Introduction
Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance in turmeric, a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It received worldwide attention for its multiple and effective health benefits This active ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties, so it is used to treat symptoms arising from inflammation. It has antioxidant potential also, due to which it scavenges free radicals. Curcumin is sold as herbal supplements, skincare, cosmetics ingredients, food flavouring, etc. It would be interesting to note that curcumin, when combined with piperine, a major active component of black pepper, increases bioavailability by 2000%.
Properties of Curcumin and their Relation to Health
Curcumin has numerous properties like anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-obesity, metabolic, anti-viral, anti-asthma, anti-diabetic and antimicrobial. Due to these properties, curcumin regulates oxidative stress, suppresses apoptosis, preserves mitochondrial function, reduces neuroinflammation and improves insulin sensitivity.
Health benefits of curcumin
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Helps To Fight Cancer
The anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin plays an important role in treating and preventing the various forms of Cancer, including Colorectal, Pancreatic, Prostate, Breast and Gastric Cancers. Curcumin has been shown to decrease the expression of multiple different enzymes, transcription factors, inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and other cell-signalling components that are important for cancer growth and progression.
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May Help Ease Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint condition that causes chronic inflammation and consequent stiffness and pain within the joints. It can affect any joint but is seen within the knees, hips and the hands. The potent anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin may be a safe and effective long-term treatment option for people dealing with this condition.
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May Help Treat or Prevent Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that disrupts blood sugar, levels. Many diabetics suffer from a lack of insulin which causes heightened glucose levels in the blood. Health professionals have been treating the disease with insulin shots and other medications for decades, but now there is emerging research that shows that turmeric may play an important role in treating and preventing diabetes.
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May Prevent Eye Degeneration
Curcumin, in research studies, has proven to be promising in supporting the treatment of neurodegeneration implicated in numerous eye and brain conditions from glaucoma to Alzheimer's disease. Thus, being able to administer it easily in eye drops may end up helping millions of people.
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Curcumin Acts as an Anti-Aging
Curcumin has strong antioxidant properties that inhibit free radical production and hence control aging by protecting cells from damage. Curcumin protects your body against free radicals and potentially delays brain degeneration and other age-related diseases. Turmeric and curcumin may be effective anti-aging supplements, and their potential has been studied in many research studies.
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Helps To Improve Skin Health
Curcumin could also be used medically to treat many dermatologic diseases. Turmeric has active components with characteristics that may provide glow and lustre to the skin. Turmeric can also revive your skin by bringing out its natural glow. you'll want to undertake a turmeric mask reception to ascertain if the spice has any positive effects on your skin.
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May Protect Against Heart Disease
Inflammation is a strong component in many conditions, including heart disease. The anti-inflammatory property of Curcumin makes it a great addition to any healthy heart diet.
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Helps to Delay Alzheimer’s Disease
Curcumin may even protect your brain against common degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein found within the brain and medulla spinalis that plays a key role in keeping nerve cells healthy and also regulating communication between nerve cells. As common brain disorders like Alzheimer’s are related to lower levels of BDNF, curcumin may help delay or reverse brain degeneration.
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May Play a Role in Treating Depression
Depression is related to lower levels of BDNF. Because of turmeric’s ability to spice up levels of BDNF, it shows promise as an efficient antidepressant.
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Protects Your Body From Free Radicals
Since curcumin is rich in antioxidants, it may help protect your body against damage caused by free radicals, a category of highly reactive atoms that are generated in our bodies, as well as in environmental pollution. An excessive amount of exposure to free radicals can mess with the fats, proteins, and even DNA in your body, which can cause a variety of common diseases and health conditions, including cancer, arthritis, heart conditions, and Alzheimer’s.
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Improve mental health
According to a study, 80 mg of curcumin taken daily for 12 weeks is associated with higher working memory performance. It improves mental health by reducing anger, tiredness, confusion, stress or tension and mood disturbance.
The other benefits of Curcumin
- Glucose metabolism
- Prevents liver fat accumulation.
- Suppresses WBC activity, causing inflammation.
- Insulin release
- Improves insulin function and reduces insulin resistance
- It supports kidneys and promotes the clearance of creatinine and urea from the blood.
- Curcumin improved erection function in rats who had “diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction.”
- Digestive support
- Anxiety
- Improve lipid profile
- Curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits can prevent the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Supports digestive health and has been used as a remedy for various gastrointestinal conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn's disease and bacterial and parasitic diseases.
- Lower Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Alopecia
- Wound healing
- Dermatitis
- Fungal infections
- Scleroderma
Side Effects of Curcumin
Curcumin is generally safe, but you should always consult with your doctor before taking any supplement, especially for pregnant women or if you have any medical conditions, including gallbladder, bile duct problems, renal disorders, bleeding disorders, diabetes, etc. Turmeric should also be used cautiously by people trying to have a baby.
By :Giovanni Naja
Sources
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