Notable Health Benefits of Curcumin:
Antimicrobial: Curcumin has antimicrobial properties to it which enables it to be effective against bacteria, such as aureus, E. coli, H. pylori, and M. tuberculosis. Curcumin may also be useful as a treatment route for Candida as well.
Bone Health: Curcumin may help maintain bone health by inhibiting osteoclast (these break down bone) development, promoting osteoblast (these build up bone) development.
Post workout repair and recovery: Curcumin may improve muscle damage, soreness, and strength; joint flexibility; and inflammation following exercise.
Gastrointestinal Health: Curcumin may aid gastrointestinal health by promoting the growth of helpful bacteria strains and improving the intestinal barrier. Additionally, a systemic review found that curcumin may help manage conditions such as IBS, ulcerative colitis, pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease, and Crohn’s disease.
How to Use Turmeric
Turmeric has a distinct, earthy and slight spicy flavor that can be used in dishes and meals.
Here are some ways to incorporate turmeric into the daily diet:
- Turmeric tea or golden milk
- Use curry powder, which contains turmeric, to make curry and other recipes
- Use ground turmeric on vegetables and in marinades
- Add to smoothies or juices
- Salad dressing with ground turmeric with pepper, ginger, lemon, and garlic
Turmeric vs. Curcmin
Turmeric and Curcumin are different and have different absorption and uses. Turmeric is great for use in cooking, while there may be times when you may benefit more from using the isolate Curcumin as well.
The downside of turmeric is that curcumin has low bioavailability and is quickly eliminated from the body. However, turmeric pairs well with black pepper, as the piperine in black pepper impairs biotransformation and enhances curcumin bioavailability by as much as 2000%.