Curcumin has become much more popular in the last several years as people become aware of how it can help with issues like inflammation. However, there are actually a variety of health benefits you may not know about. Learn more about curcumin and how it can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

What is curcumin?

Curcumin is a bright yellow chemical produced by some plants. It is best known as being the active ingredient turmeric, a member of the ginger family. It is sold as an herbal supplement, cosmetics ingredient, food flavoring, and food coloring. Curcumin is the pigmented compound in turmeric. It’s been used as an Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, as it is nontoxic and has a variety of therapeutic properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic functions.  The popularity of curcumin in traditional and integrative medicine may be attributed to its beneficial effects on low-level inflammation and free radical damage, two factors linked to many chronic illnesses. Curcumin has been evaluated as a potential natural remedy for a variety of ailments and health issues.

Inflammation fighter

Most people who seek to add curcumin or turmeric in their diets do so for the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. For those who prefer not to take over the counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, turmeric is the ideal alternative. Curcumin may prevent inflammation and free radical damage by:

  • Inhibiting the metabolism of arachidonic acid, a pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid
  • Preventing the production of inflammation-generating cytokines
  • Promoting apoptosis, a process that results in the controlled death of damaged cells

Antioxidant powerhouse

Curcumin acts as an antioxidant, hunting free radicals that can lead to cellular damage. Free radicals are unstable atoms that are missing one electron. They have been linked to a variety of diseases such as arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and dementia. It’s been suggested that curcumin can increase the activity of the powerful antioxidants in the body.

Depression relief

Curcumin can help with depression by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. With so many Americans suffering from depression, curcumin is a promising alternative to medications such as Prozac. Of course, it’s always encouraged that those currently on depression medication talk to their physician before trying curcumin in place of their current medication.

Joint and heart health

Because of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can help with joint and heart health. Both the joints and the heart can be impacted by inflammation, so including curcumin in a health regimen can protect both the heart and your joints. Interestingly, The American Journal of Cardiology found that patients who took a high dose of curcumin before and after undergoing coronary bypass surgery had a 65% lower risk of experiencing a heart attack while they were in the hospital.

We’ve written about the many benefits of curcumin in the past, and it’s important to remind those seeking a healthy lifestyle to consider curcumin for several health benefits you may not know.

Ready to try curcumin to see how it can help you? Future Pharm Turmeric Liposome Complex is a fantastic way to introduce curcumin into your health routine.