What is Curcumin?

Turmeric, which is called the yellow elixir, has a very strong antiaging, that is, anti-aging properties with the curcumin it contains. Nutrition and Diet Specialist Harika Özkaya Yurttadur stated that curcumin slows down the aging rate with 4 different effects and made important explanations.

What is Curcumin? 

Curcumin is a yellow-orange colored polyphenolic compound with antioxidant properties obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa l. (c. longa), popularly known as “turmeric, turmeric, Indian saffron, saffron root”. The most important and most active main component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, is widely known for its medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments because it reduces the harmful effects of free radicals. It is widely grown and used in China and India.

What are the Benefits of Curcumin?

Curcumin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, analgesic and anticancer properties have been demonstrated by scientific research. It has been found to be especially effective in combating chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, heart disease and obesity, in which inflammation plays an important role.

Antioxidant Effect of Curcumin

Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals damage cells and is at the root of many diseases. Oxidative stress is known to predispose to many diseases such as inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, myocardial ischemia and cancer. Curcumin helps protect cells by neutralizing these harmful compounds thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties. Research shows that curcumin is a free radical scavenger several times more powerful than vitamin E. It also helps prevent cell damage by scavenging hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals. Constituents isolated from Curcuma longa (turmeric) have been found to have a strong antioxidant effect and to be very important on lipid oxidation.
Thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties, curcumin neutralizes harmful compounds and creates a shield against diseases: 

• Effect of Curcumin on Cardiovascular Health

In a study summarizing detailed research conducted over the last 50 years, curcumin was found to lower cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Curcumin has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while maintaining HDL (good cholesterol) levels. With this feature, it is among the natural ingredients that support heart health.

• The Effect of Curcumin Against Cancer

More than 800 scientific studies to date have shown that curcumin has inhibitory effects on the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells.

• Effect of Curcumin Against Diabetes

Curcumin can reduce diabetes complications by stabilizing blood sugar levels. It was found that age-related diabetes complications were prevented in curcumin-treated patients. Curcumin was also found to significantly reduce blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels.

• Effect of Curcumin on Obesity

Inflammation plays a fundamental role in obesity as in many other chronic diseases. In studies with mice, curcumin, a polyphenol, was found to prevent obesity. Curcumin exerts this beneficial effect by reducing insulin and leptin resistance, decreasing inflammatory cytokine release, accelerating fatty acid oxidation and increasing antioxidant enzyme release. In this way, it helps in weight control and in the fight against obesity-related problems.

• Contributions of Curcumin to the Immune System and Skin Health

Strengthening the immune system, curcumin is used as an antiseptic in many ailments such as coughs, colds, bronchitis and skin infections. It can also protect skin cells from free radical damage, delay wrinkle formation and increase skin elasticity.

Antiaging Properties of Curcumin

With its anti-aging properties, curcumin is also known to act at the cellular level and on mechanisms that can slow down the systemic aging process. It is possible to list these effects as follows: 

• Reduces Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals

Oxidative stress and free radical damage to cells is one of the main causes of aging. At this point, curcumin helps to reduce oxidative stress and free radicals.  It helps cells stay healthier as it supports the body's own antioxidant systems (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase). 

• Supports Cell Repair and Longevity Mechanisms

Curcumin may delay the effects of aging by promoting mechanisms of cell renewal and DNA repair. It may slow cellular aging, especially by activating proteins associated with longevity such as sirtuins (SIRT1 activation) and AMPK.

• Delays Skin Aging

Curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may delay the formation of wrinkles and fine lines by protecting skin cells. It can also improve skin elasticity by protecting against UV damage.

• Supports Mitochondria Health

Mitochondria are the energy centers of cells and their function decreases during the aging process. Curcumin may support mitochondrial function, keeping cells energized for longer.

What is a Safe Dose When Using Curcumin?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has included curcumin in the generally recognized as safe substance (GRAS) designation and it is now used as a food supplement in many countries. Many studies have shown that curcumin, the most active component of turmeric, is safe and non-toxic. According to relevant clinical trials on safety and toxicity, it is recommended to take 4000-8000 mg/day of curcumin to achieve optimal therapeutic effect.

Is Curcumin Safe for Women During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

Although no negative situation has been observed regarding the use of curcumin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating mothers due to the lack of sufficient scientific studies. You can consult your doctor for more detailed information on the subject.

How to Consume Curcumin?

Curcumin can be found as a food supplement in capsule or powder form. However, the main source of curcumin is the turmeric plant. By using the spice obtained from this plant in meals, the intake of curcumin can be achieved. However, due to the low bioavailability of curcumin, its absorption by the body is limited. For this reason, it is recommended to consume it together with black pepper or healthy fats (such as olive oil) containing piperine. Thus, the effect of curcumin can be further increased. Daily 15 grams of turmeric can be consumed mixed with honey. 
However, it is more effective to take it as a supplement for good absorption. Those with chronic diseases should definitely use the supplement in consultation with their physicians.