DISCOVER THE POWER OF ADDING CURCUMIN TO YOUR HEALTH-CARE ROUTINE
BY GLENDA BRITTON, RHN
Curcumin is quite possibly the most powerful herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease. This supplement is an active ingredient in turmeric, and to a lesser degree, in ginger. Although turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries for medicinal as well as culinary purposes, curcumin was not scientifically identified until the mid-twentieth century.
To date, there have been over 6000 peer-reviewed articles published revealing the compelling effects of turmeric and its active compound curcumin. Its impact covers a wide range of human health conditions such as:
1.CANCER: A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin has the ability to kill o cancer cells, with the added bene t of not damaging healthy cells.
2.BRAIN FUNCTION: Although this function not completely understood, curcumin demonstrates neuroprotective potential in Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and other related neurodegen- erative disorders. It also has great potential as a remedy for psy- chiatric disorders, including ADHD, depression and anxiety. Its e ectiveness is believed to be associated with its anti-in amma- tory and antioxidant capability.
3.DIABETES: Curcumin modulates blood sugar levels and improves insulin receptor function.
4.ARTHRITIS: Studies show that curcumin could be used as an alternative to NSAIDS (such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen) with the added bonus that curcumin does not harm the gastroin- testinal tract.
5.LUNG DISEASES: Animal studies support the notion that curcumin plays a protective role in various lung diseases, including acute injury, allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
6.THE LIVER: Animal studies show how curcumin helps the regeneration of damaged liver tissue. Curcumin also helps sup- port detoxi cation through the liver.
7.HEART HEALTH: Dozens of studies clearly show the cardio-pro- tective bene ts of curcumin. For example, its antioxidant e ects may prevent diabetic cardiovascular complications, while its anti-in ammatory properties may help to prevent both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. In animal studies, curcumin low- ered cholesterol levels and kept LDL (bad) cholesterol levels from increasing.
8.DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Curcumin helps to remedy symptoms related to inflammatory bowel conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Aside from treating the above conditions, this traditional medicine has been used for menstrual difficulties, sprains, kidney disorders, eyesight conditions, and skin cancers. In fact, you can even use curcumin both topically and internally as an anti-aging tonic!
Another remarkable fact about curcumin is its exceptionally good safety record. Having said that, it’s always a good idea to consult a health-care practitioner prior to use, especially if undergoing any treatment for the above-mentioned conditions. Curcumin has been shown to enhance the effects of certain medications, as well as inhibit the effects of others.
BUYER BEWARE
Not all curcumin supplements are created equal. In fact, if there is one issue with curcumin, it is its inability to be absorbed by the body. For this reason, it is very important to ensure that you are getting a high quality product. Some companies are formulating a curcumin supplement with phosphatidylcholine and/or piperine (black pepper) to help increase absorption.
If you are unsure as to whether or not supplementing with curcumin is right for you right now, don’t hesitate to add turmeric to hummus, guacamole, soups and stews. Plus, add some black pepper to increase absorption. VM
