Curcumin is the scientific name of turmeric, which is a seedless yellow plant that is being utilised for both medicinal and culinary purposes for ages now. It was not a long time ago when people started to give this plant attention for its alleged anti-inflammatory benefits. The latest studies on curcumin show that it might just be the next big thing in supplements.
In fact, more and more people order curcumin online for its positive effects on patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Aside from that, curcumin was also labelled as a possible cure for fungal infection. Let us now get to know turmeric or curcumin a bit further.
What is in a turmeric powder?
Curcuma longa belongs to the same family as the ginger plant. The ginger plant family, on the other hand, has more than 100 different kinds. The roots of the turmeric plant can either be powdered or eaten raw. Curcuma contains three different types of polyphenols or micronutrients, and these are bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin. Collectively, they are known as curcuminoids. Among these three micronutrients, curcumin is known as the most abundant kind. Studies revealed that turmeric contains approximately two to six per cent curcuminoids. In this, curcumin is taking around 75 per cent of the total curcuminoid space.
The only issue with curcumin is the fact that it has lower bioavailability. This means that it’s not metabolised and absorbed quickly by one’s body. If that happens, your body cannot hang on to all of the good stuff it contains. Fortunately, scientists were able to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. They now pair curcumin with piperine, one of the components of black pepper.
How can curcumin help you?
Some people who order curcumin online think that curcumin can already cure cancer. Has it reached that level? The answer is “Not Yet.” However, some researchers found out that when curcumin is combined with tomatine, the anticancer and antifungal compound you find in tomatoes, prostate cancer cell growth can be inhibited. The effect of the combined substances was even more profound compared to when they were used individually.
In a different study published by the Nutrition Journal, the healthy adults, either consuming 400mg curcumin or a placebo daily for four continuous weeks, were evaluated. The results showed that there was a decrease in triglycerides. Triglycerides, if too elevated, can mean metabolic syndrome. And if nitric oxide is increased, the blood vessels widen, paving the way for a better flow of food.
Curcumin and osteoarthritis
Aside from the aforementioned medical conditions, curcumin is also being explored as a medication for osteoarthritis. Fortunately, the results seem to be very promising. A group of researchers studied this possibility, and in their study, they worked with two groups of people. The first group took 2,000 mg/day of Curcuma Domestica per day. The second group, on the other hand, took 800 mg/day of Ibuprofen. The results showed that curcumin and Ibuprofen showed similar results when it comes to pain alleviation.
Why should you use curcumin?
If you have been suffering from osteoarthritis, instead of taking Ibuprofen, it is better to take curcumin. As you already know, they have the same effects, but curcumin is natural. Aside from pain-alleviation, you also get to be free from the adverse effects of regular synthetic medication. Not just osteoarthritis, Curcumin Turmeric is known to have several other medical benefits as stated above. So, try to include it in your everyday meals.
