A report published by the American Heart Association declared heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States.
The risk of heart disease increases for individuals with high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
Evidence found by Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine suggests that curcumin extract can help reduce blood pressure and stabilize cholesterol levels, which is critical to maintaining a healthy heart.
However, more studies need to be conducted to fully confirm the benefits of this natural remedy for cardiovascular health.
2. Powerful anti-inflammatory effects
During injury or illness, your body deploys inflammation to safeguard against infections and diseases. Unfortunately, inflammatory processes typically lead to swelling, pain, and redness.
Unresolved inflammation can lead to chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Research conducted by Dovepress suggests that curcumin can help combat inflammation by blocking the production of inflammatory compounds and at the same time, stimulates the release of anti-inflammatory substances.
Curcumin may also help reduce levels of enzymes responsible for perpetuating inflammation, which can provide relief for those suffering from inflammatory conditions.
3. Potent antioxidant properties
Oxidative stress occurs when the body lacks the necessary antioxidants, leading to increased concentrations of free radicals in your system.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. Factors including regular consumption of processed foods, air pollution, and inhalation of cigarette smoke can increase the production of free radicals.
A study published by Molecules explains that curcumin has been shown to have the potential to combat free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage.
4. May aid in cancer prevention
Cancer develops when cells grow uncontrollably, evade normal cellular regulation, and spread to other body parts.
Research published in Nutrients found that curcumin may impact various signaling pathways related to cancer growth and suggests that curcumin may help eliminate cancer cells.
However, more research is needed to determine curcumin's role in managing cancer progression.
5. Promotes mental health
According to the World Health Organization, around 280 million people suffer from depression around the world.
A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences suggests that curcumin has "antidepressant activity through modulating the serotonin and dopamine system."
These neurotransmitters are responsible for mood regulation, and low levels of serotonin and dopamine have been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
Obesity can increase the production of oxidative stress, which can impair energy-making processes and disrupt metabolic functions, creating a vicious cycle of weight gain and disrupted cellular functions.
Research published bythe International Journal of Molecular Sciences discovered that curcumin's antioxidant properties can help prevent oxidative stress and support metabolic health.
Because of the complexity of weight management, there is still more to learn before researchers can confirm the long-term effects of curcumin in obese patients.
7. May reduce bone loss
The risk of osteoporosis or weak bones increases as we age.
A study conducted by World Neurosurgery found that "Curcumin was significantly associated with a decrease in the osteoporosis progression and bone turnover markers of patients with spinal cord injuries after six months."
Consuming turmeric not only helps your bones but may also improve the health of your joints and reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
8. Relief from premenstrual syndrome
Women who experience menstrual cramping know how difficult it can be to function properly during that time of the month.
Symptoms like abdominal pain, mood swings, bloating, and fatigue can significantly affect many aspects of a woman’s life.
Research conducted by the Journal of Women's Health found that inflammation could be one factor that contributes to premenstrual syndrome.
Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties and may be an effective remedy for menstrual pain.
A study conducted by F1000 Research shows that curcumin can reduce prostaglandins, a group of pro-inflammatory compounds linked to menstrual cramping.
However, it’s important to remember that curcumin has blood-thinning properties, and it’s not recommended to use turmeric if you have a bleeding disorder.
9. Improves memory
The impact of memory loss can be devastating and affect us at any age. Early symptoms include forgetting names, misplacing items, and becoming lost in familiar places.
Progressing memory loss can lead to Alzheimer's disease, which, according to evidence, is linked to free radicals, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
A study conducted by Pharmaceuticals discovered that curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help boost working memory and increase processing speeds.
