Curcumin. Benefits and harm to health, reviews of doctors

Curcumin is one of the main ingredients popular oriental spice "kari", the benefits of which are now extolled not only by supporters of healthy nutrition, but also by many doctors who recommend this active harmless substance for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases.

Peculiarities

Curcumin, the benefits and harms of which are discussed in detail in the materials of this article, can be called an amazing universal substance. of plant origin, discovered by mankind more than 4 thousand years ago, and which have found active use not only in cooking, cosmetology, folk, Ayurvedic and traditional medicine, but also in the domestic sphere, where it is used as a natural dye for dyeing threads and fabrics.

Description

This bright orange coloring powder is obtained from a herbaceous perennial plant of the genus Turmeric, which belongs to the extensive Ginger family. This plant, which is very common in India and eastern countries, has about a hundred species, but only a small part of them have received useful use as a seasoning and medicine:

Name	Translation	Application
Curcuma longa	Long	The premier source of versatile spices and seasonings
Curcuma aromatica	Fragrant	It is used in confectionery, a more valuable kind
Curcuma zedoaria	Zeodaria	The root is used for the preparation of liqueurs, and is also used in small slices in cooking.
leucorrhizae	Round	It is an industrial crop, it can be used for the preparation of starch.

This tropical plant in natural conditions reaches 1.8-2 m in height, has wide long rich green leaves and a very beautiful flower. But the main value is represented by an underground thickened strongly branching rhizome or tuber, in the form reminiscent of the familiar ginger, but with a bright yellow pulp with a unique aroma.

India is the main producer and supplier of turmeric to the world market, but the plant also grows in the hot, humid climates of the following countries:

• China;
• Malaysia;
• Cambodia;
• Indnesia;
• Thailand;
• Peru;
• Australia;
• on the islands of Sri Lanka.

The production of the spice begins with digging out the ripe root, which is thoroughly washed and then boiled, as a result of which the pulp turns bright orange. After that, they are well dried, cleaned, and then ground into powder.

In addition, the rhizome is used fresh, cut into slices, like ginger.

Compound

The main active ingredient in turmeric is polyphenol, a coloring enzyme called diferuloylmethane, which is also known as the natural food supplement E 100.

The chemical formula of curcumin is represented by molecules:

• hydrogen;
• oxygen;
• carbon.

The substance consists of organic compounds of the aromatic series - phenols, which play a huge role in the construction of amino acids, in particular tyrosine.

Curcumin is a bright orange crystals of a bitter taste that are completely soluble in alcohol, partly in fats, but in the water they fall out in the form of a sediment, which affects the inaccessibility of the substance entering the blood through the gastrointestinal tract.

Medicinal and useful properties

Curcumin (the benefits and harms of an amazing medicinal substance were discovered in India over 4 thousand. years ago) was first isolated by scientists from the root of a plant in 1815, and in 1842 its effect on the biological processes of the human body was described by Vogel and Pelte. Since then, the interest of doctors and scientists in him has faded.

This bright colored substance has unique properties confirmed by medical research:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antiseptic;
• antineoplastic;
• antibacterial;
• antifungal;
• immunomodulatory;
• antioxidant;
• antispasmodic.

It is a powerful natural antibiotic, pain reliever widely used for arthritis, joint and vascular problems, diseases of the digestive system, diabetes, hypertension, as well as for lowering cholesterol levels and relieving itching, for the treatment of glaucoma, as a prevention of the formation of thrombosis due to the blood-thinning action, it is used for a faster recovery after strokes.

In addition, active research and development is underway to create drugs with curcumin for the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, depression and oncology.

For women

Curcumin reduces the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome, relieving pain, normalizes the emotional state of women, and also helps to overcome many climacteric manifestations, evens out the level of hormones, reduces negative symptoms in menopause.

With the development of benign uterine formations, this substance is able to slow down tissue proliferation, is used as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent, inhibits the growth of fungus with thrush and other problems in the genital area.

Due to the stimulation of testosterone production by curcumin, the substance is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it actively affects the hormonal background, reduces the balance of estrogen and progesterone.

During breastfeeding, the use of curcumin increases lactation, is the prevention of mastitis. But you need to introduce the substance into the diet of a nursing mother with caution, in small portions, carefully listening to your body, observing the baby's reaction.

For men

Curcumin stimulates the production of testosterone, with regular use for several months significantly increases the level of the male hormone, ensures its stable concentration.

