Studies have shown that turmeric could be one of the most effective nutritional supplements in existence. It has many benefits for your body and brain. In India, it has been used for thousands of years as a spice and medical herb.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric; it has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and is a strong antioxidant. Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. When consuming turmeric it’s best to have black pepper with it as the piperine in black pepper helps the absorption of curcumin.

Curcumin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. When you have chronic inflammation, your body’s inflammatory response can eventually start damaging healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Curcumin can help suppress many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation.

Turmeric increases the antioxidant capacity of the body and has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralizes free radicals on its own but also stimulates your own antioxidants enzymes.

Curcumin supplementation enhances serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and lowers the risk of brain diseases. It will boost levels of the brain hormones, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights degenerative processes in your brain. It can also help lower your risk of heart disease and help prevent cancer.

Some studies also show they may be useful in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin can slow or even reverse the progression of this disease. It can cross the blood brain barrier and has been showed to lead improvements in the pathology process of Alzheimer’s disease.

Arthritis patients respond very well to curcumin supplements, they use it for joint inflammation and curcumin can help treat symptoms for this disease and in some cases be as effective as antiinflammatory drugs.

Another benefit is with depression, as curcumin has been shown to be an effective natural way in alleviating symptoms of this condition.

-Patricia Chirino Cabrera (Health & Life Coach)