What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is a type of natural polyphenol found in the spice turmeric. It belongs to a family of compounds called curcuminoids and is known for its bright yellow-orange color and potent antioxidant properties.
Turmeric is used in Indian and Asian cuisine to make curry powder, curcumin gives curry its particular color.
It was first isolated from turmeric rhizomes in 1815 by Pelletier and Vogel, who gave it its name, Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including the treatment of inflammation, digestive disorders, and skin conditions.
Today it’s particularly used in the supplements industry for its well-known beneficial properties.
It resembles the chemical structure of aspirin but it’s natural.
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are substances that contribute to inflammation and pain.
Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins.
Polyphenols have antioxidant effects and also fight off free radicals – these are molecules that your body creates normally but which can cause damage at high levels through oxidative stress.
Properties of Curcumin:
- It has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, and it is often included in supplements used to effectively relieves pain from inflammation such as back pain or osteoarticular pain and is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis;
- It increases bile production and flow and decreases bloating and abdominal pain, improving digestion, it also may improve relaxation of the muscles around the intestines and therefore improving bowel mobility;
- Studies have confirmed the anti-ulcer action and the reduction of dyspeptic disorders;
- Curcumin is also recommended for weight loss as it appears to be able to inhibit adipocyte differentiation, for this use it can be taken with Garcinia or Green Coffe ;
- it may also help decrease levels of homocysteine, which are related to diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks;
- The scientific community is studying its anti-cancer properties. The results are encouraging. Used alone (8 g per day)or in combination with chemotherapy, has, in some cases, stabilized tumor progression;
- It is widely viewed as an effective way to keep your brain healthy. Studies have shown that it may help with the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and better sleep at night. Many think that it might even be an effective alternative for those who suffer from depression.
Here are some references and links to studies on the potential health benefits of curcumin:
- “Efficacy and safety of curcuminoid in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
- “Curcuminoid as a Therapeutic Agent: The Evidence from in Vitro, Animal and Human Studies.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535097/
- “Curcuminoid treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24853120/ - “Curcuminoid Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Prostate Cancer Cells by Inducing G1 Arrest and Apoptosis.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11398177/
Curcumin is a poorly bioavailable molecule, that is, difficult to absorb and usable by our body. For this reason, the supplements that have the best effects have also piperine which greatly increases the bioavailability.
How to Use Curcumin
It’s typically available in the form of dietary supplements, such as capsules, tablets, and powders.
It is typically recommended to take supplements on an empty stomach, with a glass of water. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the intended use, so it is important to follow the instructions on the product label.
It is also available in the form of turmeric, which can be used as a spice in cooking. However, it is important to note that the amount of curcumin in turmeric is relatively low, so it may not provide the same health benefits as supplements.
Bottom line
Curcumin is an extraordinary substance used in the treatment of many diseases and promising for others, it is still the subject of numerous scientific studies. By introducing it into our daily life we can certainly achieve numerous health benefits.
We chose this supplement because it is extracted with advanced techniques and also contains piperine. We also liked that it is impartially tested by third-party laboratory.
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