Scientific Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin

1. Curcumin Is an Anti-Inflammatory

One of turmeric’s main claims to fame is that it’s commonly used to fight inflammation, and the bulk of turmeric’s inflammation-fighting powers can be assigned to curcumin. In fact, in the right dose, curcumin may be a more effective anti-inflammatory treatment than common inflammation-fighting medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin.

More research is needed in this area as well.

Because chronic inflammation contributes to many chronic diseases, curcumin may help treat conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and arthritis. We’ll get into some of those specific benefits later.

A study shows that curcumin may improve endothelial function, or the health of the thin membrane that covers the inside of the heart and blood vessels. This membrane plays a key role in regulating blood pressure.
Lower endothelial function is associated with aging and an increased risk of heart disease. Thus, curcumin may help protect against age-related loss of function and reduce your likelihood of developing heart disease.

In one study, researchers compared the effects of an eight-week aerobic exercise program and a curcumin supplement in improving endothelial function in post-menopausal women. Both the exercise and the curcumin group saw equal improvements in endothelial function, whereas the control group saw no changes.

Another study
found that curcumin was equally effective at improving endothelial function in people with type 2 diabetes (heart disease is a common comorbidity of type 2 as the drug atorvastatin (Lipitor),
a medication commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Still, more research is needed to determine if curcumin is a safe and effective long-term treatment strategy for people with heart disease.

Pages: 123456