Its potency exceeds even its vibrant and rich amber hue. Nutrient dense and packed with a bevy of benefits when consumed regularly (like we do at Konscious Keto), turmeric curcumin is heralded as the ultimate dietary supplement for its efficacy in supporting body and brain health.
Anecdotal testimonies are fantastic and often incredibly helpful; face it, most people at least consider product reviews before making a purchase.
But in addition to its acclaim among elders and those following both Eastern and Western therapeutic approaches, there's significant evidence-based scientific research to support the supplement's efficacy further.
The following are the top 10 research-based health benefits of the turmeric curcumin supplement:
#1 - Turmeric Curcumin Contains Medicinal Properties
Turmeric contains bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties and has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice, as well as a medicinal herb.
Lately, and more increasingly, medical professionals have researched and documented the healing properties of turmeric curcumin.
The legend of this potent spice extends far beyond eastern folklore, and its therapeutic compounds are becoming further solidified and backed by scientific research.
The compounds found in this vibrant root spice are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin.
And as the main active ingredient in turmeric, it provides powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a rich antioxidant that helps the body go to battle and eliminates the impact of oxidative stress.
The curcumin content in turmeric is not that significant—at approximately 3%, by weight, so make sure to source a supplement that contains added amounts of curcumin, as we are unlikely to receive the needed amount from food sources alone.
In addition to consuming turmeric, and more importantly turmeric in conjunction with curcumin, with the use of supplements, we can magnify the absorption.
Also, we enhance the absorption and medicinal benefits of turmeric with the addition of black pepper, thanks to its piperine content.
It's worth noting that curcumin is a fat-soluble compound and ideal to consume with a fatty meal—and for those of us living a low-carb, high-fat, ketogenic lifestyle, this is speaking our language.
The presence of inflammation is at the source of all disease and contributes to the proliferation of disorders and imbalances in the body, when out of control.
To be balanced, it's reasonable to note that inflammation relates to the body's efforts of self-preservation. The presence of inflammation is elevated in the body due to our system reacting to, and working to fend off foreign particles that threaten to harm us.
Since our body suppresses potentially harmful activity, we would be unable to live without the inflammatory response. It's a critical need since dangerous bacterial pathogens attempt to attack our immune system and overtake the body.
While short-term or acute inflammation, like the adrenal burst, delivered when in 'fight or flight mode,' can prove helpful in a precarious situation. Prolonged and chronic stress can pose health issues as it causes a degenerative breakdown of body tissue, and increases the risk of some diseases since it also degrades the immune system.
Scientists recently published information that speaks to the direct connection between low-level, oxidative chronic stress and the increased risk of diseases prevalent in Western cultures like cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and various other degenerative conditions.
Therefore, the potent anti-inflammatory and reparative benefits of the curcumin found in quality turmeric supplements are of the utmost importance concerning mitigating degenerative disease.
Furthermore, curcumin is so potent that it's comparable to the effectiveness of some human-made, anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side effects!
Turmeric curcumin blocks a molecule called NF-kB that travels into the nuclei of our cells and activates inflammatory genes that increase the risk of disease—like an automated off switch that tamps out illness at its root!
Without geeking out too hard on the details of what inflammation is and how it works (it can get a little complex); the key takeaway is that curcumin is a powerful bioactive substance that effectively fights inflammation at the molecular level—a true dietary asset.
#3 - Turmeric Curcumin Decreases Antioxidants
Society has become increasingly aware of ways to use food to reduce oxidation and subsequent premature aging in the body—face it; we are a youth-obsessed culture.
Turmeric is incredibly useful in the fight against premature aging and a tool used to maintain balance and vibrancy in the body.
Furthermore, this spice has a medicinal effect in its ability to neutralize free radicals. Due to its chemical structure, while increasing the production of essential endogenous antioxidant enzymes, it helps prevent and fight disease.
So, turmeric offers a double-dose of health benefits as it blocks free radicals directly, then stimulates your body's antioxidant defense to ward off inflammation and disease.
#4 - Turmeric Curcumin Can Enhance Brain Function
Mood and neuropathic health are affected by consuming turmeric curcumin because the compound elevates levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a type of growth hormone.
It's also worth noting that lower levels of turmeric's significant BDNF content in the body lead to an increase in instances of mood disorders like depression and anxiety, as well as higher levels of the onset of degenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease and dementia—a solid reason to whip up some turmeric-infused golden milk.
Turmeric also appears to be effective in delaying or even reversing many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain performance. To add, it may also improve memory and cognition—even more so when coupled with ketosis which offers synonymous benefits.
The benefits we've experienced on ketosis are great, however broad-based, controlled; studies are still needed to confirm the total impact of this medicinal supplement.
#5 - Turmeric Curcumin Can Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Although many focus on improving health to prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the nation, and this is especially true for women.
Fortunately, turmeric curcumin helps to lower the risk of heart disease and is even said to provide support to coronary tissue and function.
Many factors contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, this therapeutic spice aids in the health of the endothelium, which is the lining of your blood vessels, a vital system needed to experience overall heart health.
#6 - Turmeric Curcumin May Help Prevent Cancer
It's virtually impossible to find people on the planet anywhere who are not affected by cancer; it's a ravenous and devastating disease.
The encouraging news is that quality turmeric curcumin supplements are currently being used as a beneficial herbal treatment in tumor reduction as it has been found to stunt cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level!
