Boost Your Cardiovascular Health with the Power of Turmeric
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par SANUSq Research team
Boost Your Cardiovascular Health with the Power of Turmeric
People are increasingly using turmeric supplements, mostly for the role played by curcumin in reducing pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. Turmeric supplements are also a very popular choice among people who are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and looking for natural ways to reduce gut inflammation and other painful symptoms. Turmeric also boosts liver health and helps the body detox and flush out toxins. Can you take turmeric supplements for heart health? Let’s explore the protective effects of turmeric (or curcumin) on your cardiovascular health.
Turmeric and heart health: An Overview
Turmeric is an Indian spice that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to prevent, treat and manage a number of health conditions. [1] Curcumin is one of the most important and most researched bioactive compounds present in the spice turmeric. Emerging scientific research suggests that curcumin improves the antioxidant capacity of the body, reduces inflammation and improves gut health. All of these qualities help improve heart and vascular health through a number of direct, indirect and collective mechanisms.
Unveiling the Heart Benefits of Turmeric
Lack of physical activity, sleep issues, unhealthy diet, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are well-known factors that not only contribute to heart disease, but also increase the odds of other health conditions that are involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. These include obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
In addition, atherosclerosis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and associated complications. This is a condition where excessive build-up of plaques within the arteries results in narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels. This impairs the flexibility and functions of blood vessels – restricting the blood flow to vital organs and resulting in serious cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke. Oxidative damage to the endothelium (the fragile inner lining of the blood vessels) and the resulting inflammatory response at the site of damage is one of the main mechanisms by which plaques are formed. Again, factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and leading a sedentary lifestyle are common risk factors that hurt the endothelium and elevate the chances of developing atherosclerosis.
How Turmeric Supports Heart Health
Curcumin, found in turmeric, is a very powerful anti-inflammatory substance that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. These two conditions play a huge role in the development of cardiovascular disease. High-quality studies show that curcumin has the potential to scavenge different kinds of free radicals (highly reactive molecules that damage cells and their structures, causing cellular dysfunction, inflammation and premature ageing). In addition, curcumin also improves the activity of natural anti-oxidant enzymes that are actively involved in the neutralization of free radicals.
Curcumin suppresses inflammation through many complex and intricate mechanisms. For example, it blocks the activation of enzymes, molecules and pathways that contribute to pain and inflammation in the body. Inflammation, as we know, has been established as a key player in premature ageing and in the development of many chronic health conditions including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, fatigue, cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Turmeric benefits in heart disease and its risk factors
Curcumin in endothelial dysfunction
Curcumin helps improve the function of the endothelium. [2] This thin layer of cells lines the inside of your blood vessels and helps maintain the vascular health by ensuring healthy blood flow and regulating processes such as blood clotting, blood pressure, inflammation, hormonal signaling, and even immune responses.
Curcumin in obesity and insulin resistance
Obesity is a very complex condition influenced by genetics, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, use of certain medicines and medical factors (such as the presence of thyroid disorders, insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome). Body-wide inflammation has been strongly linked with obesity and associated disorders such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. With its role in reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance, curcumin may help in managing obesity. In addition, curcumin improves gut health and reduces inflammation in the gut. Studies show that curcumin increases the populations of healthy bacteria and improves gut microbiome which plays a very important role in managing inflammation, weight and immunity.
Curcumin in type 2 diabetes
Curcumin helps lowering blood sugar levels and may even reverse the development of diabetes in people with pre-diabetes. Studies show that curcumin can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in people with obesity. It also reduces the complications associated with type 2 diabetes such as foot ulcers and diabetic retinopathy. [2]
Curcumin in metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions (abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar levels), that when occuring together can create a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than any of these conditions occurring alone. Curcumin is known to positively manage many metabolic parameters, including reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with metabolic syndrome [3-4]. It improves insulin sensitivity, reduces obesity, lowers high blood pressure and regulates lipid profile.
Curcumin in lipid profile
Curcumin lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides [5], which are directly linked with an increased risk of plaque build-up, atherosclerosis and other factors that trigger the development of heart disease and poor vascular health.
Curcumin in platelet aggregation
Studies show that curcumin works as a natural blood thinner. It prevents the formation of blood clots by inhibiting the platelets from clumping together (platelet aggregation). [6] This quality helps prevent and manage atherosclerosis, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke.
How to Use Turmeric for Heart Health
You can include turmeric in your diet by adding the spice directly into your food and beverages such as curries, soup, tea, coffee, milk and stews. You can also take high-quality turmeric supplements for heart health. It is important to note that curcumin has a very poor bioavailability as it is poorly absorbed by the body, quickly metabolised and rapidly removed or eliminated from the body. Pipereine, a compound present in black pepper, improves the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%. That’s why high-quality and effective turmeric supplements always contain black pepper. Since curcumin is a fat-soluble compound, it is best to take your turmeric supplement with foods that are rich in healthy fats.
Turmeric and Overall Well-being
Beyond the Heart: Turmeric’s Holistic Health Impact
Turmeric supplements are receiving an amazing amount of attention among the health conscious who are embracing natural ways to manage inflammation and inflammatory conditions. With its incredible healing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, curcumin can help prevent and manage many health conditions that stem from high oxidative damage and inflammation in the cells and tissues such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety. Turmeric supplements offer amazing benefits and help you maintain overall health and well-being. It boosts immunity, helps in liver detox, reduces muscle soreness induced by exercise, and protects brain health. It also helps ease pain and symptoms in migraine, headaches and joint pain. Healthy people can also benefit from taking turmeric supplements, even in low-doses.
FAQs
Can turmeric interact with heart medications?
Yes, turmeric can interact with certain heart medications. People on blood-thinners, statins, and blood pressure lowering drugs should always consult with their healthcare practitioner before taking turmeric supplements.
Are there any side effects of using turmeric for heart health? Turmeric is generally considered safe for most people with no major adverse effects. However, large doses may lead to upset stomach and cause nausea or diarrhea in some people. It may also cause skin rashes and itching. It may interfere with blood-thinners, statins, blood-pressure lowering drugs and diabetes medication.
Is turmeric beneficial for all types of heart conditions?
Turmeric has positive effects on atherosclerosis (build-up of plaques in the arteries), high blood pressure, triglyceride levels and overall health of your blood vessels. It also reduces the risk of various other conditions that are directly involved in the development of cardiovascular disease, such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and prediabetes.
Information on our websites, in our blogs and our emails are provided for informational purposes only, and have not been evaluated by the EMA, EFSA or FDA. It is not meant to substitute medical advice provided by your healthcare professional and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Our products are intended for adults, 18 years of age and older. While the vitamins and supplements mentioned here have been shown to have various health benefits, it is important to remember that supplements and dietary changes should be considered as part of an overall health plan and not as a substitute for professional medical treatment. Only a qualified healthcare practitioner can provide personalized advice and treatment plans based on your individual health needs and medical history, and you should seek advice from your healthcare professional before taking product(s) if you are pregnant or nursing.
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