Curcumin
ABOUT
Turmeric, a spice that has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, has received interest from both the medical/scientific world and from culinary enthusiasts. More recently, modern medicine has found that it can be used for its anti-inflammatory properties. These properties come from a part of the plant called curcumin, a component that can be extracted from turmeric.
BENEFITS
Anti-inflammatory properties
Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound. It helps to fight and prevent heart disease, arthritis, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and various de-generative conditions.
Lowering the risk of heart diseases
Curcumin improves the function of the endothelium, the lining of blood vessels. Curcumin also helps reduce inflammation and oxidation.
Anti-aging properties
Curcumin has the potential as an anti-aging supplement. Oxidation and inflammation are believed to play a role in aging. Since curcumin has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, it helps in anti-aging also.
Benefits against depression
Curcumin has shown some promise in treating depression. Depression is also linked to reduced levels of BDNF and a shrinking hippocampus, a brain area with a role in learning and memory. Curcumin can help boost BDNF levels, potentially reversing some of these changes. It can boost the brain's neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine
Boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
The BDNF protein plays a role in memory and learning. Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of BDNF protein, including depression and Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin increases brain levels of BDNF. It also helps improve memory and attention.