What are the Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin?

Turmeric has been traditionally used for pulmonary and gastrointestinal system problems. Research within the last 50 years has shown much of the supposed benefit of turmeric is due to curcumin, the active component. Curcumin, a polyphenol, has displayed activity in antioxidant, anti-redness, anti-harmful organism capacities. Because of this, polyphenols have generated inquiries into their potential to provide support for ailments proven to be therapy resistant, including chronic illnesses. Although curcumin is used as a supplement in many countries, it has not been approved for the treatment of any human disease. Regardless, the experimental research and animal studies have many people interested in the benefits of this golden spice. ^{[1] [2]}

How Does Turmeric Work?

Oxidative stress reactions are critical stressors in the body that predicate many chronic illnesses. Curcumin has been thought to have beneficial effects against chronic illnesses due to its potent antioxidant activities. ^{[3] [4]} Oxidative damage causes aging, stress on cells and oxidative damage can result from free radicals. Oxidative damage is a huge concern in cases of obesity, liver disease, and alcohol induced liver problems. In fact, Researchers at China’s Tongji Medical College discovered curcumin may potentially offer improvement for chronic alcoholic liver disease due to it’s propensity to alleviate oxidative damage. ^[5]

Curcumin, capsaicin, and gingerol, have been reported to provide improved health to their consumers, especially with regard to diabetes. Research by the Department of Pathology at Saint Louis University discovered that curcumin inhibits the effects of insulin on fat storage cell activation by interrupting insulin signaling and reducing oxidative stress. ^[6]

Turmeric and the Liver

For centuries, traditional Hindu medicine has used turmeric to support liver health. Obesity leads to many problems, including liver disease. In a study designed to examine the effect of curcumin on liver irritation, researchers at National Yang Ming University discovered that obese mice, when given curcumin, lost weight and had reduced cholesterol levels. Researchers noted the results offered encouragement that curcumin may have potential for confronting fatty liver disease. ^[7] This action is due to curcumin’s inhibition of fat storage cell activity, the major instigators of liver disease. In cultured fat storage cells, curcumin was found to suppress bad cholesterol and inhibit fat storage cell activation. ^[8]

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

The antioxidant properties of turmeric have a direct effect on the cardiovascular system. Curcumin reduces the toxic effects of aggressive medical therapies, especially the way they affect the heart.^[2] Animal testing has found that the phytochemical promotes normal heart size and function.^[2]

Efficacy Against Harmful Organisms

In research intended to examine the activity of curcumin against food pathogens, including e. coli, the College of Food Science and Technology in China evaluated curcumin’s effect on cultured organisms and found it to have broad inhibitory effect. Furthermore, researchers noted its resistance to fungus to be even higher. ^[9]
In a study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of curcumin on harmful organisms, human teeth that had been inoculated were found to have reduced bacterial adherence after being given curcumin. Results support the use of curcumin as a food-based agent that fights harmful organisms. ^[10]

Other Health Benefits

As if its antioxidant, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective properties, and resistance to harmful organisms aren’t enough, turmeric shows strong potential in many other applications. It’s a legitimate superfood, and researchers are studying it for dozens of possible health benefits. Here are just a few.

Soothes Irritation

Curcumin has soothing abilities and is one of the most effective ways to naturally address the symptoms of red, swollen tissue. Multiple studies have determined that daily ingestion of turmeric reduces tenderness, joint swelling, and stiffness.^[1]

Gastrointestinal Health

Curcumin consumption promotes normal gallbladder function and bile flow. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study found that turmeric supported normal digestion. Other studies have found that turmeric supports the health of stomach cells.^[1]

Cancer

Scientists have dedicated much research to turmeric’s relationship with cancer. Animal and in vitro studies have evaluated curcumin against several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon cancer. Those inquiries are exploratory and more research is needed.^[6]

Recent Developments

Although many preclinical studies suggest curcumin has therapeutic application, the effectiveness of curcumin in randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials is still to come. Some have speculated the bioavailability of curcumin to be sub par and that may limit its application. Now, some studies have responded by formulating curcumin nano particles to determine if the decreased particle size increases bioavailability. One study involving rats and asthma found that curcumin nanoparticles increased concentrations of curcumin in the lung and liver; the nano-particles effectively suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness and irritation, leading to conclusions that curcumin nano particles could eventually be a promising candidate for asthma therapy.

Supplementing with Turmeric

There are a lot of turmeric supplements on the market so there’s no excuse for not getting one that’s high quality. We recently released a liquid turmeric extract I’m really proud of; the feedback has been incredible. I’d like to hear from people who’ve supplemented with turmeric, what benefits did you notice? Leave a comment below and share your experience with us.