What are the benefits of turmeric? What are the benefits of taking curcumin?

Turmeric is not the same as curcumin! What is the difference between the two?

Turmeric has been widely used as a spice and food coloring in India and Asian countries for more than 4,000 years. When you think of turmeric, what comes to mind?
I believe most people will immediately think of curry intuitively. Yes, only curry contains turmeric in our daily food.
However, the curcuminoids in turmeric account for about 2% to 6%, and the main active ingredient curcumin (Curcumin) is only 80%. The content is almost negligible. Even if you eat a whole pot of curry or directly It is also difficult to get enough of the active ingredients when consuming turmeric powder. This is why it is usually recommended that people in need can directly choose turmeric extract supplements. The content is sufficient and the absorption rate is high, making maintenance relatively more efficient.

What are the effects of curcumin?

Curcumin is a phytochemical component extracted from the rhizome of turmeric. It has a series of effects such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor. It has attracted the attention of consumers around the world. What are the specific health benefits of curcumin?

1. Help blood sugar control

Diabetes is not terrible. What is terrible is that poor blood sugar control may lead to the risk of complications such as cataracts, blindness, kidney dialysis, and amputation in the long run, which will have a great impact on the quality of life. The occurrence of diabetes is closely related to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory drug and antioxidant.
Multiple studies have found that curcumin may help improve pancreatic cell function and have positive effects on blood sugar management. A comprehensive analysis of the literature pointed out that curcumin supplementation for patients with type 2 diabetes can not only improve insulin resistance and fasting blood sugar, but also reduce blood triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations, helping patients stay away from related complications.
Curcumin itself has the effect of lowering blood sugar. If you are a diabetic patient taking medication, it is best to consult a physician or nutritionist before use to avoid hypoglycemia.

2. Antioxidant

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antioxidant effects. It can effectively remove free radicals in the body and reduce the damage to cells caused by oxidative stress, thereby delaying the aging process and protecting physical health.

3. Antidepressant

Depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is a mental illness with complex causes. Studies in recent years have confirmed that depression is associated with reduced concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDFN) and hippocampal atrophy.
The main function of BDFN is to help the growth, differentiation and remodeling of the brain's nervous system. In short, if the brain is a tree, then BDFN is the soil, responsible for supplying nutrients to allow the tree to grow and thrive.
Most studies indicate that curcumin can promote the production of BDNF and play a role in protecting brain nerves. Studies have found that additional curcumin supplementation in patients with severe depression can help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, more research on curcumin and depression is still needed to determine its efficacy and optimal intake.

4. Promote blood circulation and promote Qi

Turmeric has a bitter, pungent and warm nature, and returns to the spleen and liver meridians. Its pungent, bitter, and lukewarm properties make turmeric uniquely effective in promoting blood circulation and promoting qi. Whether it is chest and flank pain caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, amenorrhea and abdominal pain, or pain caused by rheumatism and bruises, turmeric can play a good therapeutic role. It promotes blood circulation, dissipates blood stasis, and clears meridians, thereby relieving pain symptoms and restoring the body's normal functions.

5. Prevent cardiovascular disease

Blood vessels are like a highway. Normally, the blood flows smoothly. However, if there is too much cholesterol in the blood, especially if the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is too high, it will cause cholesterol deposition, chronic inflammation, and lead to blood vessel The thickening of the intima makes blood vessels hard and narrow, increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke, myocardial infarction and other diseases.
Curcumin can increase the production of nitric oxide, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and improve the function of vascular endothelial cells. Studies have shown that supplementing with 500 mg of curcumin for just seven days can reduce lipid peroxides, total cholesterol, and increase good cholesterol concentrations in the blood to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and promote cardiovascular health. Still, more research is needed to confirm the benefits of curcumin supplementation in people with heart disease.

6. Protects liver and gallbladder health

Modern pharmacological research has found that turmeric also has liver-protective and choleretic effects. It can promote the secretion of bile and improve the metabolic capacity of the liver and gallbladder, thereby protecting the hepatobiliary system from damage. This is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases. At the same time, turmeric can also improve the function of the digestive system, promote the digestion and absorption of food, and relieve symptoms such as stomach discomfort and indigestion.

7. Prevent cancer

Cancer usually occurs because oncogenes are activated, causing cells to rapidly proliferate, divide, or metastasize to other locations uncontrollably, eventually forming tumors.
Research has found that curcumin supplements can exert anti-cancer properties through a variety of different pathways, such as inhibiting angiogenesis, slowing the spread of cancer cells, and promoting apoptosis of cancer cells, and may help prevent breast, lung, and prostate cancers. , colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and other cancers.

8. Antibacterial

Turmeric also has certain antibacterial effects and can help improve the symptoms of congenital allergies and rhinitis allergies. Although its bactericidal ability is weak under normal circumstances, it is significantly enhanced under light conditions.

9. Prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia caused by the degeneration of brain nerves and is most common in patients over the age of 65. The pathogenesis involves beta-amyloid deposition in the brain, causing oxidative damage and inflammation.
The good news is that curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can cross the blood-brain barrier and help clear these plaques, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

10. Regulate immunity

Turmeric also has immune-modulating effects, which can enhance the function of the immune system and improve the body's resistance. This allows the body to respond quickly when faced with external pathogens and effectively resist disease attacks.

11. Improve arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and acetaminophen, steroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to block the body's inflammatory response and relieve joint swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound extracted from turmeric that has anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit the release of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-8, and nitric oxide synthase. In studies of people with osteoarthritis, supplementing with 1,000 mg of curcumin daily for 8 to 12 weeks has been shown to help reduce symptoms of arthritis.

Is it safe to take curcumin? What should I pay attention to?

For most people, curcumin is considered safe and has few side effects. However, because curcumin has the ability to break blood and promote qi, and stimulates the contraction of uterine smooth muscle, pregnant women and people with threatened abortion are prohibited from taking large amounts of single medicines. 

In addition, when using curcumin, you must strictly follow the medication instructions of your doctor to avoid excessive dosage that may cause discomfort. Self-medication is not recommended, and you should seek medical attention promptly if you experience any symptoms.

At the same time, in our daily life, we should pay attention to the fact that appropriate supplements are beneficial to our health. We should absorb more nutrients from fresh and natural foods. Maintaining a balanced diet can prevent diseases from coming to our doorstep.

Finally, when selecting products, you must pay more attention to dosage and usage, and avoid products of unknown origin and unclear labelling. However, everyone’s priorities and disease status are different. For groups with chronic diseases or special needs, it is best to consult a physician, nutritionist and other professional medical personnel before consumption.