Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. Turmeric has been used in the Indian subcontinent fro thousands of years as a spice to enhance 'curry' flavours. Besides, it's medicinal properties were discovered since ancient days.
1. Contains bioactive compounds with powerful medicinal properties
Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Most studies used turmeric extracts that are standardized to include large amounts of curcumin.
2. Natural anti-inflammatory compound
Chronic inflammation contributes to many common Western diseases. Curcumin can suppress many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation.
3. Dramatically increases anti-oxidant capacity of the body
Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralizes free radicals on its own but also stimulates your body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
4. Linked to improved brain function
Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in your brain.
5. Lowers risk of heart disease
Curcumin has beneficial effects on several factors known to play a role in heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.
6. Helps prevent cancer
Curcumin leads to several changes on the molecular level that may help prevent and perhaps even treat cancer.
7. Maybe useful in treating Alzheimer's disease
Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Provides incredible benefits against depression
A study in 60 people with depression showed that curcumin was as effective as Prozac in alleviating symptoms of the condition.
9. Helps delay age related chronic good
Due to its many positive health effects, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer, curcumin may aid longevity.
Source: Healthline
