Understanding your Turmeric Supplement

There are many different type of turmeric supplements on the market. Turmeric is a common yellow spice that gives flavor to curried dishes. However, Turmeric is valued for more than just its cooking uses. The herb has been used in the Ayurvedic healing tradition for centuries.  The active ingredients in Turmeric — Curcuma longa — are a group of plant substances called curcuminoids. Known collectively as “curcumin”, curcuminoids have demonstrated potent antioxidant properties in scientific studies. Curcuminoids benefit joints and other tissues by helping to neutralize free-radicals. Through its antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

There are a variety of products on the market and sorting through them and selecting the best one for your needs can be confusing.  Many companies trying to cash in on trends do not really care about the quality of their product, therefore their products may be ineffective. We are going to discuss some of the different types of turmeric supplements to help you make the best decision possible for your health.

Turmeric – standardized percent of curcuminoids

This type of turmeric supplement is an extract, and is a essentially a highly concentrated curcuminoid product. Some standardised extracts contain up 95% curcuminoids.

The advantage of this supplement is that it is  a strong anti-inflammatory.You will receive a high dose of curcumin. One 500mg capsule of a 95% standardised extract will give you 450mg of curcumin.  The main disadvantages to this type of supplement is that  other nutrients are removed and chemical solvents are used.  In order to create an extract and concentrate the curcuminoids to such a high level, chemical solvents are used. Some of these chemicals, particularly benzine (which is a blend of various compounds similar to kerosene, and contains small amounts of benzene) are toxic.

Another note —  Although there is no specific research with regards to curcumin, when nutrients are not consumed with the other nutrients they naturally occur with, they are poorly absorbed. It is possible that this is also true for curcumin.

Turmeric – root powder

This type of supplement contains powdered dried turmeric root, and so the nutrient content is not standardised to any fixed percentage. Curcumin content or turmeric root powder will be between 3-5% of the weight, so if you were to take 2000mg (as most supplements of this type recommend), you would be getting 60-100mg of curcumin. The advantage of this type of supplement is that no chemicals are used. As this is not an extract, the only processing the turmeric has undergone is drying and milling.  Also, as this is not an extract, it will contain turmerone and turmerin which will offer the body additional benefits, and potentially improve the absorption of the active ingredients. The main disadvantages to this type of supplement are the  Curcumin content.  This content is about a quarter of that of turmeric extract, and although it still is an effective dosage, it may not be as strong of an anti-inflammatory as that of a turmeric extract.

The Side Effects of Turmeric Root

Turmeric is a delicious yellow spice that is commonly consumed in Asian dishes.  It is also so much more and has wide ranging health benefits.  Scientific research has discovered well over 300 active ingredients in Turmeric that have powerful effects in the body. In fact, Turmeric is considered to be the greatest of all herbs by some practitioners. In Ayurveda, the practice of traditional Indian medicine, turmeric is prescribed for just about everything — from cuts and grazes, to respiratory ailments, liver disease, gas, bloating, digestive illness, the heart, as an anti-septic and more. The active ingredients in Turmeric — Curcuma longa — are a group of plant substances called curcuminoids. Through its antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.  Curcumin:

• is very useful in joint related concerns
• helps maintain a normal cholesterol and a healthy heart.
• is very helpful as a digestive support.
• is extremely helpful in liver protection.
• is also used in controlling obesity.
• induces the flow of bile, which breaks down fats.
• acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves the aches and pains associated with arthritis.

Let’s take a closer look at turmeric and its effects.

Gastrointestinal Effects

Practitioners of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese herbal medicine use turmeric to treat stomach disorders. However, cautions is advised as turmeric at high doses or after prolonged use can itself create digestive problems, including stomach irritation or upset, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea and even ulcers.

Gallbladder Effects

Curcumin (turmeric’s most biologically active component) inhibits the formation of gallstones . Turmeric  also induces gallbladder contractions therefore it could be beneficial for persons with healthy gallbladders. However, it could present problems for those with existing gallstones or bile duct obstructions.

Uterine Effects

Turmeric is a mild uterine stimulant that aids menstrual flow. For this reason, women should avoid using turmeric for medicinal purposes during pregnancy.

Skin Staining

Handling turmeric powder or a turmeric rhizome after cutting it open may color your hands. Turmeric was once used as a fabric dye. Eating and drinking preparations made from fresh or dried turmeric may also color the corners of your mouth.

