3 Unique Facts of Curcumin, Turmeric’s Active Ingredient that Improves the Body and Mental Health Conditions

For those who live in India and Southeast Asia, turmeric may not be a new or unfamiliar term. This type of spices has been used for approximately 4,000 years ago, making it one of the most popular type of spices in the world, especially around the Southeast Asian and East Asian regions. Other than being commonly used as a culinary component, turmeric is also used as a traditional and medicinal herb that provides various health benefits. 

The medicinal characteristics of turmeric exist as it contains a compound known as curcuminoid or curcumin that has powerful biological and effects on human health. While turmeric is a type of spice and supplement that comes from the root (rhizome) of the turmeric plant, curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric.

Curious to learn more about curcumin? Below are the three common facts of curcumin that you need to know!

Recognized as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent

Curcumin is recognized and used in many parts of the world as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that provides various benefits to improving human health. With these properties, curcumin can improve some health conditions and diseases, including heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and even protect the body from free radicals.

Provides benefits to mental health treatment

Did you know that turmeric – consisting of curcumin – may play an active role in improving a mental health condition, such as depression and Alzheimer’s?

A small study found that curcumin is an effective anti-depressant as it can help boost the levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), neurotransmitter serotonin, and dopamine, which are key to treating depression.

Other than that, curcumin is also well-known as a preventive treatment for Alzheimer’s. Similar to treating depression, curcumin helps protect your brain against degenerative diseases by increasing levels of BDNF, thus helping delay or reverse brain degeneration.

Improves memory and brain performance.

A study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2018 found that curcumin can improve memory performance. The study conducted a standardized cognitive assessment to 40 adults between the age of 50 and 90 years who had mild memory complaints. The study resulted in some interesting findings: The subjects who consumed curcumin experienced significant improvements in their memory performance.

Thanks to curcumin – turmeric has various medicinal properties that offer health benefits to consumers. Amidst the continuous unprecedented condition today, many of us may need to increase our turmeric consumption whether it is in the food we eat or beverages we drink. With its rich medical benefits, turmeric can surely protect us from threatening diseases and improve our overall health condition.

References:

1. https://lifestyle.okezone.com/read/2018/02/23/481/1863690/kunyit-atau-kurkumin-mana-paling-berkhasiat-untuk-kesehatan

2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3

3. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/scientific-health-benefits-turmeric-curcumin/

4. https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/curcumin-improves-memory-and-mood-new-ucla-study-says