20 Apr Turmeric and its major compound Curcumin

Turmeric is a well-known spice that also happens to be the most effective nutritional supplement available in every kitchen. Many studies show that turmeric has significant health benefits for both the body and the brain.

Many of these benefits are linked to curcumin, its main active ingredient. Continue reading to learn more about turmeric and curcumin, as well as their advantages.

Turmeric is responsible for the curry’s yellow colour. For decades, it has been used as a spice and medicinal herb in India.

Traditional claims that turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties have recently been supported by science.  Curcuminoids are the names of these compounds. Curcumin is the most important and main active ingredient. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antioxidant too.

Turmeric contains bioactive compounds that are medicinal in nature but on the other hand, it does not have high curcumin content. By weight, it amounts to about 3% only.  Studies on this herb have used turmeric extracts mostly curcumin. Simply using turmeric as a spice will not help achieving the levels required. This is where supplements come in.

Curcumin can boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Prior to researchers’ greater understanding of neurons, it was believed that they could not divide and multiply after early childhood. They now know and understand that this is not the scenario. Neurons in certain areas of the brain can form new connections, multiply, and increase in number. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the primary drivers of this process.

The BDNF protein is involved in memory and learning and is found in areas of the brain that control eating, drinking, and body weight. Decreased levels of BDNF protein have been linked to a variety of common brain disorders, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin has been shown in animal studies to increase BDNF levels in the brain.

It may be effective in delaying or even reversing many brain diseases and age-related declines in brain function by doing so. Still, because these studies were conducted on animals, it’s difficult to say what the findings mean for humans. It may also aid in the improvement of memory and attention, which seems logical given its effects on BDNF levels.

Curcumin may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease remains the major cause of death on a global scale. For decades, researchers have been studying it and have learned a lot about why it happens. Heart disease is, understandably, highly complex, and a lot of factors make a significant contribution to it. Many steps in the heart disease process may be reversed by curcumin.

Curcumin may have the greatest benefit for heart disease by improving the function of the endothelium, the lining of your blood vessels. This occurs when your endothelium is unable to control blood pressure, clotting, and other factors.

Several studies indicate that curcumin can improve heart health. Furthermore, one study discovered that it is just as effective as exercise in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, as previously discussed, curcumin can help reduce inflammation and oxidation, both of which can play a role in heart disease.