Turmeric has been shown to have a range of benefits, but five of its most prominent are linked to cancer, heart disease, brain disease, arthritis and depression. Its benefits are believed to come from compounds called curcuminoids – the most important being curcumin.
In a 30-day study involving 44 men with lesions in the bowel that sometimes turn cancerous, 4g of cur cumin a day reduced the number of lesions by 40 percent.
Curcumin could lower the risk of heart disease
The main benefits of cur cumin when it comes to heart disease may be its ability to improve the function of the endothelium – the lining of the blood vessels.
Endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease and involves an inability of the endothelium to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and other factors.
A number of studies have suggested cur cumin leads to improvements in endothelial function.
Curcumin may lower the risk of brain diseases
Many brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) – a growth hormone that functions in the brain.
But curcumin has been shown to increase brain levels of BDNF.
By doing this it could delay or even reverse brain diseases.
But more controlled studies in people are needed to confirm this.
Curcumin may help relieve arthritis symptoms
Perhaps one of turmeric and curcumin’s most notable benefits is to help arthritis.
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory compound, so may help with inflammation in joints caused by arthritis.
In one study involving people with rheumatoid arthritis, cur cumin was shown to be more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug.
Other studies have also looked at the effects of curcumin on arthritis, noting improvements for various symptoms.
Curcumin for depression
In a controlled trial involving 60 people with depression cur cumin showed promise.
The participants were randomised into three groups – one group took Prozac, another took 1g of cur cumin and a third group took Prozac and cur cumin.
After six weeks, cur cumin led to improvements similar to Prozac.
The group took both Prozac and curcumin fared best.
There is no reference nutrient intake (RNI) for turmeric, but don’t exceed the dosage stated on supplement labels.
The World Health Organisation advises up to 3mg per kg of bodyweight of curcuminoids, which includes curcumin.