Curcumin is a chemical compound known as Diferuloylmethane and is the main active ingredient in the commonly used spice called Turmeric. There are three other curcuminoid compounds by curcumin that take up 80% of the curcuminoid weight. Besides Turmeric, Curcuminoids also exist in ginger. Curcumin extracts are commercially available in the form of supplements in a blend consisting of about 77% curcumin and small amounts of the other two curcuminoids as well. Curcumin molecules are bright yellow and that explain the color of Turmeric and curry spices. It is even used as an industrial food colorant for this reason.
Curcumin is generally poorly absorbed by the body when it is consumed orally on its own. This is because it is mainly a fat-soluble supplement. For this reason, curcumin with black pepper supplements is often enhanced to increase the amount of curcumin that goes into circulation and is absorbed by the body. Supplements often combine curcumin with a compound called piperidine, which is extracted from black pepper. Piperidine increases the bioavailability of curcumin when consumed together. This increased bioavailability is attributed to an increase in water solubility.
Curcumin has various beneficial functions in the human body making it one of the most highly sought after supplement. The compounds that cause tumors and the effect of free radicals in the body can be inhibited by the curcumin molecules to prevent the rapid growth and spread of cancerous cells. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant. This property of curcumin also makes it a great anti-aging supplement since free radicals and oxidants are part of the aging process.
The potency of curcumin supplements often depends on the brand that you buy. This is because different companies use different qualities of materials in the production process. You need to be extremely selective in your choice of curcumin supplements as there are plenty of options out there but few can get you the results that you desire. When purchasing curcumin supplements, ensure that you read the packaging for the main active ingredients and the compounds used to increase bioavailability.
You can also conduct online searches reviews and testimonials for individuals who have used these supplements and have found it to work. There has been some known interaction between consuming curcumin supplements while on blood thinning medication. You should always speak on your doctor before you begin taking any kind of supplement, especially for the treatment and management of a disease.
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