Curcumin gives turmeric its yellow color, pungent flavor and anti-inflammatory properties. The substance does not only harbor anti-inflammatory effects, but is also an antioxidant and antibacterial.

The content of curcumin in turmeric is about 3 – 4% by weight. Turmeric isn’t just curcumin. But the spice contains other antioxidants as well as, 25% volatile oil (presence of 400-500 different kinds of molecules).

Curcumin can help reduce inflammation by lowering the levels of histamine and stimulating adrenal glands to increase anti-inflammatory hormones. It can be used to ease joint pain and arthritis inflammation.

The Active ingredient

Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is usually taken as a supplement. This component contains powerful medicinal properties that can prevent a host of health conditions.

The health benefits of turmeric lie in the active ingredient Curcumin. Turmeric harbors plenty of stores rich in antioxidants. Curcumin has been found to have an anti-effect in the growth, development and spread of cancer cells.

Research shows that the free radicals which damage cells and responsible for premature aging and cancer. Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a culinary spice that has for years been used in Indian curries and in the Indian Ayurvedic traditional medicine due to its healing properties.

Turmeric has at least 6000 years of documented history of its use as medicine and in manny socio religious practices. The yellow colored compound of turmeric was isolated in 1842 and was named curcumin.

There are several curcuminoids that have slightly different chemical structures. The curcuminoids are phenols and hence are very strong antioxidants. It is one of the most effective nutritional supplements that has been proven to contain major health benefits.

Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent studies have revealed that it can treat a wide range of other health conditions including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Turmeric health benefits

In recent years, turmeric health benefits have captured the attention of many scientists and herbalists. A study that looked at the performance and growth of the brain found that prolonged use of curcumin had the potential to improve brain functions.

Curcumin can enhance memory, both spatial and non-spatial as well as hippocampal cell growth. It can increase the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a growth hormone in the brain.

High levels of BDNF hormone increases the growth of new neurons and helps in fighting numerous brain degenerative processes.

Among the many turmeric health benefits, this has got to be one of the best. For several years, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.

Turmeric harbors antiplatelet effects, helping reduce blood clotting and improving circulation of blood.

The relationship between curcumin and heart disease has been studied and scientists have found that it has the ability to reverse heart disease and reduce strokes.

It improves the function of endothelium (blood vessels lining), which when fails, leads to heart attack, blood clotting and high blood pressure.

Curcumin has been shown to help treat a number of illnesses including digestive and liver problems as well as skin diseases. Used for over 6000 years in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, the medicinal properties of turmeric have a beneficial influence on the liver.

It has the ability to shrink and engorged hepatic ducts and can treat a variety of liver conditions including hepatitis, jaundice and cirrhosis.

Several other recent studies additionally, have revealed that turmeric can protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxins including alcohol. Turmeric health benefits are immense and may be the key to your health.