Turmeric Curcumin: A Powerful Spice with Medicinal Properties

Turmeric with active curcumin is a spice that has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal herb. Recently, science has started to back up traditional claims that turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties. These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important one being curcumin.

What is Curcumin?

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. However, the curcumin content of turmeric isn’t that high. It’s around 3%, by weight. Most of the studies on this herb use turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin itself, with dosages usually exceeding 1 gram per day.

Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin

Turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin may have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and other benefits. Curcumin may help to reduce inflammation and several studies suggest that it might ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, like pain and inflammation. In lab tests, curcumin seems to block the growth of certain kinds of tumors.

How to Take Turmeric and Curcumin

It would be very difficult to reach these levels just using turmeric as a spice in your foods. That’s why some people choose to use supplements. However, curcumin is poorly absorbed into your bloodstream. In order to experience the full effects of curcumin, its bioavailability (the rate at which your body absorbs a substance) needs to improve. It helps to consume it with black pepper, which contains piperine. Piperine is a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%.

In fact, the best curcumin supplements contain piperine, and this makes them substantially more effective. Curcumin is also fat soluble, which means it breaks down and dissolves in fat or oil. That’s why it may be a good idea to take curcumin supplements with a meal that’s high in fat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin have many potential health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To experience the full effects of curcumin, it may be helpful to take supplements containing piperine or consume it with black pepper and a meal high in fat.