Turmeric is obtained from the plant, “Curcuma longa” which belongs to the family of Ginger. Turmeric is a flowering plant and it’s best known as a spice that’s used for curries. It is native to India and Southeast Asia, sometimes also referred to as “Indian Saffron”.
Turmeric shows major benefits to our body as it is an effective nutritional supplement.
Bioactive ingredient in turmeric
“Curcuminoids” are the phytochemical constituents that are present in turmeric. “Curcumin” is the active ingredient in turmeric.
Curcumin is a polyphenol compound that is a micronutrient substance and it has anti-inflammatory properties, also has the ability to enhance the number of antioxidants that the body produces.
It possesses certain importance in the cultures of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines and it’s absolutely wonderful basically for its antioxidant properties.
Curcumin is absorbed poorly during digestion and therefore it is essential to formulate with other compounds in order to improve its bio-availability. Curcumin has grown particularly in Asia and once the process of cultivation comes to an end the rhizome of the plant is sent to be processed in the form of turmeric. The turmeric plant is used for the extraction of curcumin in 2 to 5 percent.
Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin
Anti-inflammatory property
Curcumin has the ability to decrease pain very effectively. People are using it for inflammation, arthritis, and general pains and symptoms for centuries this potent substance has proven to be very successful.
Curcumin helps in reducing inflammatory signals and many are connected with inflammatory joints and arthritis. When the dosage of curcumin is 200mg per kg that means it’s 4.6 to 8.3 percent more productive than many other vital ingredients of ginger in the elimination of inflammation affiliated with cytokines circulating in those affected joints.
A molecule that travels into the nuclei of our cells and turns on genes related to inflammation are NF-KB molecules, they were getting blocked. In many chronic diseases, NF-KB plays a major role.
Curcumin is an herbal supplement in which it has the ability to treat arthritis and joint problems.
Antioxidant property
Behind aging and many diseases, oxidative damage is believed to be one of the reasons. It involves highly reactive molecules such as free radicals with an unpaired electron.
Antioxidants are used to act against the free radicals, to protect our body. Free radicals react with proteins, fatty acids, and DNA.
Due to the chemical structure of curcumin, it will neutralize the free radicals and acts as an antioxidating agent.
Autoimmune diseases
Curcumin is proven to be helpful in preventing and treating some major diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s as well. The Neurodegenerative disease that leads to dementia is referred to as Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin has a beneficial role in treating inflammation and oxidative damage which causes Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Cancer treatment
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Curcumin can prevent and treat many types of cancer such as oral cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and pancreatic cancer.
On a molecule level, Curcumin can suppress the tumor onset and decrease the growth and spread of cancer.
Weight loss
Consumption of curcumin results in a noticeable decrease in weight, BMI, and leptin in a major rise in the level of adiponectin.
Curcumin play role in the stabilization and management of obesity. It allows patients to decrease their weight while dealing with metabolic disorders.
Antidepressant
Curcumin has been shown to possibly be beneficial for those with depression. A recent study found that turmeric and curcumin were far more beneficial than the placebo when it comes to reducing the symptoms of depression. The reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and hippocampus(a brain area that play role in learning and memory) shrinking are also linked to depression.
Immune system booster
Turmeric increases the immunomodulating capacity of the body which helps to boost the Immune system, as it is a natural immune system booster. As curcumin has anti-inflammatory property it is used as an effective immunomodulatory agent which can regulate the activation of B cells, T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. At low doses, curcumin can intensify antibiotic response.
Treatment for heart diseases
Curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidation, which play a major role in heart disease as well. Endothelial function or the well-being of a thin membrane that covers the heart and blood vessels inside can be improved by using curcuminThis membrane plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. Aging and an increased risk of heart diseases are associated with lower endothelial function.
Dental and skin health
Turmeric helps to cleanse the mouth and decrease dental plaque by gargling turmeric in w Hence curcumin help to reduce the risk of heart diseases and prevent against age-related dropping of functional and rubbing turmeric on the gums. As curcumin has antibacterial properties, it can be used as a mouthwash. It can reduce blemishes, acne, and dermatitis by applying to the skin.
Eye health
Many studies show that curcumin is favorable in treating inflammatory and degenerative eye disorders. Curcumin is helpful for maintaining healthy eyes and treating eye diseases.