The substance accelerates the set of muscle mass and recovery after exercise, neutralizes the production of lactic acid and relieves muscle pain from strength exertion, can increase endurance, which is especially important for athletic and heavy physical loads.

Also, this unique substance has a beneficial effect on male potency, is a prophylactic agent against diseases of the prostate gland.

For children

Turmeric is not an allergenic product, but the spice should be introduced into the child's diet in small portions, carefully monitoring the reaction. In case of unexpected appearance of any of the signs: a runny nose or itching, redness on the skin, itching or swelling of the mucous membranes, you must immediately stop using.

Pediatricians do not recommend giving medications and spices with curcumin to a child under 2 years old.

For children from 5 years of age, this useful substance serves to strengthen immunity and prevent colds, providing complex effect on all functions of a growing organism, promotes better absorption of nutrients from food, stimulates appetite. But at higher dosages, curcumin can cause indigestion, or diarrhea.

Teenagers can apply curcumin paste to the skin to combat various age-related inflammations and acne.

Potential harm

Curcumin, despite a huge range of medicinal properties and significant benefits, can be harmful to the body:

• with low blood sugar;
• with insulin therapy;
• with an allergic reaction;
• with the presence of stones in the gallbladder;
• with pancreatitis;
• with acute forms of diseases of the stomach and intestines;
• with poor blood clotting and heavy menstruation;
• with hemorrhoids;
• with acute or chronic cystitis.

Contraindications

Curcumin, the benefits and harms of which have been under close study by physicians and scientists for more than a decade, has a number of contraindications for use:

1. With individual intolerance, manifested in the appearance of dizziness, nausea and indigestion.
2. Hemophilia.
3. Pregnancy and the period immediately after the birth of the child.
4. Children under 2 years of age.
5. Diathesis or other allergic reactions in a child.
6. Tendency to bleeding of any kind.
7. Hepatitis.
8. Two weeks before and after any surgery.
9. Taking blood thinners.

Where is used

In the composition of spices, curcumin is recommended to be added to the composition of fatty and heavy foods to meat dishes, to facilitate the digestion process and better digestion of food. Turmeric and curry also work well with legumes, vegetables and mushrooms. To increase the assimilation of the spice during digestion, it is advisable to use it in combination with black pepper, which significantly increases the absorption of beneficial properties into the blood by the body.

The duration and dosage of the use of spices is not limited, since the substance is well tolerated by the body.

To achieve a medicinal effect, it is necessary to significantly increase its amount and dosage:

• For arthritis, you should get 400 to 600 mg 2-3 times daily for pain relief.
• In case of liver diseases, the substance must be taken within 3 months 3 times a day in an amount of 3 g.
• For digestive problems, you can increase the intake of curcumin up to 4 times a day, 500 mg.
• For the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cleaning of blood vessels, a single dose of 150 mg is sufficient. The duration of the course should be at least 2 months.
• As an antioxidant, you need to consume 500 mg once a day for 3 months.

Curcumin (the benefits and harms of this extraordinary substance are discussed in detail in this article) from the earliest times used by Indian and Chinese healers, and recently it is widely used in folk medicine.

Golden honey for joints

This natural, safe analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent is used for pain and tension in the joints, can be prepared independently according to the following simple recipe from 100 g of quality flower honey and 5 g of turmeric, which must be thoroughly mixed together until homogeneous mass.

Taking a tasty medicine is required according to the following scheme:

1. on the first day you need to eat 0.5 tsp. l. every 60 minutes;
2. the next day, the interval of admission should be increased to 2 hours;
3. on the 3rd day, the mixture is taken only 3 times for 1 tsp. l.

Next, you need to take a break for 3 days, after which the course should be repeated.

Basic Golden Milk Recipe

To prepare this healing drink, you need to make a paste that can be stored in the refrigerator for a month, using it as needed.

• 50 g of powdered turmeric should be diluted in 250 ml of drinking water, stir thoroughly until a homogeneous gruel;
• Then the mixture should be warmed up over low heat for 7 minutes, stirring constantly, until viscosity.
• Now the mass needs to be cooled a little, add 70 g of natural high-quality ghee or vegetable oil and 5 g of black ground pepper, mix well again.
• Then the paste should be transferred to a small glass container with a tight lid, put into the refrigerator.

Before use, you will need to warm up 250 ml of milk, dilute 1 tsp in it. l. paste, mix thoroughly and drink in small sips on an empty stomach for 2 hours. before meals.

