Curcumin comes from a plant and is used as the main ingredient in the spice turmeric. In addition to the flavor and yellowish color it gives turmeric, curcumin is believed to be an antioxidant as well as have additional healing properties. Curcumin is also known as a dietary supplement.
As a natural spice, curcumin poses no danger, although some people do report some negative reactions to curcumin as well as other spices. With the health benefits that may be derived from simply spicing up your diet, curcumin may be worth adding to your spice rack.
If you do not eat foods that contain curcumin, or you simply want to benefit from the healing properties of this natural spice, you can take curcumin supplements. Curcumin supplements are available as capsules or in a liquid form.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Curcumin Healing Properties Known traditionally for its healing properties to aid in digestion, curcumin is now being investigated as a possible inhibitor or cure for cancer. Cultures that have diets rich in curcumin have very low cancer rates, making curcumin a viable reason. Cancers that... more
Known traditionally for its healing properties to aid in digestion, curcumin is now being investigated as a possible inhibitor or cure for cancer. Cultures that have diets rich in curcumin have very low cancer rates, making curcumin a viable reason. Cancers that are currently being investigated include:
The same cultures that have curcumin as a staple in their diet also have lower cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies are currently being done on lab animals in regards to curcumin and Alzheimer’s Disease and test results are proving favorable.
Other medicinal uses for curcumin include arthritis, heartburn, and inflammation. There is also a high possibility that curcumin can help reduce glucose levels for diabetics. Curcumin is usually used as a spice in foods to treat various conditions, but curcumin can also be applied as a compress. Curcumin supplements are also an option.
Curcumin used moderately in food is considered to be most likely safe. Taking it for medicinal purposes or in supplement form may also be okay, although it is recommended to consult with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies, including curcumin supplements.
Some people report being allergic to curcumin. Allergic reactions may include nausea or lightheadedness. The odor and flavor of curcumin is also very distinct and some people simply do not like the way it smells or tastes. Unless you experience problems directly related to taking curcumin you probably do not have any allergies to it. If you are unsure, you can check with your doctor.
While curcumin is a safe food flavoring and is a powerful antioxidant with multiple healing properties, there are times when curcumin supplements should be avoided. If you are not sure if curcumin is going to interfere with any of your medications or medical conditions, be sure to check with a professional.
Curcumin has the potential of stimulating menstrual cycles and uterine contractions, so pregnant women should avoid taking curcumin supplements unless directed otherwise by a doctor. As with all supplements, breastfeeding moms should also avoid taking anything without a doctor’s permission.
Other times curcumin supplements can pose a danger is if you have gall bladder problems. You should also stop taking any curcumin supplements a couple of weeks prior to surgery because it can slow blood clotting.
Since curcumin supplements can slow blood clotting it is important not to take them along with prescription medication that is used to slow blood clots. If you take curcumin supplements along with an anticoagulant or over the counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen you are at risk for increased bruising or bleeding.
Certain herbs are also known to slow blood clotting, so mixing various spices can also increase your risk of blood clotting. Spices that may pose problems interacting with curcumin supplements include cloves, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and ginseng.
You can spice up just about any dish with curcumin. Add turmeric to soups, stews, and chutneys. You can also use it to flavor chicken or turkey as well as vegetables and rice. Turmeric is also a good substitute for saffron, although it is stronger and so it should be used in smaller quantities.
As a supplement, curcumin can be taken in doses that range from 50mg to 100mg. Due to its blood clotting abilities doses that exceed 100mg may be considered to be unsafe. Taking curcumin supplements that contain black pepper can help it get absorbed better into your bloodstream.
However you manage to get curcumin you will most likely benefit from it. There are very few risks associated with curcumin supplements. Use the supplement finder to get an antioxidant boost from the active ingredient found in turmeric spice, now!
| Stimulate Menstrual Cycle |
| Uterine Contractions |
| Curcuma, Curcuma domestica, Curcuma aromatica, Curcumae longa, Curcumae longae rhizoma, Curcumin, Curcumine, Curcuminoid, Curcuminoids, Halada, Haldi, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Pian Jiang Huang, Rajani, Radix Curcumae, Rhizoma Cucurmae Longae, Turmeric Root, Yu Jin |
| Acid Reflux |
| Alzheimer's |
| Arthritis |
| Cancer |
| Diabetes |
| Heartburn |
| Inflammation |
| Lowering Blood Glucose Levels |
| Weight Loss |