In traditional medicine, turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, has a long history of usage similar to other spices. This flavourful spice is primarily cultivated from a flowering plant’s rhizomes, or roots, that grows in India and other parts of Southeast Asia. Organic turmeric powder is also responsible for giving curry its vibrant yellow colour. Curcumin is turmeric’s most crucial bioactive component, and it is also the pigment responsible for the yellow hue that is so typical of this spice. Indeed, turmeric’s purported health advantages may be attributed to a compound called curcumin.
Curcumin Is An Anti-Inflammatory
Curcumin, found in turmeric, is responsible for most of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties, which is one of the critical reasons turmeric is so well-known: it is often used to treat inflammation. According to previous research findings, taking the appropriate amount of curcumin may be an even more effective therapy for inflammation than commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil (ibuprofen) and aspirin for reducing swelling and pain. Additionally, there is a need for additional study in this particular field. According to a previous analysis, curcumin may help treat disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and arthritis. Chronic inflammation is a factor in the development of many types of chronic diseases.
There Is Some Evidence That Curcumin Helps Protect Against Heart Disease
Curcumin has been shown in previous research to have potential benefits for endothelial function, which refers to the state of health of the thin membrane that lines the inside of the heart and blood vessels. This membrane is critical to the process of controlling blood pressure. A decrease in endothelial function is linked to ageing and an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. As a result, curcumin may help guard against the loss of function associated with ageing and may lessen the risk of developing heart disease. Researchers examined the effectiveness of enhancing endothelial function with an eight-week aerobic exercise program and a supplement containing curcumin in post-menopausal women who had had menopause. The control group did not see any changes in endothelial function, in contrast to the exercise group and the curcumin group, which both had similar benefits.
Curcumin Can Help Prevent Certain Cancers And Even Treat Some Of Them
Since inflammation is associated with the development of tumours, anti-inflammatory substances like curcumin could help treat and prevent cancer, including colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, breast, and gastric cancers. According to the findings of specific studies conducted on mice, curcumin has the potential to inhibit the growth of tumour cells and even stop them from developing in the first place. It may accomplish this goal via various mechanisms, such as interfering with cell signalling pathways, affecting the creation of malignant cells at different cell cycle phases, and even triggering the death of cancerous cells. Although it has not yet been confirmed whether or not curcumin may assist in treating cancer in people, research into the topic is still underway.
Curcumin Can Be Used In The Treatment Of Depression
Depression, like Alzheimer’s disease, is linked to reduced levels of the neurotrophic factor BDNF. Turmeric shows promise as a potential treatment for depression due to its capacity to raise levels of the neurotrophic factor BDNF. According to the findings of one research, rats that were given curcumin injections of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg for ten days showed a dose-dependent rise in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), with the higher dosage of 200 mg/kg demonstrating more considerable antidepressant benefits.
Conclusion
Curcumin, organic turmeric powder, in particular, can scavenge various forms of free radicals, regulate enzymes responsible for neutralising free radicals, and stop certain enzymes from producing certain forms of free radicals.