Considerations

As with any health program, always talk to your doctor before beginning a course of treatment with turmeric or supplements made from the turmeric compound curcumin. Do not take dosages larger than those recommended by your healthcare professional or (in the case of supplements) the manufacturer.

Also note There are a variety of products on the market and sorting through them and selecting the best one for your needs can be confusing.  Many companies trying to cash in on trends do not really care about the quality of their product, therefore their products may be ineffective.

Clarification

The plant goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is sometimes called referred to as turmeric root, wild curcuma or Indian turmeric. This is not the same thing. While it has a rhizome that is used for a host of medicinal purposes goldenseal is a member of the buttercup family and is distinctly different from Curcuma longa. Beware as  goldenseal is known to have serious, potentially fatal adverse affects at high doses.

Health Benefits of Curcumin (An Extract of Turmeric)

Turmeric, an ancient Indian spice is one of the most effective nutritional supplements in known to man through the successive ages. Its main active ingredient that gives it its potency is called curcumin and hence we shall treat them as one since there can be no curcumin without turmeric the same way there can be no French fries without Irish potatoes. Below are listed some of these health benefits:

• An effective relief for depression

Recent studies have proved that curcumin has the same potency in dealing with depression as do the most decorated prescription drugs and antidepressants such as Prozac. Depression is also linked to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and a shrinking hippocampus (a brain area with a role in learning and memory).Curcumin helps to enhance BNDF levels, and hence potentially reversing some of the processes in the brain responsible for causing depression.

• Natural anti-inflammatory benefits

As a matter of fact, inflammation is a good and natural self-defense process that helps the body in warding off foreign invaders and also has a role in repairing damage. This means that its absence would make our bodies vulnerable to lethal pathogens.

However, if it spirals out of control it can become chronic and inappropriately deploys reagents against the body’s own tissues. As it is, curcumin  has potency as an anti-inflammatory and it is just as good as that of conventional drugs.

• Turmeric enhances the body’s anti-oxidation powers

Our bodies need to be protected from harmful free radicals which are responsible for the formation of cancer cells. That is why your body need s anti-oxidants and curcumin is a rich source of anti-oxidizing power. This power is embedded in its unique chemical structure and composition. It does this by blocking free radicals and by stimulating the body’s own natural anti-oxidant enzymes and mechanism.

• Curcumin enhances brain power and protects it from  degenerative diseases

This is done by increasing a growth hormone in the brain called BDNF. When this hormone decreases in the brain it becomes prone to multiple disorders such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease. In its process of increasing levels, curcumin may also delay or even reverse numerous brain diseases and also age-related decrease in the functions of the brain.

• Curcumin helps to fight heart diseases

This spice pigment has proven capability to improve the function of endothelium. When endothelium (the lining of the blood vessels) is functioning as it should there is an enhanced regulation of blood pressure and blood clotting is also boosted. With proper blood pressure regulation the chances of heart diseases are drastically reduced.

• Turmeric helps in the treatment and prevention of cancer

Based on reliable studies, there is evidence that turmeric helps in the inhibition of the growth and spread of cancer cell. This includes, but is not limited to, cancers that affect the digestive system.

• Curcumin is a good tool to combat Alzheimer’s disease

Since Alzheimer’s disease is still incurable a leading cause of dementia the world over, the best way to combat it is through prevention. Since inflammation and oxidization damage are chief culprits in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, curcumin comes as a  viable deterrent because of its proven anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidizing abilities.

Turmeric and Fibromyalgia

Turmeric is an effective tool in the fight of many medical conditions. One of them is Fibromyalgia, a condition which is a cause of  lingering pains in the ligaments, muscles and tendons,punctuated by fatigue and tenderness all over the body.

So far the real and specific cause of this condition still remains unknown although most fibromyalgia  patients may  also experience a  malfunction that impairs reception of  pain in the body hence they become hyper sensitive to pain.

Major signs of fibromyalgia are listed below:

• Irritable bowel syndrome;
• Pain and stiffness;
• Depression;
• Dizziness;
• Anxiety;
• Memory lapses; and
• Fatigue

Even though it is a painful condition, the good news is that it is not fatal  hence it can be can be contained  when given proper medical attention.

Below are some of the ways that can manage fibromyalgia:

• Nutritional supplements;
• Homeopathy;
• Exercise;
• Chiropractic treatment;
• Drug therapies;
• Ayurvedic treatment using herbs such as turmeric;
• Proper massage; and

Since turmeric is loaded with anti-inflammation capabilities   and this feature is of great benefits to those who suffer from  could fibromyalgia because  one of the causes behind fibromyalgia  are rheumatic diseases, which turmeric may  help to relieve.

