The magic of curcumin

Credit: Flickr/ Steven Jackson

Turmeric root — typically ground up and used in dishes such as curries — also has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Research has particularly focused on the three chemicals (known as "curcuminoids," or simply "curcumin") that give the root its distinctive orange-yellow color. Research has shown that turmeric and curcumin can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, a series of studies conducted by researchers from the University of Tsukuba in Japan and published in 2013 found that curcumin supplements protect the heart from aging as effectively as moderate aerobic exercise. When the two are combined, the effect is even stronger. Turmeric and curcumin have also been linked to cancer-fighting effects.

But the benefits don't stop there. Research also suggests that turmeric may help prevent or even reverse cognitive decline and dementia. For example, a study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2014 found that just a single gram of turmeric a day improved short-term memory in people at risk of memory loss. Another study, conducted by researchers from Duke University and published in 2009, found that curcumin actually caused changes in the brain that reversed some of the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin has also been shown to help ease the severity of autoimmune diseases, many of which are mediated by inflammatory responses.

Although much research has been conducted on curcumin specifically, the body absorbs these chemicals best from actual turmeric root, rather than from supplements.

Turmeric and weight control

Turmeric actually melts away body fat, according to research from Tufts University in Boston. Scientists discovered that curcumin – which is the active ingredient in turmeric – reduced weight gain and total body fat in mice. Study authors explained: "By diminishing the sediment of fat, relaxing the lymphatic return, and refraining the apoptosis of beta cells, the curcumin might significantly decrease the level of insulin resistance and leptin resistance caused by the high fat diet."

Another study at Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine in China also found turmeric intake to be beneficial for weight loss. As stated by Anthony Gucciardi of Natural Society:

"... curcumin (once again, a compound within turmeric found in extracts and the food itself) consumption directly decreased levels of insulin resistance and leptin resistance - two factors heavily linked to fat gain. In the conclusion of the research, study authors state:

"By diminishing the sediment of fat, relaxing the lymphatic return, and refraining the apoptosis of beta cells, the curcumin might significantly decrease the level of insulin resistance and leptin resistance caused by the high fat diet."

Similar findings were observed at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center -- Columbia University. Dr. Drew Tortoriello, M.D., an endocrinologist and research scientist, found that "turmeric-fed obese mice showed significantly reduced inflammation in fat tissue and liver compared to controls." He suspects "the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant ingredient in turmeric, lessens insulin resistance and prevents type 2 diabetes in these mouse models by dampening the inflammatory response provoked by obesity," according to Science Daily.

Happily, researchers believe these results can be applied to humans too. With such a profusion of healthy benefits, all you really have to lose by enjoying this vibrant spice is excess weight.

Turmeric and pain relief

According to Bel Marra Health, turmeric is actually a natural pain reliever – again thanks to its powerful active ingredient, curcumin. Its antioxidant properties help to get rid of free radicals before they can do any damage, and also combat inflammation brought on by osteoarthritis, making turmeric a natural remedy for pain.

Turmeric and inflammation

Turmeric is competitively effective when compared with a class of steroid medications known as corticosteroids which are used to manage chronic inflammation. Curcumin and resveratrol (also found in turmeric) can be helpful in the fight against tumor cells, by reducing their propensity to spread to other parts of the body, and reducing their ability to inflame local regions.

Various turmeric studies have been carried out using injectable forms of the spice – which is more bioaccessible than turmeric taken orally. According to Natural Health 365, researchers believe that curcumin has chemopreventive properties, helping it to combat cancers of the digestive tract, skin and mouth in animal studies. Curcumin not only triggers the activity of natural carcinogenic-detoxifying enzymes, but it also inhibits cancer calls from growing and spreading.