If you are on the lookout for natural, effective remedies to end your pain or whatever it is that ails you, one chemical compound, curcumin, stands out from the rest. Curcumin is found in turmeric, a yellow to orange colored, herbaceous plant that is a member of the ginger family. Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years due to its medicinal properties. It has also been used as a fabric dye. Today, it is used as spice.
Curcumin, a curcuminoid, is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may even reduce swelling and ease the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is created when the body fights off foreign invaders. Low-level inflammation is okay, but once inflammation becomes chronic, it’s another story. Chronic inflammation has been a contributor to many diseases including heart disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other degenerative diseases. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties are strong enough to mimic the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs without the side effects. Curcumin fights off inflammation at a molecular level by blocking NF-kB, which plays a major role in most chronic diseases.
Increases Antioxidants in the Body
Oxidative damage, caused by the overproduction of free radicals, contributes to premature aging and other diseases. Antioxidants are important in fighting oxidative damage and providing protection to the body. Curcumin is a very effective antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and stimulate the body’s own antioxidant enzymes at the same time.
Improves Brain Function and Lowers the Risk for Diseases of the Brain
Curcumin is known to increase the levels of a hormone known as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) that is essential in brain functioning such as growing new neurons and fighting off degenerative brain diseases. Once BDNF levels rise, they will effectively reverse or delay brain disease and decrease age-related brain conditions. Curcumin might also help improve memory. Because of this effect, it can possibly make you smarter.
Curcumin may also help clear up plaques that are responsible for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It is capable of getting across the blood-brain barrier and may improve the pathological process that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.
Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Curcumin can help lower the risk of heart disease as it reverses the heart disease process. It also improves the endothelium that lines the blood vessels. The endothelium is responsible for different cardiac functions such as regulating blood pressure, blood clotting, and more. Curcumin is said to improve these functions and is just as effective as exercise. Its effects are also believed to be like the drug Atorvastatin. Curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help prevent heart disease, too.
Helps Prevent and Even Treat Cancer
Curcumin can reduce the growth of new blood vessels in tumors and can prevent the growth of new cancer cells. With an absorption enhancer like pepper, curcumin may be the best cancer treatment there is. It is a much safer alternative to pharmaceuticals and does not have any side effects that may cause harm. However, the use of curcumin in cancer treatment and prevention may need further studies.
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