Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death around the globe. Due to the alarming rate of premature deaths occurring mostly because of heart diseases, researchers are trying hard to determine ways of prevention. Curcumin is an active component in turmeric and has been in use for centuries in indigenous medicine. Recent studies have found that curcumin also protects the heart in numerous ways.

Studies on Cardioprotective Effects of Curcumin

Curcumin safeguards the heart by improving the endothelial function, reducing inflammation levels, and preventing free radical damage. Exercise is commonly recommended by health experts to enhance the cardiovascular system as it strengthens the endothelial function. The endothelium is the lining of the blood vessels, and its dysfunction is found to be a significant contributor to heart diseases. It involves the failure of the endothelium function to regulate blood clotting, blood pressure, and other issues that lead to heart problems. Research has found that curcumin supplementation has similar effects on the endothelial functioning as physical activity. 

Research has also established that despite its low aqueous solubility, curcumin demonstrates cardioprotective effects and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent when taken in low concentrations. The cardioprotective effects of the curcumin have been reported in another study, particularly highlighting its antioxidant properties.

Inflammation is another major cause of heart damage as it weakens the blood vessels and contributes towards the blockage of arteries. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin help in reducing or preventing the inflammation in the body.

These studies indicate that curcumin may help in mitigating the events that lead to strokes, heart failure, heart attacks, and other health issues. It can also assist in combating other associated risk factors of heart disease, including suppression of chronic inflammation, maintaining a balance of blood lipid, and decreases the effects of high glucose levels.

It also assists with the soreness of the muscles, inflammation caused by exercise, and increases the performance and recovery in physically active individuals.

Tips to Include Curcumin in the Diet

There are numerous ways of including curcumin in your diet. Here are some useful tips:

  • Use powdered curcumin as a spice when you cook meals. It can be added to curry or sauces.
  • Whip up a salad dressing with oil, vinegar, and curcumin, along with other seasonings.  
  • You can also add half a teaspoon of this powder in milk and drink it before you sleep

Curcumin is also available in supplement form, including capsules, extracts, and fluids.

The role of curcumin in preventing and reducing cardiovascular issues has been established in many studies. It decreases the biochemical stresses, lipid disturbances, and chronic glucose exposure to combat the factors that lead to strokes, heart failure, and heart attacks. It also reduces the heart issues associated with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Its supplementation has also been found to decrease arterial stiffening.