I have arthritis and was on prescription medication for it for years but since I started taking turmeric daily about 6 months ago, I have been able to completely stop taking my expensive, organ damaging, nausea inducing meds in lieu of two of these fellas a day. But it has more than just that going for it, turmeric has a HOST of other benefits.
In the 5000 year old Indian Practice of Ayurvedic medicine it is known as the 'Golden Goddess", Turmeric, a spice that has been used in curry dishes for centuries to assist in preservation and palatability has recently been subjected to over 5600 peer reviewed and published biomedical studies. Curcumin is the active ingredient in Tumeric and is approximately 2-4% by weight of the spice.
Curcumin is hard for the body to absorb on it's own. Bio Perine, a natural extract of Black Pepper fruit is has been found to increase absorption and therefore, the bioavailability of the curcumin by up to 2000%!
Turmeric has hundreds of molecular constituents, each with a variety of biological activities. There are at least 20 molecules that are anti-biotic, 14 that are known cancer preventatives, 12 that are ant-tumor, 12 are anti-inflammatory and there are at least 10 different anti-oxidants. One database even showed over 326 different biological activities of Turmeric.
In both India and Pakistan as Turmeric is consumed more regularly, there is a much lower occurrence of cancer, this has also been shown to be the case for Alzheimer's disease.
Main Benefits:Anti Inflammatory- 'Turmeric has been shown to contain over 2 dozen anti- inflammatory compounds, Curcumin- the component in Tumeric most often cited for it's healthful effects- is a multi- faceted anti- inflammatory agent, and studies of the efficacy of Curcumin have demonstrated positive changes in Artheritic Symptoms.' (3) This may have positive effects on Cancer, Arthritis
Anti Oxidant- Curcumin, although a powerful anti oxidant it's self also increases the body's own production of antioxidants, pummelling the free radicals that cause ageing.
Mood Enhancer- According to a study conducted on 60 adults with depression, after 6 weeks the Curcumin group had similar effects to those on Prozac. (4)
Improves Brain Function- Curcumin has been found to boost levels of Brain Hormone which leads to new neuron growth and can fight degenerative diseases of the brain by reducing inflammation and, oxidative free radicals and plaque build up.
Supports Heart Health- Curcumin has been found to improve the function of the lining of the blood vessels, in turn improving the bodies capability to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and other positive effects.
Promotes Youthful, Radient Skin- Due to Curcumin's anti- oxidant, anti- inflammatory, anti- viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-cancer capabilities it has many positive effects on the skin including slowing the ageing process and the treatment of psoriasis, warts, melanoma, skin pigmentation disorders besides many others.
Supports Weight Loss- Once weight loss has been achieved, studies have been shown that curcumin in fat cells inhibits the re-growth of fat,. According to the European Journal of Nutrition may reverse insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and other inflammatory symptoms associated with obesity and metabolic disorders.
Joint and Muscle health Enhancer- Again, due to it's anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties, Curcumin has been found to be effective in the prevention and treatment of joint diseases and decreasing inflammation body wide reducing everyday aches and pains.
Increase Absorption By: Taking it with Bio Perine ( you are already going to be doing that ) and with food, preferably fatty food, or ideally a fish oil supplement as cur cumin is fat soluble making it even more bioavailable.
