What Are the Benefits of Curcumin or Turmeric?
Curcumin is a phytochemical found in the spice called turmeric. Its Latin name is Circuma longa, and it may be best known for its spicy, warming culinary attributes. Turmeric grows in abundance in India, and the rhizomes are traditionally harvested and sold in dried form in powders, teas, extracts or capsules.
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Culinary uses
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Turmeric is most well known for its use in curry. Adding curry to the diet may be the most enjoyable way to get the benefits of curcumin.
Antioxidant Benefits
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Curcumin may help neutralize free radicals and diminish damage done by their formation.
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Anti-inflammatory Benefits
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Curcumin may lower levels of enzymes responsible for inflammation, thereby making it a potential aid to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Circulatory System Benefits
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Benefits to the circulatory system may include a decrease in platelet aggregation, prevention of plaque buildup in the arteries and improvement in overall blood circulation.
Considerations
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Curcumin shows potential benefits in treating diabetes, digestive disorders, cancer, eye inflammation, and viral or bacterial infections. Further studies are necessary to determine the extent of curry's benefit.
Warning
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Those who have an obstruction of the biliary tract, are taking blood thinners or have other health conditions should consult a professional health care provider about the safety of curcumin.
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