The Benefits of Turmeric

Written by Athina Crilley

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant Curcuma Longa, part of Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, native to Southeast Asia and India. It has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) 

Turmeric has a bitter taste and is often used as a flavour for curries, mustards, butters and cheeses. It has a yellow colour caused by one of its components called curcumin, which makes it great for use as a dye or colourant. 

Alongside its use as a culinary herb, turmeric has been used to help treat several health conditions and has a number of benefits. It contains bioactive molecules called curcuminoids, one of which is curcumin. Here are some of the benefits of curcumin.

1. Has anti-inflammatory effects 

Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. Low levels of chronic inflammation can lead to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and Alzheimer’s. Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation almost as much as some anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects. 

Curcumin can also contribute to healthy joint function by decreasing inflammation. This can also help decrease symptoms of joint-related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. 

It has been shown to reduce hay fever symptoms caused by the inflammatory response including sneezing, itching, and congestion. 

2. Has anti-oxidant effects 

Curcumin acts as an anti-oxidant to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by cell metabolism or by pollutant and sunlight. This boosts the body’s natural anti-oxidant defences and protecting your cells even further. 

3. Help to regulate glucose and fat metabolism 

There have been improvements in glucose regulation and fat metabolism in those who have taken curcumin, and studies show lowered risks of diabetes in adults after turmeric consumption due to improved insulin secretion. 

4. Lowers cardiovascular disease risk 

Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, curcumin may help to reduce risks of developing cardiovascular disease. It can also help keep the lining of your blood vessels healthy, which aids blood flow to and from the heart. 

5. Maintains a healthy gut 

Curcumin can help to regulate the levels of good and bad bacteria in your gut, and may inhibit growth of unwanted yeast. It can also improve the mucosal barrier in the intestines which protects against some gut-related health conditions. 

6. Prevents cancer cell growth 

Studies have shown curcumin has anti-cancer effects. Cancer is characterised by uncontrollable cell growth. It inhibits certain cell signalling pathways in cancer cells, stopping them from growing or moving around the body. In particular, it has been effective against development of gastric cancers including stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic or hepatic cancers. 

7. Improves brain function 

Curcumin has been shown to increase a substance in the brain called bran-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This is a growth hormone that contributes to growth of new neurons and help neurons make new connections with each other. BDNF also enhances parts of the brain involved in memory and learning. Increased BDNF has been linked to decreased risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

8. Decreases risk of depression 

Studies suggest that curcumin can be effective as an anti-depressant. It can increase the amounts of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters in the brain associated with feeling happy and motivated. The effects curcumin has on BDNF may also contribute to improved symptoms. 

Turmeric can contribute greatly to overall health, with its main active component curcumin providing many of health benefits. It can improve symptoms in many diseases and may reduce risks of developing several health conditions. 

Turmeric has poor bioavailability. This means that when we consume turmeric through foods, most of the curcumin will not be absorbed through the digestive tract. That is why we created a capsule that can be more easily absorbed by the body. 

Our Royal Opti-turmeric supplement brings all of the benefits of turmeric to you and combines high quality ingredients (turmeric extract, rosehip extract, vitamin C and black pepper) into a single, easy capsule that is suitable for vegetarians. Our formulation contains the equivalent of 20,000mg of turmeric powder. 

Rosehip may be effective in relieving some symptoms associated inflammation alongside turmeric. Vitamin C helps to support your immune system and protect cells from oxidative stress. 

See our product page or contact us for more information on our Royal Opti-turmeric supplement.