Turmeric is a kind of spice that people use in traditional medicine for centuries. In these modern times, scientists have the technology to support the health benefits of turmeric, especially its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This spice comprises various plant compounds that are beneficial for health, but its curcumin content takes most of the credit. For this, an increasing number of people use turmeric curcumin supplement to treat many different health problems.
Knowing More About Turmeric and Curcumin
Turmeric is a strongly flavored spice extracted from the roots or rhizomes of the Curcuma longa tropical plant that grows in Southeast Asia.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, many people use it as a complementary treatment for various conditions such as digestive issues, arthritis, and excessive gas.
On the other hand, curcumin is part of the curcuminoids, which are a class of plant compounds. Curcumin is an active compound found in turmeric, and also the primary contributing factor to the distinct color of turmeric.
When talking about the many therapeutic and medicinal benefits of turmeric, it will not be complete without mentioning curcumin, its most active compound.
But, it does not mean that turmeric has no other health benefits, as there are other composites from it, more or less, a hundred of them. These components also have their own health benefits.
You can get all of the turmeric compounds, including curcumin, by adding turmeric dishes into your dishes like sautéed veggies. After all, turmeric is among the best spices to use.
Similar beneficial impacts of Turmeric and Curcumin
Several studies show that turmeric and curcumin share the same effects on the body. For example, both have been found to improve levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterols); thus, preventing the risk of heart disease from developing.
Also, turmeric and curcumin are known to help suppress chronic inflammation that causes obesity. Both effectively control oxidative stress, blood sugar, and inflammation in individuals who have type 2 diabetes.
What about Curcumin?
Curcumin comprises 2-8% of the majority of turmeric preparations, crediting it for a wide range of health benefits. It is a bioactive substance that has a huge role in repairing bodily damage as well as fighting foreign invaders and inflammation. Inflammation causes bacteria and other pathogens to invade the body, potentially killing you.
Also, curcumin significantly improves the antioxidant capability of the body. Antioxidants are quite beneficial because they block free radicals from penetrating your body as it stimulates the antioxidant defenses of the body.
Moreover, curcumin can be taken with a fatty meal because it is considered as a fat-soluble. The following are health conditions that can benefit from curcumin:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer
- Osteoarthritis
- Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
- Oxidative stress
- Brain health
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cholesterol levels
- Liver health
- Cystic fibrosis
You can increase the absorption of curcumin in the body by using it with piperine, which is a nitrogenous organic compound typically found in black pepper. Studies reveal that a specific extract of black pepper can increase absorption by 2,000% when used in combination with curcumin.
In other words, you can optimize your curcumin supplement absorption if you take it with piperine, obtaining the many benefits of the compound.
Including turmeric and curcumin in a healthy diet program
A high-quality turmeric curcumin supplement typically comes with 400 to 500 mg of curcumin per capsule. You may take two or more capsules of these every day distributed throughout the day.
Your health condition is a factor that determines the dosage you should take per day. Another way to optimize your curcumin absorption is to take this supplement with a fatty meal like grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish.
Keep in mind that your turmeric and curcumin supplements can do wonders if you also maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. This is because even the best nutrients and supplements cannot help someone with a sedentary lifestyle, subpar sleep, chronic stress, and a poor diet.
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation contribute to many diseases, and you can manage these conditions in different ways. For example, consuming a quality curcumin supplement and adding turmeric powder on your meals can help relieve these health issues.
Consistent exercise, eight hours of sleep every night, stress management are some of the essential things you need to stay healthy, lean, and happy.
One that shows promises to be effective in treating various conditions is the turmeric curcumin supplement. Turmeric, the powerhouse spice, together with its key ingredient, curcumin, can prove to be a crucial element to maintain a healthy living.
