Turmeric is a spice that comes from the ginger family. It has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal herb. Research has shown that turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties.
These compounds are called curcuminoids. The most important one is curcumin, which is the main active ingredient in turmeric.
Read on to learn what the science says about turmeric and curcumin as well as their benefits.
1. Turmeric contains bioactive compounds
Turmeric contains several bioactive compounds, which have several potential benefits, such as improving gut health and the immune system.
Curcumin is also fat-soluble, which means it breaks down and dissolves in fat or oil. That’s why… Show more
it may be a good idea to take curcumin supplements with a meal that’s high in fat.
Learn:Turmeric vs. curcumin explained
2. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound
Curcumin is a bioactive substance that can helpfight inflammation, though very high doses are required to produce medicinal results.
Discover:Anti-inflammatory foods to try
3. Turmeric can increase the antioxidant capacity of the body
Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the causes behind aging and many diseases.
It involves free radicals, highly reactive molecules with can cause damage to other cells in your body.
Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can… Show more
due to its chemical structure.
Further clinical studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
Explore:Turmeric milk benefits and recipe
4. Curcumin can boost the development of new brain cells
Even in adulthood, brain neurons are capable of forming new connections, and in certain areas of the brain, they can multiply and increase in number.
One of the main drivers of this process is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)… Show more
, which plays a role in memory and learning, and it can be found in areas of the brain responsible for eating, drinking, and body weight.
Many common brain disorders have been linked to , including depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have found that curcumin brain levels of BDNF. By doing this, it may be effective in delaying or even reversing many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function.
However, more studies are needed to confirm this.
Read:Best foods to boost brain and memory
5. Curcumin may lower your risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the cause of death in the world. Research suggests that curcumin may help protect against many steps in the heart disease process.
See:Heart disease risk factors and prevention
6. Turmeric may help prevent cancer
Many different forms of cancer appear to be curcumin supplements.
In fact, curcumin has been as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment and has been found to affect cancer growth and development.
Studies have shown that… Show more
- contribute to the death of cancerous cells
- reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors)
- reduce metastasis (spread of cancer)
Find out:How antioxidants work in your body
7. Curcumin may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to up to .
It’s known that inflammation and oxidative damage play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, and curcumin has been found to have … Show more
on both.
Check out:Alzheimer’s disease symptoms and treatment
8. Arthritis patients respond well to curcumin supplements
There are several different types of arthritis, most of which involve inflammation in the joints.
In a on people with osteoarthritis, curcumin appeared to be more effective in relieving pain than a placebo, and has also… Show more
found its effect to be similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Dive into:Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and causes
9. Curcumin has benefits against depression
Try:Natural ways to cope with depression
10. Curcumin may help delay aging and fight age-related chronic diseases
If curcumin can really help prevent heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, it may have benefits for longevity as well.
Given that oxidation and inflammation are in aging, curcumin may have effects that go way… Show more
beyond just preventing disease. However, further research is still needed.
Discover:Studies linking diet to slower aging
Frequently asked questions
Given turmeric’s various beneficial properties to health, it’s not a bad idea to take it daily. If you stick to 10 g or less, you are not likely to experience side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting.
People who are pregnant or nursing, people who have gallbladder or kidney problems, those with bleeding disorders, or iron deficiency should limit turmeric. If you have any of these conditions, speak with a doctor before taking turmeric.
The bottom line
Turmeric — and especially its most active compound, curcumin — has many potential health benefits, such as improving heart health and preventing Alzheimer’s and cancer.
It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
While these benefits are possible, they are limited at this time because of curcumin’s scarce bioavailability, and more research is needed to understand the exact effects.
