Turmeric is a spice that may be the most effective nutritional supplement on the market today according to Kris Gunnars of Healthline. Many high-quality studies show that turmeric has significant health benefits for both the body and the brain. Many of these advantages are attributed to its main active ingredient, curcumin. Lauren Bedosky of Everyday Health stated that Curcuma longa most commonly known as Turmeric has a long history of use in traditional medicine. A review conducted by Julie S. Jurenka, showed that this flavorful spice is primarily cultivated from the rhizomes, or roots, of a flowering plant that grows in India and other parts of Southeast Asia, and aside from giving curry its vibrant yellow color, turmeric is also known for having potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the primary active component of turmeric — and the one that gives the spice its characteristic yellow color — is curcumin. Indeed, you can credit curcumin with most of turmeric’s potential health benefits.
Kris Gunnars of Healthline Turmeric went on to say that contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The majority of studies employ turmeric extracts that have been standardized to contain high levels of curcumin. Chronic inflammation contributes to some common health conditions, and it has been demonstrated that Curcumin can suppress many molecules known to play important roles in inflammation; however, its bioavailability must be improved. Curcumin has antioxidant properties as well, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits. It may also help prevent diabetes due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as improve many of the risk factors for diabetes, such as insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and hyperlipidemia. But still, more human studies are needed to confirm the findings. What is definite is that Curcumin has been shown in studies to increase levels of the brain hormone known as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which promotes the growth of new neurons and may aid in the fight against various degenerative processes in the brain.
Sad to note, turmeric (and curcumin on its own) do not absorb well into the bloodstream, so choosing to eat it in curry once a month is unlikely to provide the desired anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, according to Dana Angelo White, RD, owner of Dana White Nutrition. To get the amounts of turmeric and curcumin shown in research studies to provide benefits, you'll need to take supplements. It should be noted, however, that the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements and has no established safe or recommended daily value for curcumin or turmeric.
Indeed, there are numerous scientifically proven health benefits Turmeric has to offer, particularly its most active compound, curcumin. This includes the potential to improve heart health and prevent Alzheimer's and cancer. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also aid in the treatment of depression and arthritis symptoms. Even though these benefits are possible, they are currently limited due to curcumin's low bioavailability and more studies need to be done to confirm these therapeutic claims.
PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas , RND
References:
1. 12 Scientific Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin
By Lauren Bedosky, Medically Reviewed by Kelly Kennedy, RDN, Reviewed: October 1, 2021
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/scientific-health-benefits-turmeric-curcumin/
2. 10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin
Written by Kris Gunnars, BSc — Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition — Updated on May 10, 2021
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric
3. Anti-inflammatory Properties of Curcumin, a Major Constituent of Curcuma longa: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Research by Julie S. Jurenka, MT(ASCP)
https://altmedrev.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/v14-2-141.pdf
