Turmeric has become a star of the spice world and its reputation continues to grow as further studies prove its amazing health benefits. Specifically its most active ingredient Curcumin has gained considerable attention as studies show it is the driving force behind turmeric’s powerful properties.
What is turmeric?
Known as ‘the Golden Spice’, the turmeric root has been used in Indian cuisine and traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is famous for its vibrant yellow colour.
Research has shown that turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can support brain and gut health, promote a healthy immune system and benefit a range of inflammatory conditions.
What is curcumin?
Turmeric is made up of bioactive compounds, collectively known as curcuminoids. Curcumin is the primary curcuminoid and the most active ingredient in turmeric. Many studies have shown that it is the curcumin that is responsible for many of the health benefits associated with turmeric.
Turmeric contains around 3% curcuminoids and therefore one teaspoon of turmeric powder (about 5,000 mg) only provides about 150 mg of curcuminoids.
Healing benefits of turmeric and curcumin
Turmeric is a healing herb and has a range of amazing benefits, which include:
Reducing Skin Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the body’s healing process. However long term chronic inflammation of the skin can lead to eczema and damage the skin.
Studies have shown that curcumin can suppress pro-inflammatory signals, which gives it powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
These properties make curcumin perfectly placed to help alleviate the symptoms of eczema. Studies have shown that curcumin can help to reduce itchiness and scaling for people with eczema.
Immune Support
A strong and healthy immune system is essential for your body to fight invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies.
Studies have shown that turmeric contains excellent anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, which can help to support a healthy immune system. Research also shows it can help to regulate different signalling molecules which are essential for the functioning of a health immune system.
Reducing Joint Pain
Inflammation in the joints can be very painful, causing swelling and restricting movement.
Studies have shown that turmeric and curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties may reduce joint pain and tenderness, cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation. In particular, research has shown that curcumin can reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with arthritis.
Supporting Gut Health
Our gut health is not just important for digestion but a healthy gut supports the immune system and contributes to general health and wellbeing.
Studies have shown that curcumin can have positive effects on human gut microbiota, reducing intestinal inflammation, as well as supporting diverse gut bacteria which supports a strong immune system.
Turmeric and black pepper
One thing to note is that turmeric and therefore curcumin are poorly absorbed by the human body. Pairing turmeric with black pepper extract known as piperine can increase the bioavailability and absorption. Proper absorption of turmeric has been shown to enhance curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%.
Choosing your turmeric curcumin supplement
There is a wide range of quality of products on the market. Therefore you should make sure you are choosing a high strength product that includes piperine.
Your Bodhi Natural Turmeric Curcumin capsules are one of the strongest on the market with 495mg of curcumin per capsule and include 5mg of piperine to increase absorption. They are vegan and gluten free and do not contain any added preservatives, binders or chemicals. For more information visit @yourbodhiuk on Instagram
You might also like to read:
Inflammation and Its Impact On Skin
Guest post written by Sophie Nazareth
Sophie is the Founder of Your Bodhi. She set up the business to share the amazing benefits of turmeric and curucmin. She personally struggled with a chronic illness for years and discovering curucmin helped her to regain control of her life. She believes in taking a holistic and natural approach to wellbeing, so she wanted to share her story and help others to benefit as she did.
