Benefits of Curcumin Curcumin is the yellow pigment found in curry spice, turmeric, and ginger. It is a small molecule of a curcuminoid and is beneficial to human health. Curcumin or turmeric has potent antiinflammatory effects, and this may be favorable in protecting against some forms of cancer. The anti-cancer effects of curcuminoid make it a heavily researched molecule for prevention as well as treatment of cancer.
• Curcumin alleviates ageing; it keeps the heart healthy ensuring proper functioning of the nerves, and reduces fat and plaque levels in arteries. Another beneficial effect that curcumin does to the body is that it reduces the risk of diabetes. It plays an instrumental role in treating the side effects related to diabetes.
Uses of Curcumin • Traditionally, Curcumin is effective in the treatment of liver diseases, skin problems, respiratory problems and gastrointestinal problems. • Curcumin exhibits over 150 therapeutic usages, including use as an antiinflammatory agent or an antimicrobial agent. • It has potential anti-cancer properties. Lab studies show that curcumin helps in the treatment of several types of cancers including breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin, and colon cancer. • The curcumin crosses the blood brain barrier. It is, therefore, used for the treatment of neurological disorders like Parkinson and Alzheimer’s. • Curcumin promotes general brain health. People in remission from ulcerative colitis take curcumin supplements. People taking the supplement are significantly less likely to have the disease relapse than those who don’t. • Curcumin is also effective for inflammatory disorders like arthritis, tendonitis and autoimmune conditions.
When Not to Use? • Don’t use turmeric or curcumin if you have bile duct dysfunction or gallstones. • Pregnant women should not take Curcumin Supplements without referring to their doctors. • Supplements, with extended use, can cause heartburn or stomach upset. • Enhance the curcumin with other agents like black pepper extract. Our bodies absorb a very small part of the curcumin consumed, and thus, the enhancement. • Evidence suggests that curcumin interferes with certain chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer. Take advice from your doctor before taking the supplement.
• To take Curcumin therapeutically, you cannot make use of the turmeric available in your kitchen. Use high-quality curcumin, free from any kinds of fillers. You can also prepare a microemulsion form raw turmeric powder. Combine one tablespoon powder with 1 or 2 egg yolks and a teaspoon of melted coconut oil. A third step to use curcumin is by boiling the curcumin powder in water.