Curcumin can boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of BDNF protein, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
It may also help improve memory and attention, which seems logical given its effects on BDNF levels. However, more studies are needed to confirm this.
Curcumin may lower your risk of heart disease
Curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process.
Perhaps the main benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease is improving the function of the endothelium, the lining of your blood vessels . The endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease. This is when your endothelium is unable to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, and various other factors. Several studies suggest that curcumin can lead to improvements in heart health . Additionally, one study found that it’s as effective as exercise in post-menopausal women . In addition, curcumin can help reduce inflammation and oxidation (as discussed above), which can play a role in heart disease. In one study of 121 people undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, researchers assigned them either a placebo or 4 grams of curcumin per day a few days before and after the surgery. The curcumin group had a 65% decreased risk of experiencing a heart attack in the hospital.
Curcumin may help prevent cancer
Cancer is a disease, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. There are many different forms of cancer that appear to be affected by curcumin supplements.
Studies have shown that it can:
- contribute to the death of cancerous cells
- reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors)
- reduce metastasis (spread of cancer)
Whether high-dose curcumin — preferably with an absorption enhancer like piperine — can help treat cancer in humans has yet to be studied properly.
However, there is evidence that it may prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, especially cancers of the digestive system like colorectal cancer.
In a 30-day study in 44 men with lesions in the colon that sometimes turn cancerous, 4 grams of curcumin per day reduced the number of lesions by 40%.
Curcumin may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease
Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease.
Arthritis patients respond well to curcumin supplements
In a study in people with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was even more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug. Many other studies have looked at the effects of curcumin on arthritis and noted improvements in various symptoms.
Curcumin has benefits against depression
Curcumin has shown some promise in treating depression. A study in 60 people with depression showed that curcumin was as effective as known antidepressants in alleviating symptoms of the condition. There’s also some evidence that curcumin can boost the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
