Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potent option for a number of problems including reduced joint pain and increased ease of movement. In fact, research finds that the curcuminoids can significantly reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis. (1)
Brain health is of utmost importance, especially as we age, and brain inflammation is believed to be a leading risk factor in many brain related diseases, and curcumin’s powerful antioxidant properties are believed to play a role in lowering brain inflammation. In a recent 18-month double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 40 adults between the ages of 50 and 90 years who had mild memory complaints, the people taking curcumin improved their memory test by 28 percent over 18 months. (2)
Cardiovascular diseases are a major problem around the world, and cholesterol is an important and common cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. Curcumin has been shown to reduce LDL-C (‘bad’ cholesterol) and triglycerides and may protect patients at risk of CVD through improving serum lipid levels. (3)
A strong immune system is key to living a long and healthy life, and improving immune function is another powerful benefit attributed to curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Numerous studies have indicated that curcumin is beneficial to the immune system by interacting with immune cells to protect against immune-related diseases. (4)