Curcumin, a natural compound extracted from Turmeric has garnered a lot of interest over the past few decades for its health promoting benefits. In fact, the beneficial properties of turmeric have been known to us in India from ancient times with plenty of documented evidence in ayurvedic texts. Known as the golden spice, turmeric has been used for a variety of purposes right from adding it to curries to topical application for healing and even glowing skin!
While curcumin has many health benefits, let’s explore how curcumin can help in boosting immunity and promoting healing.
Curcumin positively impacts your immune system.
A strong immune system is the cornerstone of good health. It acts as your body’s defense mechanism against pathogens and helps prevent various diseases. Curcumin has been found to possess properties that can influence and regulate immune responses in the body. Research studies have shown that curcumin stimulates the activity of immune cells, the natural killer cells that play a vital role in eliminating harmful invaders. By fortifying the body’s defense mechanisms, it helps to reduce the risk of infections.
Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to any injury or infection. However, if the inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to many diseases and delay the healing process for a person. Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help to promote faster recovery. By inhibiting the activity of inflammatory response of the body, curcumin helps to alleviate pain and swelling. This in turn helps to facilitate the process of tissue repair which is an integral part of healing.
Curcumin facilitates healing and recovery.
There have been extensive studies conducted on the ability of curcumin to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. It has been found that curcumin can stimulate collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that is essential for the structural frame and strength of tissues. This make it an invaluable nutrient in enhancing the healing process and tissue repair.
Curcumin supports heart health.
Curcumin may contribute to cardiovascular health in many ways. It helps to reduce blood pressure and lower LDL (bad cholesterol). One of its most significant impacts on heart health is that curcumin supports proper functioning of the lining of heart and blood vessels which plays a critical role in healthy blood flow. This helps in lowering the risk of heart disease.
How much curcumin should you take on a daily basis?
Consuming 500-2,000 mg of curcumin extract per day is beneficial for health. The extract has a much higher concentration of curcumin in comparison to turmeric powder which is only3% curcumin. It is important to note that consuming excess of turmeric or curcumin can have side effects, so you must strike a balance. By incorporating curcumin into your daily routine in some form or the other, in judicious amounts will help to harness its potential benefits.
While supplements offer support for recovery, boosting immunity etc., remember, for overall health and wellbeing you must have a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.