Spotlight On Curcumin

Curcumin is an active compound found in turmeric root which has a long history of use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine due to its multiple health-promoting and disease-preventing properties (1). Curcumin has undergone much vigorous research during the past decade and is found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which promote a healthy inflammatory response and support the immune system. Here we’ll look at the potential benefits of supplementing with curcumin.

Curcumin and Exercise Recovery

Intense exercise causes muscle damage which can lead to increased fatigue and a reduction in physical performance. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) produced as a result of exercise may lead to further decreased exercise performance.  Taking curcumin reduces muscle soreness and muscle damage, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, increases markers of antioxidant capacity and reduces markers of AGEs (2,3).

Curcumin has positive effects for athletes and physical exercisers including reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and improving recovery and muscle performance (4). Curcumin supplementation is safe and effective for those participating in sport and physical exercise (5).

Curcumin and COVID-19

Viral infections such as COVID-19 can lead to systemic and destructive inflammation in patients. Curcumin has extensive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that may play a useful role in the treatment of COVID-19 infection alongside other treatments (6).

Curcumin and Joint Health

Osteoarthritis is a common articular disease that can lead to chronic pain and severe disability. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties can play an important role in protecting the joints. Research has found that curcumin along with piperine from black pepper and gingerols from ginger reduce inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis after just 4 weeks of treatment (7).

Curcumin and Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. Low-grade chronic inflammation in adipose tissue may be a major factor in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases in those with obesity. Curcumin can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent in obesity-associated inflammation and related diseases (8).

Curcumin, Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control

There is growing evidence that curcumin could aid glycaemic control and improve vascular risk in patients with Type 2 diabetes (9). Curcumin reduces insulin resistance and triglycerides (blood fats) if taken along with omega 3 fats. This lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (10).

Summary of the Benefits of Curcumin

Research indicates that curcumin can regulate blood sugar levels, decrease blood pressure, protect nerve cells, protect the joints, reduce inflammation, and enhance immunity. There is evidence for its antioxidant, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects (11).

Tom Oliver Nutrition's Curcumin formula combines curcumin with piperine to enhance the effects of both ingredients.

Who Could Benefit from Supplementing with Tom Oliver’s Curcumin?

• Anyone who takes exercise
• Those with inflammatory disorders such as arthritis or joint pain
• Those wishing to support their immune system
• Those at risk of diabetes or wanting to support blood sugar control
• Those who are ill or recovering from illness or surgery

Other supplements in the range that complement curcumin include omega 3, glucosamine, vitamin D with K2, magnesium and zinc.