Turmeric is a spice used to give flavor and color to curry and other foods. It has many known medicinal uses, most derived from the curcuminoid compounds it contains. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin and some brands list the curcumin content on the label, unusually around 3% by weight. You can also buy curcumin extracts.
Turmeric, because of its curcumin and other curcuminoid compounds, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and a strong antioxidant. Unfortunately, the curcumin is not well absorbed into the bloodstream. Absorption is helped by the presence of piperine, a count found in a black pepper. Using turmeric with black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin by 2,000 percent.
Medicinal Use
Using turmeric in food is beneficial, but food consumption alone is not enough to get amounts of curcumin needed. For this reason, I mix turmeric with finely ground black pepper when taking it as a supplement. I pack the mixture into capsules and take 1 to 4 grams (2 to 8 capsules) daily.
Anti-Inflammatory
Acture, short-term inflammation is beneficial and helps signal your body of an invading virus or bacterium. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it is the root of many modern chronic illnesses. Calming chronic inflammation is vitally important.
Turmeric is a strongly anti-inflammatory and is as effective as many anti-inflammatory drugs, without their side effects. It is my #1 go for internal inflammation.
Antioxidant
Oxidative damage is one of the mechanisms that promotes aging and many diseases. Curcumin fights free radicals that cause oxidative damage and protects the body. It also boosts the bodyโs own antioxidant enzymes.
Improves Brain Function and Lower Risk of Brain Diseases, Including Alzheimerโs Disease & Depression
Curcumin can increase the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a growth hormone for the brain. Many brain diseases, including Alzheimerโs Disease and depression, are linked to decreasing levels of the BDNF hormone. Increasing BDNF levels with curcumin can effectively delay or possibly reverse many age related brain function diseases.
By increasing BDNF, curcumin may also improve memory and cognitive performance by increasing the growth of new neurons and fighting degenerative processes in the brain.
Alzheimerโs disease is characterized by a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. Curcumin crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps clear these plaques. Long-term use is required.
Arthritis and Pain
Curcumin supplements are beneficial in reducing the inflammation in arthritis and slowing or stopping the progress of the disease. Patients report the improvement of symptoms and a reduction in joint inflammation, as well as a reduction in pain.
Cancer. Prevention and Treatment
Studies show that curcumin affects cancer growth, development, and spread at the molecular level. It promotes the death of cancerous cells and reduces the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors. It also reduces the spread of cancer and inhibits its growth.
Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
Because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can lower your risk of heart disease. It improves the function of blood vessels, the regulation of blood presure, and blood clotting. Studies show that taking 4 grams of curcumin per day decreases the risk of a heart attack.
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Using turmeric, especially when eating fatty foods, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels, including the dangerous LDL cholesterol levels.
Promotes Wound Healing
Turmeric is effective as a disinfectant and reduces healing times in wounds. Apply turmeric as a powder, directly to the wounded area.
Warning
Turmeric may slow the clotting of the blood. People taking blood-thinners and pregnant women should be especially careful.
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