Luckily, an increased study of curcumin's efficacy in treating cancer—in collaboration with a comprehensive medical protocol and a ketogenic diet—is hopeful.
#7 - Turmeric Curcumin May Treat Alzheimer's Disease
As we mentioned briefly above, turmeric curcumin is said to have benefits related to reducing the development or worsening of neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia—and this would also be true for those suffering from the effects of epilepsy or autism, all related to neuropathic communication breakdowns.
The effects of Alzheimer's and its comorbidity dementia, have no definitive treatment at this time, and this is cause for concern because Alzheimer's disease is the leading neurodegenerative disease in the world, as well as a primary cause of dementia.
But have hope, turmeric curcumin is found to have particularly powerful neuroprotective benefits since it can cross the blood-brain barrier, similar to ketone bodies, to provide a reparative benefit to both the body and brain!
Furthermore, curcumin is shown to help clear up amyloid plaques in the body—a key component in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease which is further aggravated by a buildup of these noted protein molecules.
Additional targeted research is needed to determine with certainty whether curcumin can retard or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer's disease, but adding this spice to our regimen is still worth consideration based on preliminary findings and the root's other established health benefits (e.g., joint relief, heart health support, etc.).
#8 - Turmeric Curcumin Supports Arthritis
As an anti-inflammatory agent in the body, turmeric curcumin has long been coveted for its pain-relieving properties—which is likely the reason that those with arthritis respond so well to the supplement.
Interestingly enough, recent studies have even shown turmeric curcumin's efficacy in pain relief to exceed that of commercial anti-inflammatory drugs!
#9 - Turmeric Curcumin Can Fight Depression
The health of our neurotransmitters and their ability to communicate and coordinate effectively directly impact the quality of our mood and emotional health.
With this noted, it's easy to understand that breakdowns in neurochemical function can lead to disorders like anxiety and depression if left untreated.
Fortunately, turmeric curcumin has been found to increase our brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as we mentioned, which benefits uplifted mood.
Furthermore, evidence that curcumin can boost the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine is also hopeful as both hormones are known to enhance mood, as well.
Mood regulation is an excellent benefit, and one benefit that many are seeking, as instances of depression and anxiety continue to rise in the US. The exciting news is that a recent study in 60 people with depression showed that curcumin was comparable to Prozac in remediating symptoms of the mood disorder, with zero side effects.
#10 - Turmeric Curcumin Help Delay Aging
The prospect of turmeric curcumin having such a profound impact on the prevention of life-threatening diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease naturally places it in a category of food that can help aid in longevity and optimal health.
Turmeric's noted medicinal properties, which include a powerful anti-oxidative effect, are well-accepted in the health community—evidenced by its presence in a multitude of effective anti-inflammatory supplements.
The outlook on this root spice and its health benefits is exciting and worth further review: in addition to preventing disease, turmeric curcumin is also known to stunt cell aging and deterioration, a special tool to help preserve a youthful complexion and agile body.
Summary
We have such a diverse arsenal of food-based supplements to aid in our health on a ketogenic diet, and turmeric curcumin appears to be worthy of honorable mention because of its vital role in promoting total health.
Furthermore, when the curcumin compound found in turmeric is paired with the piperine found in black pepper, our body is better able to absorb a higher level of nutrients from it.
Add turmeric curcumin to your daily routine by adding it to a quality exogenous supplement, or add black pepper and curcumin to dressings and sauces to elevate your favorite dishes to the next level.
A well-rounded dietary and supplement protocol is advised to achieve a balanced keto plan.
Fortunately, there's a lot of information available online to help you get started—even check out our recent article with step-by-step detail on how to achieve a successful jumpstart on keto!
Consider adding the purest, organic turmeric curcumin supplement you can find to your keto pantry. From adding a vibrant dash of color to curries to spicing up a cauliflower rice stir-fry—adding turmeric curcumin will make your platings more colorful and may extend to the quality and length of your life!
Sources
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- Chandran, Binu, and Ajay Goel. “A Randomized, Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 26, no. 11, 2012, pp. 1719–1725., doi:10.1002/ptr.4639.
- Kulkarni, S.k., et al. “Potentials of Curcumin as an Antidepressant.” The Scientific World JOURNAL, vol. 9, 2009, pp. 1233–1241., doi:10.1100/tsw.2009.137.
- Mishra, Shrikant, and Kalpana Palanivelu. “The Effect of Curcumin (Turmeric) On Alzheimer′s Disease: An Overview.” Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, vol. 11, no. 1, 2008, p. 13., doi:10.4103/0972-2327.40220.
- Phillips, Heidi S., et al. “BDNF mRNA Is Decreased in the Hippocampus of Individuals with Alzheimers Disease.” Neuron, vol. 7, no. 5, 1991, pp. 695–702., doi:10.1016/0896-6273(91)90273-3.
- Sikora, E., et al. “The Promise of Slow Down Ageing May Come from Curcumin.” Current Pharmaceutical Design, vol. 16, no. 7, 2010, pp. 884–892., doi:10.2174/138161210790883507.
- Sood, Shaveta, and Monika Nagpal. “Role of Curcumin in Systemic and Oral Health: An Overview.” Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, vol. 4, no. 1, 2013, p. 3., doi:10.4103/0976-9668.107253.
- Wongcharoen, Wanwarang, and Arintaya Phrommintikul. “The Protective Role of Curcumin in Cardiovascular Diseases.” International Journal of Cardiology, vol. 133, no. 2, 2009, pp. 145–151., doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.01.073.