VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw

Curcuminoids are active ingredients hidden in turmeric, which are responsible for its characteristic yellow-orange color and he alth-promoting properties. What do curcuminoids help and what are their most valuable properties?

Curcuminoidsare used in the treatment of diseases of various origins. The beneficial effect of curcuminoids on he alth has been appreciated for thousands of years. They find application in the treatment of infections, stomach ailments and metabolic diseases. Curcuminoids are the most valuable component of turmeric, which every lover of oriental flavors has heard about, and is a supporter of natural healing and strengthening immunity.

Properties of curcuminoids

The most important curcuminoid is curcumin, found mainly in turmeric. It has a number of he alth properties. It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties, which is why curcuminoids are helpful in fighting viral and bacterial infections.

They are used in the treatment of digestive ailments and metabolic diseases. They have a beneficial effect on the lipid metabolism, and thus support liver regeneration. They help lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, stimulate pancreatic enzymes. They support the body in the fight against free radicals. Curcumin also has anti-cancer properties.

Useful in treatment:

  • stomach cancer,
  • pancreatic cancer,
  • esophageal cancer,
  • lung cancer,
  • skin cancer,
  • bladder cancer,
  • prostate cancer,
  • cervical cancer
  • and oral cancer.

Studies have shown that curcumin lowers the blood sugar level of rats given alloxan - an organic chemical compound used in sensitive animals to induce experimental diabetes.

Additionally, curcumin reduces cholesterol levels, accelerates wound healing, and alleviates kidney damage in rats treated with streptozotocin to induce diabetes.

Curcuminoids - what do they help?

In Far Eastern medicine, curcumin has been used for thousands of years for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Increases the level of glutathioneas well as it inhibits the activation of pro-inflammatory factors. It prevents the development of bacterial and fungal diseases. It inhibits the secretion of enzymes that mediate inflammation.

It is used to treat infections - it has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, soothes runny nose and porridges. Curcuminoids have a beneficial effect on eye he alth. They are used to treat:

  • conjunctivitis,
  • dry eye
  • and glaucoma.

In addition, they reduce oxidative stress and thus fight free radicals. They help maintain liver he alth and promote he althy digestion. They are used in the fight against inflammation of the bile ducts, they stimulate the gallbladder to release bile.

They inhibit the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin, and thus help fight stomach ulcers. All this makes it worth including it in your daily menu.

Curcuminoids in cosmetics

Curcuminoids are also used in cosmetics. They help fight free radicals, repair the damage they cause and delay the aging process. Curcumin has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

Reduces acne, the visibility of wrinkles, rejuvenates the skin and improves its condition. It soothes inflammation and restores the skin's radiance and he althy appearance.

Curcuminoids are an excellent antidote for skin ailments. In drugstores and pharmacies there are creams, masks and turmeric oils, the regular use of which will improve the condition of our skin.

Where can we find curcuminoids?

The most important of curcuminoids is curcumin, a valuable source of which is turmeric. Turmeric, also known as Indian saffron, or Indian gold, is mainly grown in India, as well as Southeast Asia and China.

The most valuable part of turmeric is the rhizome, which, after drying and grinding, can be used for medicinal purposes. Due to the distinctive taste, smell and beautiful color, they are also used in the kitchen.

Curcuminoid use

Curcumin is used in various ways. You can cut turmeric into slices and make an infusion that is worth enriching with honey and lemon.

In turn, turmeric powder can be added to meats, soups or rice. Turmeric juice - obtained by grinding the rhizome on a grater - can be added to yogurt.

Pharmacies also offer dietary supplements containing curcumin. The dosage should be checked on the package leaflet or consult your doctor / pharmacist.

Ingestion of curcuminoids

Unfortunately, the bioavailability of the human body to absorb curcuminoids in purecharacter is limited. Therefore, in order for curcumin to have the desired effect, it is worth taking it with ground pepper.

Piperine significantly improves its absorption - up to 2000 times. Turmeric tablets are available in better digestibility than when added to meals. Producers, preparations based on turmeric, enrich with ingredients that increase its absorption in the small intestine.

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