Curcumin is a compound found in the spice turmeric that has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is responsible for the yellow/orange color of turmeric and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In recent years, scientific studies have uncovered a wealth of potential health benefits associated with curcumin. These include its ability to reduce inflammation, improve brain function, lower the risk of heart disease, and even help with cancer prevention. In this post, we will explore these potential benefits in more detail, as well as the ways in which you can incorporate more curcumin into your diet. We’ll also discuss the potential side effects and interactions associated with it. Finally, we’ll discuss the importance of taking a quality curcumin supplement and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Curcumin Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound found in the spice turmeric. It has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Curcumin is known for its many health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and helping to prevent certain chronic diseases. On a nutritional level, curcumin is low in calories but contains a good amount of dietary fiber, iron, manganese, vitamin B6, and potassium. It is also a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help protect your cells from free radical damage. In addition, curcumin has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, making it an excellent supplement to add to your diet. Nutritional value per 100 g curcumin:
- Biotin: 0 mcg
- Calcium: 0 mg
- Carbohydrates (Carbs): 28.7 g
- Chloride: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Choline: 0 mg
- Chromium: 0 mcg
- Copper: 0.6 mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4.3 g
- Energy (Calories): 364 kcal
- Fat: 6.4 g
- Iodine: 0 mcg
- Iron: 6.1 mg
- Magnesium: 95 mg
- Manganese: 0.9 mg
- Molybdenum: 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid: 0.3 mg
- Phosphorus: 117 mg
- Potassium: 738 mg
- Protein: 7.7 g
- Saturated fat: 2.3 g
- Selenium: 0 mcg
- Sodium: 22 mg
- Sugars: 0.7 g
- Vitamin A: 0 IU
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.2 mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 2.6 mg
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 0.3 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.3 mg
- Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12: 0 mcg
- Vitamin C: 0.2 mg
- Vitamin D: 0 IU
- Vitamin E: 1.3 mg
- Vitamin K: 0 mcg
- Water: 6.3 g
- Zinc: 0.7 mg
Home Remedies with Curcumin
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory component found in the spice turmeric. In Ayurvedic medicine which originated in India, turmeric has a long history of use as a medicine for pain and inflammation. But the spice doesn’t pack the punch of curcumin supplements. Take 300 milligrams three times a day of a supplement standardized to contain 95% curcumin.
- To treat bursitis and tendinitis, try curcumin. It is the active ingredient in turmeric, an Indian spice that’s a key ingredient in curry. While turmeric has a venerable reputation as an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agent, it seems to be curcumin that does the real work – inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are hormone like compounds in the body involved in transmission of pain signals. Take 400 to 500 milligrams of the extract three times a day.
- For phlebitis, curcumin (400-600 mg a day) is prescribed with bromelain and anticoagulants. Once the clot is dissolved, the patient is asked to continue bromelain and curcumin up to three months.
- Curcumin is a phytochemical found specifically in turmeric. It has anti inflammatory properties and is associated with reduced joint pain and stiffness. For gallbladder problems, take a product standardized to contain 150 mg of curcumin with each meal. It has anti-inflammatory properties, improves bile flow, and relaxes the bile duct. It also helps to improve liver infection.
- Turn ringworm away with turmeric. The main ingredient in curry powder, turmeric contains curcumin, which has helped many people who have inflammatory conditions like arthritis. It’s not clear why turmeric should work so well on a fungal skin problem, but Asians have long used this spice to fight ringworm. Stir enough water into a teaspoon or two of powdered turmeric to make a paste. Smear it on the affected area and cover it with a bandage or piece of gauze. After 20 minutes to an hour, remove it. You can repeat this three or four times a day, but stop the treatment if turmeric irritates your skin.
- Curcumin is a food substance associated with decreased inflammation, which may also benefit the symptoms of fibromyalgia. For rheumatoid arthritis 400-600 mg a day is recommended; in sciatica 250-500 mg three times a day.
Side Effects and Precautions
May cause heartburn in some people.
FAQs.
Q. What is curcumin?
It is a bright-yellow color substance mainly found in turmeric. It is very good for liver health when consumed along with normal diet as Curcuminoids prevent the increases in liver enzymes, SGOT and SGPT. Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and hepatoprotective properties. This is why turmeric is a main ingredient in all Indian recipes. It works great for cholesterol-lowering by increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and increasing the excretion of bile acids via its cholesteric effects.
Q. Can Curcumin Cure Cancer?
Some advance research says that, turmeric, which is 90 – 95 % curcumin can inhibit HIV infection and can also helps cancer prevention. Take 400 mg of curcumin extract three times daily on an empty stomach. This extract from turmeric has many different anticancer effects. Note that, it can be safely used in conjunction with conventional treatment and we do not encourage you to stop any existing treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Some clinical trials shows effects against various diseases including colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, psoriasis, and Alzheimer’s disease.