Curcumin

Turmeric has been used by humans for nearly four thousand years. For thousands of years, it has been used as a dye, as a cooking spice, and as a material used in medicine. Sanskrit texts of its use as a spice date back to ancient Indian times. The name Turmeric comes from the Latin Terra merita because its roots, when ground, are golden. The spice is made from the turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant in the ginger family. Turmeric is grown for its stems. The stem is dried and ground into a yellow powder with the bitter sweet taste we know and love.

The main ingredient of turmeric that has attracted attention is Curcumin. There have been reports that the curcumin-like polyphenols have pharmaceutical properties, including helping control inflammatory responses, degenerative eye diseases, and even metabolic syndrome. Polyphenols are plant metabolites that help protect plants from ultraviolet rays, insects, bacteria and even viruses. They are also a source of bitterness, acidity, color, flavor, and oxidizing power.

What are polyphenols

Polyphenols, such as curcumin, have gained popularity because epidemiological studies have repeatedly shown that diets rich in them can provide inflammatory relief. At the molecular level, polyphenols help stabilize oxidation in cellular components. Oxidation can lead to damage to organelles within cells, including mitochondria, the "cell powerhouses" where much of the cell's energy is produced by the oxygen we breathe. Eating foods with antioxidant properties, such as berries, nuts, healthy fats, and turmeric, is thought to help maintain levels of oxidative damage.

What benefit does curcumin have

Multiple reviewed studies have suggested that curcumin may help limit markers of oxidative stress in the blood by affecting the activity of enzymes that neutralize free radicals. Inflammatory response is a complex series of reactions in any tissue based on internal or external stimuli. The goal is to protect tissue and remove the initial cause of cell damage. However, a prolonged uncontrolled inflammatory response can lead to tissue damage beyond expectation.

In order to generate this chain of chemical reactions, signaling molecules are produced and released by the cell, leading to more inflammatory responses and a continuous cycle of cells and molecules, meaning that the inflammatory response becomes more severe. Many studies have shown that curcumin blocks these cellular signals, thus helping to maintain the number of inflammatory response proteins and cells. However, in many of these studies, researchers have found that curcumin has poor bioavailability.

Therefore, after curcumin is ingested in the body, it is difficult for the gastrointestinal tract to absorb, metabolize and quickly remove from the body. Consuming curcumin in foods rich in lecithin, such as eggs, vegetable oil, and buttermilk, may help increase its absorption through the gut. Studies combining curcumin with piperine, the natural ingredient of black pepper, have shown that because piperine slows the metabolism of curcumin, it increases curcumin levels by a factor of 20.

What are the consequences of the inflammatory response

It is important to remember that the inflammatory response is the body's natural response to stimuli. There are two broad categories of inflammatory responses. An acute inflammatory response is short-lived and is usually triggered by a transient stimulus such as a bacterium, virus, or injury.

However, if the inflammatory response persists, the inflammatory response will move to the second stage. This stage is called the chronic stage, and if left unchecked, can lead to a variety of chronic diseases. Some symptoms of chronic inflammatory response are nonspecific and may include joint pain, body pain, chronic fatigue, insomnia, depression, and weight gain or weight loss.

Joint problems - more specifically bone and joint problems - are thought to be associated with chronic inflammatory responses. Some studies suggest that a daily supplement of 500 milligrams to 2 grams of curcumin can optimize knee pain.

Although the study did not show a drop in markers of the inflammatory response in the blood, the results are thought to be due to inflammatory proteins present in joint space. One of the studies showed joint pain eased in two hours with a curcurin supplement and one hour with a nonsteroidal inflammatory response drug, ibuprofen, a drug recommended for joint problems. The duration of curcumin supplementation was 4 to 12 weeks.

Metabolic syndrome, which is closely related to glycometabolic disease type II, is another disease that may be associated with inflammatory responses. It consists of a range of symptoms, including insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low HDL, the "good" cholesterol, high LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, and obesity. Many studies on curcumin and metabolic syndrome have shown that curcumin can optimize insulin sensitivity, control blood pressure, and inflammatory markers.

One study showed that supplementing with 1 gram of curcumin for a month reduced triglyceride levels, but there was no change in cholesterol or fat levels in the body. Studies have also shown that inflammatory responses, high triglycerides and high cholesterol all increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Curcumin supplementation is believed to help reduce the associated risk.

How to take curcumin

Curcumin in curries averages about 3% of dry weight. Teas and other drinks con/aining turmeric, such as golden milk, are drinkable alternatives that benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. Like curry, their curcumin content also varies.

Curcumin dietary supplements containing curcumin root extract are another form of curcumin intake. Supplement labels will indicate different percentages of curcumin extract. Independent quality control and quality assurance laboratories test and inspect the product to verify these claims and endorse the label as directed by the manufacturer of the product. Some curcumin dietary supplement formulations may also contain other extracts, such as black pepper extract (piperine) or proprietary mixtures containing vegetable gums, or other lipid preparations, in an attempt to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. In particular, research has shown that curcumin can be used as a topical agent in formulations of collagen films, lotions, sponges and bandages to promote healthy skin.

Dosage and reassurance of curcumin supplements

Curcumin has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a soothing compound. The recommended extreme daily doses range is from 3 mg/kg to 4-10 g/day. Since most studies using the extract have a time limit of 1-3 months, to date, there is no evidence of any long-term consequences from long-term use of curcumin. Although there have been no reports of serious adverse reactions to curcumin use, some side effects may include diarrhea, head pain, skin rashes, and yellow stools.

If you are taking medications, consult your doctor before considering starting curcumin supplements. In vitro studies have shown that curcumin increases the risk of bleeding in patients taking diluents at the same time, so any possible drug interactions or concerns must be discussed with your doctor. There have also been reports of curcumin powder causing allergic reaction to contact, such as itching or rash immediately after contact.

If any of these symptoms occur, discontinue use immediately. It is particularly important to stop using any products containing curcumin and call your local emergency services if you feel any wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing or swelling of the lips.

Overall, curcumin shows great potential as an alternative substance and may help maintain healthy functions. It's a great spice to add refreshing flavor and color to food, especially chicken and vegetables. Combine berries, lean meats, and healthy fats, and your diet will be full of polyphenols.

Remember, if you choose to start taking any dietary supplement, be sure to consult your doctor and be sure to read the product label clearly first to determine the amount of curcumin to be consumed.