How's Curcumin different from Turmeric & its top 5 benefits for health

Ever wondered what it is in turmeric that since time unknown, it is considered to be the “go-to” food for pain, sore throat, cold or cough?

This simple natural immunity builder is found in the spice box in every Indian kitchen and is a superfood, packed with excellent properties. Having “haldi-doodh” after a bruise, injury or a bad cold remains a part of our childhood memories. Isn’t it?

Well, not surprisingly, the importance of turmeric stands tall even today. In fact, this spice is being studied and researched on a global level owing its extremely beneficial healing properties.

There is some great science behind this immunity builder. Turmeric contains many plant substances. One of the groups, curcuminoids, has great health benefits. Curcumin falls under this group and is the most active and beneficial to health.The anti-inflammatory and healing nature of curcumin in the haldi goes into milk for the kadha that helps in soothing your throat. It's a known remedy for cold & cough over several 100s of years.

Curcumin is a natural antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as antibacterial properties. Ayurvedic medicine recommends the use of turmeric for various health conditions. These include chronic pain and inflammation.

Here are the top 5 health benefits of curcumin.

1) Anti Viral & Anti Bacterial - As per research, Curcumin has been found to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Curcumin and its derivatives have been found to be effective in reducing viral replicability by 70% as per research making it a formidable ally against infections. 

2) Anti-Inflammatory- Curcumin is a bioactive substance that helps fight inflammation. The anti-inflammatory property  Curcumin makes it a wonder food for treating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, injuries, aggravation in joints in people with arthritis.Few researches  also suggest that curcumin may even prevent tumors from forming in the first place by disrupting the formation of cancerous cells at different stages in the cell cycle, or causing those cancerous cells to die, or interfering with cell signaling pathways.

3) Helps in Digestion- Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Curcumin helps maintain a healthy digestion and digestive efficiency. In fact, it is used in ayurvedic medicine as a digestive healing agent. It helps in building a good digestive health right from an early age in children. 

4) Improves Brain & Mental Health- Curcumin is known to boost the brain hormone BDNF, which in turn increases the growth of new neurons. This may help in improving memory and attention in children. It also protects the brain against common degenerative processes by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as some common brain disorders are associated with lower levels of BDNF.

Depression is also associated with lower levels of BDNF and so Curcumin may act as an effective antidepressant by boosting levels of BDNF, the spice shows promise as an effective antidepressant.

5) Natural Immunity Booster- Curcumin helps in boosting up the immunity and helps to fight against viral replication. Curcumin has been credited for some of the most potent health benefits. Curcumin, when mixed Black pepper, is even more potent in its health benefits. 

6) Lowers your risk of heart disease -By improving the function of the endothelium, the lining of blood vessels,  Curcumin may help in lowering heart diseases. One of the major drivers of heart diseases is endothelial dysfunction. It happens when our endothelium is not able to regulate blood pressure and blood clotting. 

How to Consume?

Curcumin can be taken in smaller quantities. Mostly,500mg-1000mg/day, is fine to take, on an empty stomach in the morning. In case you have acidity issues, it should be taken mid-morning or in the afternoon. When taken regularly, it can help in boosting immunity levels naturally and it can have great health benefits for you and your family.