Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most studied plant medicines in the world. The beauty of it is that it has a number of applications with no negative side effects. Here are some of the key benefits:

Anti-inflammatory (especially great for the gut)

Pain reliever (great for headaches, joint pain etc)

Acid reflux support

Wound healing (great post-surgery or for injuries)

Repairing the gut lining

Anti-fungal / bacterial

A high-potency Turmeric (not the same as the spice on your shelf) at the correct dosage helps rebalance the gut and supports the healing of the gut lining. Curcuminoids are the active ingredient in Turmeric with all the healthful benefits. Maximized Turmeric (from Natural Vibrance) and Curcumin Complete contain the most bioavailable curcuminoids on the market.

Read more about Curcuminoids and how they support wound healing here.

This is one of the most versatile products you can have in your medicine cabinet.  Technology in the Nutraceutical industry has got quite clever and they can now disperse and concentrate the active ingredient, curcumin.

This is key as you will only find curcumin in concentrations of 7-9% in the spice and it is not very well absorbed, which is why Bioperine (black pepper) is often recommended along with it.

Here are some of the benefits…

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• Chronic Inflammation: Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is a factor in many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and various degenerative conditions.

• Arthritis Relief: Studies have shown that curcumin can help reduce symptoms of arthritis, including joint pain and stiffness, by reducing inflammation.

2. Antioxidant Effects

• Oxidative Stress Reduction: Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

• Boosts Body’s Antioxidant Capacity: Curcumin also enhances the activity of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes, providing a double defense against free radicals.

3. Heart Health

• Improves Endothelial Function: Curcumin has been shown to improve the function of the endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels, which can help regulate blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular disease.

• Reduces Risk of Heart Disease: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help reduce the risk factors for heart disease, such as lowering LDL cholesterol levels and preventing oxidative damage to the cardiovascular system.

4. Brain Health

• Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Curcumin can increase levels of BDNF, a growth hormone that functions in the brain, which may help delay or even reverse brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function.

• May Help in Alzheimer’s Disease: Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-amyloid properties, curcumin has been studied for its potential to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and slow its progression.

5. Anti-Cancer Properties

• Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Curcumin has been shown to affect the growth, development, and spread of cancer at the molecular level. It can reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors), metastasis (spread of cancer), and contribute to the death of cancerous cells.

• Enhances Chemotherapy: It may also enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and reduce its side effects.

6. Digestive Health

• Supports Gut Health: Curcumin can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and reduce symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Reduces Digestive Inflammation: Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

7. Mood and Mental Health

• Antidepressant Effects: Some studies suggest that curcumin can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, likely due to its ability to boost BDNF and serotonin levels.

8. Skin Health

• Reduces Acne and Eczema: Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help treat skin conditions like acne and eczema.

• Promotes Wound Healing: Curcumin can aid in faster healing of wounds by reducing inflammation and oxidation.

Summary

Curcumin is a powerful natural compound with a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, support for heart and brain health, potential anti-cancer properties, and benefits for digestive and skin health. However, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, so it is often taken with black pepper (which contains piperine) or in a potentized form to enhance absorption.