What is Turmeric and Curcumin?
Turmeric has been used as a healing spice and medicine in India and South-East Asia for thousands of years.
More recently, interest in the spice’s possible health benefits grew after a 2006 study found that older Singaporeans who ate more curry had less cognitive decline. It prompted research into which components of curry could be causing the effect, and contributed to a growing interest in the properties of Turmeric.
It’s not the spice itself that offers healing properties, rather Curcumin, an active compound within Turmeric. Curcumin is what gives turmeric its yellow colour
Research has found Curcumin contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Since inflammation is linked to a range of chronic diseases and conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, scientists believe Curcumin could help reduce the risk of these conditions by limiting inflammation in the body.
Other research into Curcumin has focused on its potential to improve cognitive function (particularly in older people), and its ability to relieve inflammation and joint pain associated with arthritis (the Arthritis Foundation recommends Turmeric as a natural supplement).