The course for the treatment and recovery of the body is from 30 to 40 days. As a prophylaxis during colds and flu, as well as to relieve joint pain, you can drink a drink as needed. You can dissolve 1 tsp in warm milk. l. honey and drink before bed, which is an effective remedy for insomnia.

Vegan Golden Milk

This delicious and healthy drink can be made quickly for breakfast to invigorate and recharge for the whole day with the necessary substances that increase the body's resistance to viruses and colds, provides invaluable help in the prevention of many diseases.

1. You need to take 250 ml of coconut milk or dissolve 1 tbsp in this amount. l. unrefined natural coconut oil, heat on the stove, bringing to a low boil.
2. Next, stir thoroughly in a liquid 5 g of turmeric, ground ginger and cinnamon, add a pinch freshly ground black pepper, boil the mixture for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and a little cool.
3. You can add 1-1.5 tsp to a warm drink to taste. l. flower honey, beat everything again until smooth and drink.

Funds

To achieve a therapeutic effect in many diseases, a large amount of curcumin is needed, which cannot be obtained with natural use of the spice in food, therefore, many pharmacological companies have established the production of special medicines and dietary supplements.

Doctor's Best Digestible Curcumin (500 mg, 120 Capsules)

This capsule form of curcumin with bioperine is characterized by the highest absorption, retaining all the beneficial qualities of the natural substance.

A completely safe drug belongs to the category of biological additives, it is recommended as a powerful antioxidant to neutralize negative the action of free radicals, maintaining healthy joints, slowing down the destruction of connective tissue, preventing cardiovascular diseases systems.

In order to prevent and maintain health, it is enough to take 1 capsule per day. The price of the course for the whole family is about $ 2,500. rub.

California Gold Nutrition, Curcumin C3 Complex with BioPerine Extract, 500 mg

It contains standardized natural extracts from turmeric and black pepper rhizomes and is recommended as a natural antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

As a preventive measure, it is enough to take 1 capsule per day, during meals. The price of 120 vegetable capsules is 2.2 thousand. rub.

Sports Research, Turmeric Curcumin, C3 Complex, 500 mg

This dietary supplement comes in a patented form of soft gelatin tablets, contains curcumin, black pepper and organic coconut oil, recommended for use in complex therapy for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant relief the body.

The recommended daily dose is 1 to 3 capsules throughout the day. A pack with 120 tablets will cost about 2 thousand. rub.

Solgar, Full Spectrum Curcumin

The premium class drug is presented in soft gelatin capsules filled with liquid curcumin extract, due to which the substance is better absorbed. The dietary supplement is designed to improve resistance and increase the immune properties of the body, to activate brain activity. Enough to take with any meal, 1 capsule per day, or as recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost of a monthly course is 1.7 thousand rubles. rub.

Jarrow Formulas, Organic Curcumin 95, 500 mg, 60 Tablets

Also, a convenient and very common form of release of curcumin as a dietary supplement is compressed tablets, which are recommended for strict vegans and vegetarians, maintaining healthy tissues in the joints, significantly reduce oxidative processes in the body.

Suitable as an auxiliary anticancer agent, as well as for patients with cancer after a course of chemotherapy.

A completely herbal natural preparation gradually accumulates in the body, gently normalizing the digestive system. The daily prophylactic dose is 1 tablet, a 2-month course will cost 1.2 thousand. rub.

Natural Factors, CurcuminRich, Theracurmin, 60 Vegetarian Capsules

A natural food supplement with an easy-to-absorb formula of curcumin and plant gums recommended as effective anti-inflammatory agent with antioxidant properties, helps to strengthen blood vessels and cardiac muscles.

The recommended dose for prophylaxis is 1-2 tablets per day. The dosage can be adjusted by the attending physician. The package price is a little over $ 1,000. rub.

Paradise Herbs, Turmeric, 90 Vegetarian Capsules

This hypoallergenic preparation with an active herbal extract has a full spectrum of action, entered into top ten dietary supplements, consists of natural ingredients without artificial additives and fillers. The prophylactic recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day with meals or immediately after meals. The cost of a pack of 90 pills is 810 rubles.

The extraordinary benefits of the unique natural curcumin deserve the attention of all healthy lifestyle advocates to include it a harmless herbal remedy in your diet to maintain the health of the body of all family members and prevent many dangerous diseases.

Curcumin video

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