Curcuma's benefits

Posted by Beatriz Silvia on April 11th, 2018

The fact that India has one of the lowest rates of colon, prostate and lung cancer in the world compared to other countries, motivated researchers to understand what causes this phenomenon. According to the researchers, the Indian spicy diet, where turmeric stands out, is one of the causes of lowest cancer rates globally.

Recently, science has begun to support what Indians have known for a long time, curcuma has properties that make it a true natural remedy. These compounds are called curcuminoids, among which the most important is curcumin.

First of all, it is important to highlight the difference between turmeric and saffron. Both have health benefits, however, turmeric and saffron come from different plants and different species. In addition, they have different shape and flavor.

Probably the anti-inflammatory properties of curcuma are the main reason why curcuma is considered a golden spice. Oncogene magazine published the results of a study evaluating various anti-inflammatory compounds and found that aspirin and ibuprofen are less efficient compared to curcuma.

Furthermore, curcuma is a potent antioxidant capable of neutralizing unstable and reactive free radicals. What is a free radical? It is an atom, or a molecule (set of atoms), with one or more unpaired electrons. If one of these electrons, for any reason, jumps out of its orbit, the molecule becomes a free radical, highly unstable and energetic. To achieve stability, they have to "steal" another electron to another neighboring atom (called oxidation process) and so on.

The curcuma is also benefic to the skin:

• Accelerate wound healing
• Calming the pores to decrease acne and acne scars;
• Controlling the inflammation of psoriasis.

In other words, curcuma protects the skin by eradicating free radicals and reducing inflammation. In addition, it improves collagen delivery and vascular density in wounds, accelerating the healing of damaged tissue. Collagen is the foundation on which healthy skin is built and vascular density is what ensures adequate blood flow to carry the nutrients needed for the repair of damaged tissue.

Curcuma is also able to interfere with the levels of brain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers - serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that influence mood, behavior, appetite, and emotions. In experimental models of depression, curcumin has been shown to increase levels of the neurotransmitter known as "good mood" - serotonin, as well as alleviate other symptoms of depression.

Through an article titled "Curcumin: The Gold Spice in Nutraceuticals," published by Sahdeo Prasad, MD Anderson Cancer Center specialist in Houstun, you can see an endless list of benefits in curcuma’s use. When tested, curcumin properties (anti-bacterial antiseptic and anti-microbial) showed up highly active against various types of cancer.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center the recommended doses of curcuma (for adults) are:

• Long curcuma: 1.5 to 3 g per day
• Dry root (powder): 1 to 4 g per day
• Supplements: 400 - 600 mg, 3 times daily

There are several ways yo you can incorporate turmeric into your day-to-day life. Appreciate from all the beneficial properties of the "golden spice" in your diet, whether through food or supplements. Try it!