to suffer a heart attack compared to patients who took curcumin capsule. According to the findings, a diet rich in curcumin could lower the risk of heart attack among bypass patients by a staggering 65%. That’s just one of the many health benefits of curcumin! In today’s post, we are listing down the amazing healing benefits of curcumin:

Prevents Diabetes

Studies show that curcumin has the uncanny ability to regulate glucose level in the blood. According to a 2012 study, curcumin can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in as little as 9 months. The study involved monitoring pre-diabetic patients. Grouped in two, the first group was given a dose of curcumin and the other, a placebo. They found that 16% of patients who took placebo were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by the end of the study. Meanwhile, the group that took curcumin capsules did not develop diabetes at all despite having similar diet with the placebo group.

Fight Cancer

Turmeric is prized for its potent anti-inflammatory compounds. These chemicals are so potent that they inhibit cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. According to the American Cancer Society, curcumin disrupts the molecular pathways that trigger cancer development, spread, and growth. Lab tests also show that curcumin has the ability to kill cancer cells upon contact. It also increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy in animals.

Promote Stem-Cell Growth

Aromatic turmerone or ar-turmerone, which is a component of curcumin, promotes stem cell repair and better brain health. A study tracked how ar-turmerone in mice affect the animals’ brains. They found that ar-turmerone is instrumental to the mice’s recovery from neurodegenerative diseases. According to the conclusion, ar-turmerone may one day prevent neurodegenerative diseases like stroke and Alzheimer’s. In a separate study, researchers found that ar-turmerone improves overall memory in Alzheimer’s patients. The chemical heals neuropathways in the brain linked to memory.

Improve Joint Health

Joint pain is caused by severe inflammation. Although inflammation is a normal biological response, sustained exposure to inner inflammation can cause various health problems. One such problem is painful joints.

Studies show that curcumin helps neutralize inflammation thus, reducing joint pain. It can prevent arthritis, gout, and other joint-related disorders. According to researchers, curcumin may even ease pain caused by knee osteoarthritis.

Protects from Oxidative Stress

The curcuminoids in turmeric is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are reactive molecules that destroy healthy cells, causing chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants reverse the effects of oxidative stress by protecting healthy cells. And a diet rich in curcumin may cut your risk of cancer!

Curcuminoids boost the level of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the body. These are antioxidants found in the food you eat. By boosting the potency of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, you get better protection from free radical damage!


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