Did you know that one of the major benefits of turmeric is its amazing antioxidant properties?
Whether you’re looking to protect your body from the damage of free radical cells, or you’re looking to give your immune system a boost, turmeric is an excellent choice for many people.
Every day, more people are looking for alternatives to common antioxidants, trying to find a new solution to chronic fatigue or sluggishness. Sometimes, it seems like there’s no alternative than an expensive medication, which has its own side effects.
Unfortunately, the world of alternatives can be a tough one to dive into. It seems everything is called a miracle of this, a miracle of that. When you’re looking for a solution to your health problems, you don’t need promises of miracles, you need research, tests, and results.
Fortunately, curcumin, the main compound extracted from turmeric root, is one of the few roots that have been tested and proven to stand up to its claims. This compound is responsible for all the health benefits claimed of turmeric root for hundreds of years.
Antioxidants are important for our daily health. The name speaks for itself, when you break it down: anti – oxidant. This is a substance that inhibits and counteracts oxidation of the cells and molecules.
But, what does that mean?
How does that affect you?
We’re going to dive into what oxidation is, first, to help paint the picture.
Oxidation of cells is surprisingly common.
In fact, would you believe it’s happening to you right now?
This oxidation is part of what causes aging, both the physical and mental symptoms.
These oxidized cells are incredibly prone to becoming free radical cells, which are mutated, broken down cells. These cells are present in our bodies at all times, but the amount increases as we age and our cells oxidize more.
Our body naturally metabolizes the oxygen we breath in. However, roughly 1-2% of the cells get damaged through this process, subsequently turning into free radicals.
Free radicals are highly reactive, unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that are desperate to stabilize themselves. They do this by obtaining their missing electron from perfectly healthy molecules.
This causes oxidative damage to cell membranes and other structures from lipids, to proteins, and even DNA.
An unbalanced level of oxidized and free radical cells to healthy cells can cause a variety of illnesses such as immune system diseases, premature aging, cancer, Alzheimer’s and dementia, and several other life-altering conditions.
Not only that, but it is also a major factor in what age you look physically. Skin with an unbalanced amount of free radical and oxidized cells are far more prone to wrinkling and becoming spotty than healthy cells.
Oxidative stress occurs when the body’s natural antioxidant defenses are overpowered by free radicals and unable to keep up with the detoxification process – enabling the damage to spread. This damage is further accelerated through environmental factors such as toxins, pollutants, radiation, stress on the body, lack of sleep, and poor diet.
Oxidative damage is believed to be the cause of many health conditions, including arthritis, premature aging, swelling, and susceptibility to other diseases.
These free radical cells are balanced out by the number of antioxidants present in the body, which take these cells and either reform them, or counteract them to reduce the effect they have on the body.
As we age, however, our level of natural antioxidants naturally declines.
Antioxidants are nature’s defense system against free radicals. They have the ability to stabilize free radicals by donating the missing electron needed, preventing them from causing further damage.
Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that not only helps neutralize free radicals, but also increases the body’s antioxidant defense.
Antioxidants are present in a variety of foods in the form of different compounds such as vitamin C, E, or A. Green tea catechins are a great example, and yes, even the curcumin found in Turmeric.
One study considered the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of curcumin, showing positive results.
Many people seek out turmeric root powder thinking it will benefit them the same way, but most of the products available in your grocery store are in the culinary spice aisle.
Ground turmeric root powder has very little curcumin in it naturally, but thanks to a nutritionally inefficient method of harvesting and storing the powder, the product is even weaker than it should be, leaving you with few benefits.
Scientists have identified that the main compound of turmeric, curcumin, provides all the health benefits in the first place. Unfortunately, your body still doesn’t absorb curcumin extract very well on its own.
To help combat this issue, many suppliers have begun selling turmeric with black pepper.
A good supplement will contain a standardized amount of curcumin extract with piperine, the main compound responsible for black pepper’s benefits.
Piperine also comes in the form of Bioperine® which is Me First Living’s top choice, shown in the Premium Turmeric Curcumin supplement with 95% curcuminoids and 5% Bioperine®.
Simply adding Bioperine® to the mix has been shown to increase bioavailability, which is how well your body absorbs the compounds, by up to 2000%. This is an incredible increase, which makes curcumin extract a no-brainer over less effective methods like taking turmeric root powder, or even standalone curcumin extract.
Many people see extraordinary health benefits by taking a turmeric and black pepper extract. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, fight the symptoms of aging, or say goodbye to your chronic fatigue and low energy levels, curcumin has shown promising results in the realm of scientific research.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different in the amount of time it will take to start seeing results.
For example, if you’re taking curcumin with someone else, provided you’re both taking the same supplement and same daily dosage, you may see results faster than them and vice versa. It’s up to you to listen to your body the same way you would when taking a prescription or over the counter medication.
Many people say you can expect to see results within a few weeks of taking a curcumin extract. This is a great baseline, but lots of people have started seeing fantastic results within just a few days of taking curcumin extract, like elevated levels or energy and increased cognitive ability.
Now, over course, taking curcumin in addition to exercise, healthy eating, and healthy lifestyle habits will give you the best results.
After all, who doesn’t love how a good day’s workout and a nutritional meal makes them feel? By improving your lifestyle habits, you’re guaranteed to feel better.
Overall, it’s important to make healthy choices for your body, and taking a proven antioxidant like curcumin extract is one of those healthy choices that can improve your energy levels and mood throughout the day, helping you fight the signs and effects of aging.
Remember how, as a kid, you would crave fresh fruits like oranges and strawberries if you got sick? That’s probably because your body needed antioxidants. Many studies have concluded that turmeric root – or rather, the curcumin found within the root – has been commonly used as an antioxidant to strengthen and stimulate the immune system, also providing it with a nice boost to recover from short-term illnesses like the common cold.
An overview of the antioxidant properties of curcumin was written by Jon Barron, covering the effects of curcumin on the aging process, and how exactly it works.
Want to learn more about the benefits of turmeric, or purchase our certified and tested supplements? Visit MeFirstLiving.com today!