Curcumin, found in turmeric, has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. It may also delay Alzheimer’s disease and improve memory, but may also be a carcinogen. When consumed with black pepper, it is better absorbed.
Curcumin is present in the spice turmeric, often used in Indian food. Its chemical composition is responsible for turmeric’s yellow coloration, and it is often used specifically to color foods. However, it may serve a more important purpose for humans. Medical researchers are fascinated by curcumin because it has been shown to have several properties that can fight specific forms of cancer.
An antioxidant, curcumin may also have anti-inflammatory benefits. Clinical studies in rats or mice exposed to carcinogens show that these animals, when given curcumin in their diets, had a much lower incidence of colon cancer, and that the substance actually caused colon cancer cells to die (apoptosis). . Also, although curcumin created apoptosis in colon cancer cells, it did not cause cell death in healthy non-cancerous cells. One of the problems with most cancer drugs used in chemotherapy today is that they not only kill cancer cells but also healthy cells.
The substance has also been studied for its potential benefits in delaying or delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A study commissioned by the University of California-Los Angeles evaluated the effect of ingested curcumin on the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It clearly broke up the plaque formations in the brain that are caused by Alzheimer’s disease and can affect the degree of symptoms.
Some scientists are also studying whether curcumin might have brain-boosting effects, promoting increased memory. These studies still require further testing, but preliminary survey results suggest it may be good brain food.
Unfortunately, not all of the evidence on curcumin suggests positive results. While it may fight colon cancer, it may also be a carcinogen, according to a 2005 medical study. This particular study suggests that the way curcumin works means one can reasonably infer that it could also be responsible for cell damage in other parts of the body. There is still little evidence about the degree of risk that it could present as a carcinogen.
It is known that the human body does not absorb much curcumin when consumed. However, the body may not need to absorb it to get benefits from it. When taken with black pepper, as it could very well be in Indian food, the substance is better absorbed and shows higher levels in people’s blood serum.
Curcumin can be purchased in capsule and liquid form, but it is best taken with food, especially if pepper is added. It is certainly less expensive when used as a spice.
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