Turmeric comes from a plant in the ginger family that is native to Southeast Asia and has historically been used in traditional Indian medicine, and as a culinary spice. It is yellow-coloured with a warm, bitter taste, most often used as an ingredient in curries. Nowadays, turmeric has grown in popularity following a number of high quality studies that highlight its numerous health benefits for the body.
Turmeric contains a compound called curcmin which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, very high quantities of turmeric would need to be consumed in order to take advantage of these benefits, which is why some people opt for supplements. Here are some of the potential health benefits of turmeric supplements.
Reduce inflammation
The body’s inflammatory response exists to help fight off infections, protect against injury, and repair damage in the body. Short-term inflammation is beneficial, however, when inflammation persists, it can become chronic and attack your own body tissues. Chronic inflammation contributes to nearly all health conditions and diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. When consumed in high doses, curcumin can help fight inflammation by suppressing many molecules that play major roles in the inflammatory response.
Prevent oxidative stress
Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals, highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, cause damage to cells. This is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind aging and many diseases. Antioxidants, such as curcumin, help protect the body from free radicals by giving up some of their electrons to neutralise them. In addition, curcumin may also stimulate the action of other antioxidants, further increasing its potential to reduce oxidative stress.
Lower risk of heart disease
The endothelium (lining of the blood vessels) plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and preventing blood clotting - high blood pressure and blood clots can lead to heart disease and heart attacks. Curcumin may help protect against heart disease by improving the function of the endothelium, as well as reducing inflammation and oxidation, which also play a role in heart disease.
Prevent cancer
Cancer is a disease characterised by uncontrolled cell growth. Research suggests curcumin may help kill cancerous cells and reduce the growth of tumours and spread of cancer. It is also believed it may help prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, especially in the digestive system.
Curcumin, found in turmeric, has many scientifically proven health benefits due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition to those discussed above, research suggests it may also help boost brain function to protect against cognitive conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, improve arthritis symptoms, help treat depression, and delay aging. Our high strength turmeric capsules can provide you with the required quantities of curcumin for better health, and are combined with black pepper for better absorption.