Curcumin is a component found in turmeric. The general interest on this compound is due its properties related with health and wellness that are usually attributed to the turmeric. There are over 120 clinical trials focused on the low bioavailability of curcumin in spite all the benefits it carries.
Difference between turmeric and curcumin.
The turmeric is a root, the spice. Curcumin is a powerful chemical found inside turmeric but it is not the only one. Just about 5% of turmeric is actual curcumin, compared with a curcumin extract the native turmeric is a very poor source of curcumin.The real deal about curcumin is that it is the part of turmeric that carries all the known benefits.
The main benefits of curcumin are:
- Reduce inflammation
- It is a powerful and natural antioxidant, increases the levels of endogenous antioxidants in the body.
- Improves symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
- Reduces joint pain.
- Reduces LDL cholesterol levels.
- Reduces blood glucose levels.
- Helps stabilize blood pressure.
- Helps maintain the health of the liver and pulmonary system.
- It prevents the accumulation of fat and helps to eliminate its excess.
- Maintains the effectiveness of the immune system and resistance against allergies.
Sources
- Nelson KM, Dahlin JL, Bisson J, Graham J, Pauli GF, Walters MA. The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Curcumin. J Med Chem. 2017 Mar 9;60(5):1620-1637. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00975. Epub 2017 Jan 11. PMID: 28074653; PMCID: PMC5346970.
- Anand P, Kunnumakkara AB, Newman RA, Aggarwal BB. Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises. Mol Pharm. 2007 Nov-Dec;4(6):807-18. doi: 10.1021/mp700113r. Epub 2007 Nov 14. PMID: 17999464.