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Curcumin Reduces Arthritis Pain
Turmeric is a perennial plant related to ginger (also known as Curcuma longa). The roots and bulbs are used in traditional medicine and in food as a spice. They are usually boiled and then dried, converting them into a yellow powder often used in curry and mustard. This article will deal with a special ingredient in Tumeric known as Curcumin.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric, has antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antibiotic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It has been speculated that as an immune booster, this golden spice is 5 to 8 times stronger than Vitamin C or E.
Medicinal Effect of Curcumin
Studies that have observed the medicinal effect of curcumin, find it keeps cells from changing from normal to malignant and stops the spread of existing cancerous cells to the rest of the body. Liver function is increased when curcumin is used regularly, and it seems to inhibit blood from accessing cancer cells, which delays growth. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, reports that curcumin obstructs the path in the body that is needed for melanoma and other cancers to develop. In laboratory tests, curcumin essentially caused cancer cells to destroy themselves.
Additionally, it has been discovered that curcumin shuts down the protein needed to stimulate an inflammatory response. Inflammation is an ordinary and advantageous occurrence when white blood cells and chemicals in the body unite to protect against bacteria and viruses. Inflammation, to some degree, is therefore beneficial and necessary for health. However, when the inflammatory response gets out of control it becomes a threat. Excess inflammation in the body has been linked to allergies, autoimmune disease, cancer, heart disease and other serious health conditions. Extra inflammation also causes tissue irritation, which turns into pain and swelling.
According to WebMD, the following doses have been studied by scientific research:
- BY MOUTH: Upset stomach (dyspepsia): 500 mg of turmeric four times daily.
- Osteoarthritis: 500 mg twice daily of turmeric extract (Meriva, Indena)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): 500mg twice daily of a specific formulation of the turmeric constituent, curcumin (BCM-95®, Arjuna Natural Extracts, India), has been used.
Best way to absorb curcumin
The best way to absorb curcumin is to combine a tablespoon of curcumin powder with 1–2 egg yolks and two teaspoons of melted coconut oil. This will emulsify the powder and enhance absorption. Use organic and fresh turmeric liberally in the kitchen. It has an earthy and peppery flavor.
Want to Learn More?
Learn more about healthy nutritional habits with our Principles of Sports Nutrition Program. The Principles of Sports Nutrition (PSN) course will teach nutrition principles essential to achieving and maintaining optimum health, performance and longevity. It will clarify many of the conflicting nutrition information that currently circulates the health and fitness industry. You will leave this course empowered with the most up-to-date knowledge to make and promote better food and supplement choices.
written by Cathie Glennon, BCRPA-SFL, CSNA Sports Nutrition Advisor, Pharm Tech (Level 3)
Sources:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752
umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19594223
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006899306027144
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19233493
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22481014
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18462866
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22407780
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11500779
www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662 turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662&activeingredientname=turmeric
