10 Proven Health Benefits of Curcumin You Need to Know
Curcumin is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can be utilized in treating joint inflammation, swelling sprains caused by asthma, allergic conditions, or injury.
Moreover, with the COVID-19 pandemic raging around the world, a recent clinical trial has brought the therapeutic efficacy of turmeric to the fore. It is proven that the combination of Curcumin C3 Reduct® and BioPerine® black pepper extract shows a faster symptomatic recovery among COVID-19 patients in India. This article will shed light on the health benefits of curcumin and its biggest challenge.
Benefits of Curcumin
1. Supports Joint Health
Curcumin’s antioxidant properties allow it to neutralize free radicals, a reactive chemical species which contribute increase inflammation and degrade joint cartilage, as well as stimulating our body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
2. Enhances Heart Health
Curcumin is research-proven to reduce the risk of heart attack by 65% with daily consumption. It can improve the endothelium (lining of blood vessels) function, and decreases inflammation and oxidation which are associated with heart disease.
3. Boosts Immunity
In addition to downregulating the expression of specific pro-inflammatory compounds, curcumin also improves the responses of certain antibodies and immune cells.
4. Anti-Aging Benefit
Curcumin’s powerful antioxidant properties can reduce oxidative stress (a key driver in most aging disorders). It alleviates aging by suppressing the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), a harmful compound that is associated with aging, loss of skin elasticity, and chronic diseases including heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and hypertension.
5. Promotes Liver Health
Our liver health is directly linked to oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory substances. Curcumin can suppress inflammation and enhance antioxidant defense to assist the liver in detoxifying and restoring balance.
Synergistic Benefits of Curcumin & Piperine
According to the clinical trial by Sabinsa Corporation mentioned earlier, the findings suggest that the combination of curcumin (Curcumin C3 Complex) and piperine (BioPerine), a black pepper extract, could be used as adjuvant therapy for COVID-19. In comparison with the control group, the patients with positive COVID-19 antigen tests who were given curcumin and piperine were observed early symptomatic recovery of fever, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, better ability to maintain oxygen saturation (SpO) above 94%, reduced hospitalization duration, and fever deaths were reported.
Apart from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, curcumin also possesses antibacterial and antifungal effects which could act to prevent a secondary infection and promote early recovery. On the other hand, piperine helps enhance the bioavailability of curcuminoids, and contributes to the anti-viral activity of Curcumin C3 Complex. This study enlightens the path of enhancing better immune health with Curcumin C3 Complex and BioPerine.
(Pawar et al., 2021)
Curcumin vs Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC)
Although curcumin is, in theory, immensely beneficial to people, the palatability and bioavailability of curcumin can be a major barrier when turning it into an effective nutritional supplement, despite its therapeutic efficacy.
Bioavailability refers to the capability of a nutrient in having an active effect on the body after it has been introduced via blood circulation. The low bioavailability of curcumin is mostly affected by low water solubility, poor absorption by the body and rapid metabolism and excretion from the body. The liver has to metabolize curcumin into an active form called tetrahydrocurcumin(THC).
In the human body, curcumin in the intestines is converted into THC by E. coli bacteria. THC was found to be more potent than curcumin in various aspects, including antioxidative activity. Research showed that THC is easier to absorb from the gastrointestinal tract compared to curcumin (J Nutr. 2001. 31: 2090-2095). It is the one that is responsible for various biological functions associated with curcumin in the human body. As THC is already in the pre-converted form, the absorption barrier has been overcome and this makes it 250x more potent than regular curcumin.
You may like to consider:
LABO Nutrition FlexC MAX EX
FlexC MAX EX is a vegetarian, extra strength & fast-acting formula made with curated patented bioactive extracts in functional dosage for maximum potency. Instead of normal curcumin, FlexC MAX EX is formulated with the most advanced White Curcumin C3 Reduct®, the body-ready form of curcumin, and BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract to further enhance absorption.
In addition, FlexC MAX EX also contains another two more active ingredients that further improve the absorption and potency – Boswellin® Super Bowsellia Extract and OptiMSM®. Boswellin® Super is the most powerful in suppressing a pro-inflammatory enzyme in relieving discomfort and supporting the prevention of cartilage loss. OptiMSM® is an excellent source of sulfur that helps maintain healthy joints, tendons, ligaments, skin and other connective tissue.
Affirmed as GRAS, FlexC MAX EX is research-proven, safe, and gentle on the stomach as it is free of glucosamine and chondroitin. FlexC MAX EX can effectively relieve aches and pains in joints and body, as well as support heart, brain, liver, and digestive health, and overall wellness. What’s more, 1 box gives 60 capsules, which is also equivalent to a one-month supply.