Anyone looking for ways to naturally enhance their health can be easily overwhelmed by all the claims different supplements make. Advertising tactics can be convincing, but nothing speaks louder than science. When it comes to turmeric, there is a substantial amount of scientific information to back up its health claims. Here’s what science shows are the benefits of turmeric.
Turmeric and curcumin: the basics
When you start reading about turmeric, you might see the terms “turmeric” and “curcumin” used almost interchangeably, which can be confusing! Here’s what you need to know: Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric that gives it its anti-inflammatory properties among other benefits. Curcumin is the chemical contained within turmeric. As a matter of fact, the vibrant color of turmeric comes from high levels of curcumin. We wrote an article several years back about the difference between curcumin and turmeric if you want to dig deeper, but don’t be confused if you see these two terms used interchangeably in articles! What’s more important is knowing what science has to say about the benefits of this little powerhouse.
Help with Alzheimer’s disease
One of the most impressive medicinal properties of curcumin is that it may protect against neurodegeneration in adults without dementia. Researchers believe it’s because of the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties, which help keep amyloid plaques, a known cause of Alzheimer’s, from building up between neurons, as well as preventing neurofibrillary tangles. Studies continue on the benefits of curcumin in fighting Alzheimer’s.
Treating Parkinson’s disease
Turmeric also offers promise in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological disorder that is characterized by impaired motor functions. In a study published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, researchers found that turmeric may protect the nervous system from toxins involved in causing the nervous system degeneration in the disease.
Protecting heart health
Because of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it may help with heart health. The heart can be impacted by inflammation, so including curcumin in a health regimen can protect the heart. 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. There’s also early evidence that turmeric can prevent plaque from building up in the arteries, the University of Maryland found.
Pain relief
Historically, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis and other pain issues. Studies on turmeric show that it has anti-inflammatory properties and modifies immune system responses, which helps with pain. One study found that a turmeric extract composed of curcuminoids blocked inflammatory pathways, preventing the launch of a protein that triggers swelling and pain. Science shows this benefit often in numerous studies!
Fighting depression
A 2017 review reviewed all the research on using turmeric, specifically curcumin, to help treat depression. It found that curcumin may be a safe and effective natural treatment option for depression. In addition, two different 2014 studies, one in the Journal of Affective Disorders and the other published in Phytotherapy Research showed curcumin was found to be effective.
Turmeric has many amazing, proven qualities. There are numerous other benefits reflected in studies that turmeric provides in addition to what we have mentioned. It’s no wonder that turmeric can impact your overall health in an incredibly positive way. More importantly, the many benefits of turmeric are reflected through numerous scientific studies, so incorporating turmeric into your daily health regimen is a smart idea. Now that you know what science shows are the benefits of turmeric, consider Future Pharm Turmeric Liposome Complex (what we like to call “TLC”) to enhance your health today!
