Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric is native to Southeast Asia but is popular around the world. Its taste is warm and bitter and it has a striking yellow color.
Turmeric is said to have many health benefits. Its use as a medicine dates back almost 4000 years. Over the past few decades, modern medicine has increased research into turmeric’s reputation as a healing agent. Curcumin is at the heart of the research because it is the source of many of turmeric’s health-promoting properties.
Curcumin is a discrete bioactive compound and is what gives turmeric its bright color. It was first isolated by scientists at the turn of the 20th century, and its antibacterial properties were first demonstrated in 1949. Subsequent research has shown it to have anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant properties, and several other notable benefits.
Claims for the health benefits of curcumin are many. It has traditionally been used to treat skin diseases, upper respiratory disorders, joint pain, digestive problems and more. Several studies have shown that curcumin is effective in reducing these symptoms of inflammation.
Several studies have shown that curcumin is beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative eye disorders. While the study sizes were relatively small, they suggest that curcumin may be good for maintaining healthy eyes and treating some eye conditions.
Research has shown that curcumin may be beneficial for your kidneys. Specifically, curcumin can help heal acute kidney damage and increase antioxidants.
Hay fever or other seasonal allergy symptoms can be reduced by ingesting curcumin.
There is not enough evidence to show that curcumin can prevent or treat cancer. However, several studies are currently underway that are aimed at better understanding curcumin’s potential in this area. Some research shows that it can reduce the ability of cancer cells to multiply.
However, in a study involving participants who took extremely high doses of curcumin, some reported diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and yellow stools.
As such, there are no curcumin dosage standards available. Curcumin can be obtained through turmeric-flavored foods, as well as through turmeric and curcumin supplements. However, it is important that you speak with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
The Allowable Daily Intake (ADI) value for curcumin has been set by the European Food Safety Authority at 0-3 mg per kilogram of body weight, or roughly 0-1.4 mg per pound.
