Written by: Melissa Mitri, MS, RDN
Both Turmeric spice and its most active ingredient, Curcumin, have numerous potential health benefits. You may have heard of the health benefits associated with Turmeric, but what exactly is Curcumin and what are its health benefits?
What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is the primary active component inTurmeric spiceand is the key ingredient responsible for its numerous health benefits. Curcumin creates the bright orange hue in the Turmeric spice and has been used for thousands of years in cultures around the world for its amazing healing power.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice and medicinal herb that is commonly used in many Indian dishes such as curries and other savory sauces. Curcumin is found within Turmeric and makes up approximately 2-5% of its total makeup.
There are several health benefits ofCurcumin as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as for amultitude of health ailments. This article discusses the top health benefits of Curcumin and how to maximize your intake for the biggest health boost.
What are the Health Benefits of Curcumin?
Anti-inflammatory
Acute inflammation that occurs as a result of injury or infection is a good thing and is helpful in alerting your body of a problem. However, chronic inflammation that many of us experience is associated with a variety of mental and physical ailments, ranging from autoimmune conditions and diabetes to digestive issues. Curcumin can help with inflammation support and works by blocking inflammatory signals in the body.
Antioxidant Capacity
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that protects your body from damage by free radicals around you. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can enter your body and damage your health. Curcumin works by increasing the antioxidant capacity of your body, so your body is able to better defend itself against these free radicals.
Arthritis and Joint Pain
Inflammation in the joints from arthritis can result in increased stiffness, swelling, and throbbing pain in the affected areas. Since Curcumin has the ability to reduce inflammation, it has the potential to help alleviatedebilitating arthritis symptoms.
Digestive Health
If you struggle with digestive issues such as bloat, constipation, or diarrhea, this can really get in the way of your daily activities.Research studies have shown Curcumin may play a role in helping to manage digestive symptoms naturally.
Brain Health
Recent studies are beginning to have promising results relating to Curcumin and mental health. Curcumin appears to limit inflammation by blocking certain molecules that cause inflammation. When it comes to depression, the theory is that Curcumin helps boost levels of serotonin and dopamine, both of which are mood elevators.
However, this isn’t the only good news regarding mental health and Curcumin. Other researchers believe that regular consumption of Curcumin helps ward off Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. This theory stems from the fact that the rate of Alzheimer’s in India is more than four times lower than it is in the United States, and Turmeric is a staple spice in Indian cuisine.
How can you get your daily dose of Curcumin?
Now that you know all of the potential health benefits of Curcumin,how do you get enough of it? The challenge with Curcumin is that it can be difficult to get enough through diet alone.
On its own, Curcumin isn’t absorbed into the body very efficiently. It needs a fellow traveler — such as piperine — to maximize the benefits. Piperine is found in black pepper, and it can increase the body’s ability to absorb Curcumin by up to 2000%.
ZYN drinks give you Turmeric in a way your body can actually use it - withPiperine that adds a hint of mild spice and plays sidekick to the CURCUMIN.
It’s the daily get-up-and-go refresher that can help you battle inflammation and muscle fatigue while boosting your immune system.Find out additional information on Curcumin’s potential health-enhancing benefits and frequently asked questions here, and don't forget to shop our ZYN CURCUMIN Infused Drinks!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About Melissa Mitri, MS, RDN
Weight Loss Expert
Melissa Mitri is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and owner of Melissa Mitri Nutrition, LLC. In her private practice, Melissa specializes in helping women lose weight and keep it off through simple, sustainable habits. She is a freelance writer for both health professionals and companies alike and is the author of the Ebook “20-Minute Meals for Busy Women.”
