Benefits of Curcumin
Turmeric is an ancient spice and a traditional remedy. It has long been included in the daily diet of Indians and there is little wonder why.
The healing power of Turmeric was discovered roughly 5000 years ago in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Today, we live in a world that is dominated by science and progress and yet the ancient remedy, Curcumin, seems as remarkable as ever.
Cancer, malaria, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV are just a few of the growing list of maladies which Curcumin is believed to heal. It has antitumour, antioxidant, antiarthritic, antiamyloid, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is good for the skin, prevents stomach ailments, protects the liver, and heals pains and wounds.
Curcumin relieves pain
Over the centuries, Turmeric has been used as a pain relieving, anti-inflammatory agent and its effects are comparable to the latest in drug therapy today. One study that compared Curcumin with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in rheumatoid arthritis patients found that improvements after two weeks of Curcumin supplementation were comparable to those experienced after two weeks of phenylbutazone therapy. Another study, of men who had undergone surgery to repair an inguinal hernia or hydrocele, found that oral Curcumin supplementation was more effective than placebo in reducing post-surgical edema, tenderness and pain, and was comparable to phenylbutazone therapy. After accidents and trauma in which a large quantity of blood is lost, the body fails and organ systems shut down as a result of a massive inflammatory reaction. Curcumin was found to bring the serum levels of certain inflammatory proteins to normal in these cases.
Curcumin strengthens your immune system
Curcumin is an immune system stimulator that can, among other things, enhance antibody responses. An anti-inflammatory, Turmeric triggers heat-shock stress response which in turn stimulates the immune system. Administration of Curcumin appears to interfere with the replication cycle of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the AIDS virus).
Curcumin watches over your stomach
Curcumin shields the stomach from tainted foods. It kills salmonella bacteria and protozoa that can cause diarrhea. Being a natural detoxifier, it also protects the liver from the detrimental effects of alcohol and certain chemicals. It stimulates bile production which helps digest fat and fight obesity. A diet rich in Curcumin reduces the chance of inflammatory bowel disease. Ancient Indian medicine used Curcumin to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers as it increases the protective mucus in the stomach.
Curcumin is good for your heart
Curcumin can boost your cardiovascular health. Curcumin inhibits C-reactive protein -induced vascular damage and blood clotting. It also prevents the dysfunction of endothelial cells. Curcumin significantly decreases atherosclerotic lesions (fatty streaks). Several studies have reported that Curcumin is beneficial in lowering the level of bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol and reducing the lipid peroxidation. In a study done in India, after seven days of Curcumin intake, volunteers noted a 29% increase in good cholesterol and a reduction of 11.6% total cholesterol. Lipid peroxidation went down by 33%. These results have been reproduced by researchers all over the world. Recent scientific exploration shows that Curcumin works its magic by interfering with intestinal absorption of cholesterol. It converts the cholesterol into bile acids and increases their excretion.
Curcumin decreases the risk of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a hard-hitting reality for senior citizens. It is caused by a peptide called amyloid beta forming aggregates (oligomers), which then build up in the brain and create deposits. But there is hope for cure of this dreadful ailment. Indians who take in Curcumin in the form of the spice, Turmeric, are actually 4 times less likely than Americans to fall prey to Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin shows great potential as a possible cure for Alzheimer's disease. In vitro studies have shown that Curcumin inhibits amyloid beta oligomer formation. This detoxifying agent guards against neurotoxic and genotoxic agents.
Curcumin and cancer
Curcumin inhibits a cancer-provoking bacteria (H. pylori) associated with gastric and colon cancer. It fights or prevents every known form of cancer. It has been used to fight oral cancer, hepatic cancer, mantle cell lymphoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and cervical cancer.
Apart from the above-listed, Curcumin fights against a large number of other diseases too. Curcumin has been shown to improve several aspects of renal injury. Animal studies give evidence for Curcumin as a restorer of kidney function. Curcumin has also aided the treatment of cataracts and certain skin diseases. It has served as a treatment for sore throats and indigestion for centuries. And that's not all; it also battles jaundice, menstrual difficulties, psoriasis, hemorrhage, and colic.
In conclusion, Curcumin is a wonder-spice that affects virtually every organ and system in our body. Consuming more Curcumin can help us ensure a healthier future for ourselves.
