Discover the amazing 5 health benefits of curcumin, the powerhouse compound found in turmeric. This golden spice has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and modern science is now backing up its incredible potential.
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric—the spice that gives a deep yellow color to Indian curries. It’s also a popular dietary supplement because of its many health benefits!
Here are 5 reasons to love curcumin:
1️⃣ Fights Free Radicals
Like many herbs, spices, and plant foods, curcumin is a powerful antioxidant—helping to combat everyday toxins and oxidative stress. Research has shown that curcumin can neutralize harmful free radicals and boost the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
2️⃣ Supports a Healthy Inflammatory Response
Curcumin is most famous for its role in inflammation. It can be taken temporarily (when healing from an injury or illness) or long-term. Studies have demonstrated curcumin’s potential to support the body’s natural inflammatory processes.
3️⃣Supports Healthy Blood Pressure
Curcumin improves endothelial function, which supports healthy blood pressure. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that curcumin supplementation had a significant effect on blood pressure.
4️⃣ Supports the Brain
Curcumin increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is critical for learning and memory. Research suggests that curcumin may help improve cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of brain diseases
5️⃣Supports Mood
Possibly also through BDNF, curcumin has been shown to support a healthy mood. Several studies have found that curcumin may have potential as a natural antidepressant
There are more reasons to love curcumin, but that’s probably enough for now.
One important thing to know about curcumin is that it is not easily absorbed from the digestive tract.
👉 That’s why supplement quality matters.
We recommend a high-quality curcumin product that is formulated for optimal absorption.
The Power of Food as Medicine
Curcumin is just one example of the incredible power of food as medicine. Nature has provided us with a wealth of compounds that can support our health and well-being. By incorporating these natural wonders into our diet, we can take proactive steps towards better health.
Want to explore more ways to harness the power of turmeric in your daily life? Sign up for our exclusive Turmeric Recipe Pack featuring 42 delicious and health-boosting recipes! From golden lattes to savory curries, discover how easy it is to incorporate this golden spice into your meals.
References:
- Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods, 6(10), 92. [Link]
- He, Y., Yue, Y., Zheng, X., Zhang, K., Chen, S., & Du, Z. (2015). Curcumin, inflammation, and chronic diseases: how are they linked?. Molecules, 20(5), 9183-9213. [Link]
- Hadi, A., Pourmasoumi, M., Ghaedi, E., & Sahebkar, A. (2019). The effect of Curcumin/Turmeric on blood pressure modulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacological Research, 150, 104505. [Link]
- Cole, G. M., Teter, B., & Frautschy, S. A. (2007). Neuroprotective effects of curcumin. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 595, 197-212. [Link]
- Ng, Q. X., Koh, S. S. H., Chan, H. W., & Ho, C. Y. X. (2017). Clinical use of curcumin in depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 18(6), 503-508. [Link]
