The 5 key benefits

Improves memory and focus

Clinical trials have shown that 90 milligrams of curcumin taken twice a day for 18 months has helped improve the memory performance in adults without dementia.

Researchers believe that the reduction in brain inflammation and curcumin’s antioxidant properties leads to less of a decline in neurocognition, which is the ability to think and reason. Curcumin may also have a role in preventing the development of Alzheimer’s disease — however, that’s an area where we need more research.”

Lessens pain and inflammation

Curcuma root extract can be beneficial for chronic conditions where inflammation starts to affect the tissues in your body. In a study of patients with ulcerative colitis, those who took 2 grams of curcumin a day along with prescription medication were more likely to stay in remission than those who took the medicine alone.

Turmeric has also deep roots in both Chinese traditional medicine and Ayurveda for treating arthritis. Research suggests that taking turmeric extract (curcumin) could potentially reduce pain from osteoarthritis, Curcuminoids (the active compounds in turmeric), are sometimes used to decrease inflammation in arthritis. These potential anti-inflammatory effects could possibly help your skin too, and may be of benefit with skin disease related inflammation such as psoriasis.

Lowers risk of heart disease

With its ability to help reduce inflammation and oxidation, turmeric could lower the risk of heart disease.

Studies show that turmeric may help reverse the heart disease process. In healthy middle-aged and older adults who took curcumin supplements for 12 weeks, resistance artery endothelial production — which plays a significant role in high blood pressure — was increased.

Another study followed 121 people who had coronary artery bypass surgery. A few days before and after the surgery, the group that took 4 grams of curcumin a day saw a 65% decreased risk of having a heart attack in the hospital.

Turmeric also may be helpful when used along with medication for managing cholesterol levels. Research shows that curcumin is safe and may protect those at risk for heart disease by lowering certain levels of cholesterol.

Helps fight depression

If you have depression, the protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor  is reduced and your hippocampus, which helps with learning and memory, starts to shrink. A study shows that curcumin can boost BDNF levels and may reverse changes.

Another study shows that curcumin was just as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) in lessening symptoms of depression. Curcumin may also increase levels of serotonin and dopamine — which are chemicals in your brain that regulate mood and other body functions

Fights free radicals and helps prevent cancer

Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure . In addition, animal and cellular studies suggest that curcumin may block the action of free radicals and may stimulate the action of other antioxidants.

Curcumin may even affect cancer growth and development according to a few studies.

One study, which focused on colorectal cancer, saw a 40% reduction of the number of lesions in the colon in men.