What studies have indicated

A preliminary clinical study  conducted on eighteen  patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis indicated  that  a dosage of 1200 mg of curcumin supplements  on a daily basis for a two-week period proved to be  beneficial in helping to stabilize and relieve most of the usual symptoms associated with their condition.The resulting relief was just as good as that of renown prescription drugs,and yet without the usual side effects that are common with conventional prescriptions. It is also believed that  combining  turmeric with  ginger and taking it on a regular  basis may confer immense relief benefits to  fibromyalgia patients. Alternative treatments such as  such as turmeric may also offer alleviation in a much safer manner even when it is used  for the long-term. Curcumin,an  active component of  turmeric  can also offer anti-inflammation relief  that may also be of great benefit to the treatment of this condition as well. Although the medicinal effects of curcumin in clinical  studies are still in their initial stages, the results it has demonstrated in lab tests and rodents are a valid that needs to be followed up.As at now,we can talk about  its impact in regard to anti-cancer effects,cardio-vascular effects,ability to boost and restore memory  and various ulcer conditions even though more scientific research is still necessary in order to add more weight  to the validity of these benefits.

Dosage and administration

• The dosage of turmeric will depend on the current  health condition of the user and the recommended instructions on the label or as directed by a doctor.

Precautions and safety measures

There is  beauty in moderation and balance to everything, including drug dosage. There goes a saying that when you overdo something you will undo it and also undo yourself in the process.

The safety of Turmeric lies in its proper and appropriate dosage. If it is administered beyond its prescribed limits and dosage,then we are bound to have over dose issues. They may range from digestive complications, to nausea and even diarrhea. All lactating and expectant mothers should also avoid taking turmeric unless it is after the permission of a doctor. Also, those who are preparing for a medical operation should stop taking turmeric a few weeks before the surgery.

Turmeric: A Secret Weapon Against Fat

In life, the power to survive lies in you being fit, and not fat. This has nothing to do with Darwinism. Fit has all to do with one’s qualitative qualifications in order to fit in whatever niche of life one find themselves in. So, is it a crime unhealthy to be fat? Nay! To say that anyone who has a big body structure is sick is tantamount to automatically giving a clean bill of health to every skinny Tom, Dick and Harry you meet.

In fact it will be prudent and appropriate to state at this juncture that fat is not poison and we all need fats in our bodies. The battle here in against the literal existence of fat in our bodies but the quality and quantity of fat in our bodies. The battle is neither between the fat and thin. It is in maintaining good health irrespective of how your body structure is termed-fat or thin.

Unleashing the golden bullet

Turmeric is famed to be a wonder spice loaded many medicinal capabilities that are known to combat a wide range of ailments. One such capability is the effect it has on the growth, development and spread of  cancer cells. It does inhibit and also weakens their ability to destroy healthy cells in the body. This is according to many researches and numerous studies that have been conducted in many renown universities across the world.

With thousands of scientific  publications fixing their focus on turmeric,one of the emerging capability inherent in this herb is its ability to deal with unwanted fats in the body in a manner that is safe and natural. The good side of it is that these discoveries are gaining publicity with the conventional medical and scientific establishments. This is also driving the conventional medical and scientific fraternity to seek for possible ways to incorporate turmeric into their ranks of conventional drugs.

What research says about the role of turmeric in healthy fat loss

For you to have a share of the health benefits of turmeric in fat loss, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Continuous studies are always showing that turmeric’s qualitative and highly affordable components (including food intakes) are key tools in combating obesity.and the better side of the story is that they are readily available to the common man  yet without prohibitive price tags attached to them.

A good example of such researches is the one that was conducted at a  Chines state university. Out of that study, it was established that turmeric does neutralize the unhealthy  effects arising from eating junk foods.

Astonishingly, the study also  found out that curcumin consumption directly reduced the insulin, a  factor that is responsible for fat gain.

It went on to conclude that: by reducing the deposits of fat , relaxation of the  the lymphatic system and inhibiting  the apoptosis of beta cells; curcumin can also reduce  the levels of insulin  to a great extent as well as leptin resistance that arises from  the consumption of too much fat in food.

Other similar studies have also arrived at the same conclusions, confirming that turmeric direct intake of turmeric linked to is also associated with a healthy loss of fat  and lowered  insulin-related complications.