The doctor listed the beneficial properties of curcumin

We are used to seeing turmeric in the kitchen - a bright seasoning for curry and warming drinks. But behind its bright color is curcumin – not just a taste component, but a compound that is seriously studied in the context of health support. Russian doctor Olga Lisenkova told about the benefits of curcumin, writes sb.by.

Olga Lisenkova noted:

Curcumin inhibits the development of bacteria, viruses and fungi — essentially working as a plant-based “antibiotic.” Especially important for joints: curcumin acts on interleukins, helping to reduce inflammation and pain, including in rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. In addition, added Olga Lisenkova, curcumin stimulates the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora, suppresses pathogenic bacteria and improves the absorption of nutrients.

- It also helps the liver cope with toxins, fights oxidative processes that are associated with inflammation and aging. Turmeric helps slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin prevents the formation of blood clots, reduces the risk of damage that can lead to the development of tumors, the doctor continued.

But, as noted by Olga Lisenkova, curcumin has a significant drawback - it is poorly soluble in water, unstable and quickly decays. Because of this, its absorption in the intestine is limited:

- This leads to an important separation of effects. When using turmeric as a seasoning, useful properties are manifested mainly in the lumen of the intestine: protection from pathogens, support for microflora, potential benefits in irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis. For systemic action (on the joints, brain and other organs), an increased bioavailability of the substance is needed so that curcumin enters the blood in a sufficient concentration.

The most proven way to increase the effectiveness of curcumin is to combine it with piperine (black pepper extract), the specialist explained. Such a duo increases the digestibility of the substance by about 2000 %, and the concentration in the blood - about 30 times.

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