Curcumin has been used as a medicinal healing agent for more than 5,000 years. This compound is deeply rooted in Ayurveda and has been used in poultices even before it became a popular ingredient in supplements.
The orange-yellow pigment of turmeric comes from the compound curcumin. There are plenty of other compounds in turmeric but none as important as this one. Typically found in warmer regions such as Southeast Asia, China, and India, this compound is also used in foods, especially curries.
Curcumin offers plenty of health benefits such as reducing the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, boosting immunity, cleansing the liver and more. However, one benefit that puts this compound in high regard is heart health. Let’s have a look at the cardioprotective effects of these benefits:
Prevents Inflammation
Atherosclerosis is a heart disease that prevents the blood vessels and arteries from carrying oxygen to the heart. As plaque builds up in the arteries, it hardens and narrows the passageway, which is what causes a stroke. The low supply of blood and oxygen can also cause a clot, which leads to a heart attack. Since the connection is quite intricate, anything can happen.
Chronic inflammation causes pathogens, such as bacteria, to take over the body. When the nutrients you consume don’t reach the organs, bacteria prevents them from functioning properly. This is where curcumin comes in. According to a study published in the journal of Nature, atherosclerosis is responsible for most types of strokes. Inflammation plays a huge roll in malfunctioning inflammatory mediators. The study revealed that lipid-lowering therapies might be the answer to prevent blockage of arteries.
According to another study published in the Nutritional Journal, curcumin helps CVD patients in improving their serum lipid levels. The study concluded that curcumin has the potential to replace conventional CVD drugs.
Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease is the number one cause of deaths in the world. A study published in the International Journal of Cardiology revealed that curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, cardiovascular protective and anti-thrombotic effects. The results revealed that all these effects offer numerous benefits such as easing cardio-toxicity, preventing diabetic cardiovascular problems, decreasing serum cholesterol level and preventing atrial arrhythmias.
Another study published in the American Journal of Cardiology reported that curcumin can help lower the risk of a heart attack in a short time. The study involved 121 people who were about to have a coronary artery bypass surgery. Some of the people were given 4 grams curcumin and others a placebo for a few days before their surgery. The results revealed that the risk of a heart attack had decreased by 65% in the curcumin group.
These studies show that curcumin is the ultimate compound that offers cardioprotective effects. So, better stock up your pantry with turmeric and try out new recipes with it or if you are looking for an easy option then go for the supplements.
