Turmeric – the plant used worldwide for its color, flavor, and powerful health benefits.
What’s the secret behind turmeric? Curcuminoids. These are the active powerhouses in turmeric, and Curcumin is the most powerful of them all. Curcumin is the most studied phytochemical in the world, with powerful anti-inflammatory, heart, and brain health benefits.
While turmeric contains around 2-8% curcumin by weight, it's crucial to distinguish between the spice and its most active compound. Curcumin is the concentrated form, offering a more potent array of health benefits than turmeric itself. Imagine turmeric as a treasure chest, and curcumin as the precious jewel inside – valuable, concentrated, and full of potential.
At Cover Three, we’re big fans of curcumin. In fact, our brain boost formulation gets its color naturally from concentrated curcumin. Turmeric contains a small amount of curcumin, so if you wanted to ingest the amount of curcumin in every dose of Cover Three – 500mg – you’d have to eat almost 4 tablespoons of turmeric powder. We recommend a single packet!
Benefits of Curcumin
Curcumin is the golden compound that offers numerous benefits for the brain, and the whole body:
- Neuroprotection - Curcumin has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a unique quality that allows it to directly enter the brain and impact the cells inside. Its neuroprotective properties help shield brain cells from forms of damage.
- Cognitive Function - Regular consumption of curcumin has been linked to improved cognitive function. This might be especially beneficial as we age, helping to keep our minds sharp and our memories clear
- Balanced, Healthy Mood - Curcumin can also play a crucial role in mood regulation. It's shown to influence the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential in keeping brain neurons healthy. This can mean better mood balance, and even a positive impact on mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.
Curcumin's Role in Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Growing older naturally comes with cognitive decline, but growing evidence shows that curcumin can help preserve brain health as we age. These are the scientific highlights showing curcumin's potential in the fight against cognitive decline.
- Neuroprotection - A 2008 study published in the "Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology" demonstrated that curcumin's neuroprotective properties are closely linked to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This means it can directly interact with brain cells and potentially shield them from age-related damage. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19966973/
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects - Research published in the journal "Nutrition Journal" in 2012 examined the effects of curcumin in older adults. The study found that curcumin significantly reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress – factors associated with cognitive decline. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3518252/
- Influence on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) - A "Nutrition Research" study in 2019 investigated curcumin's impact on BDNF, a protein crucial for neuron health and synaptic plasticity. The findings suggest that curcumin may boost BDNF, potentially assisting cognitive function and memory. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531719301009
- Cognitive Enhancement - A 2018 randomized controlled trial in "The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry" studied the effects of curcumin supplementation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The results indicated that curcumin was associated with significant improvements in memory and attention tasks compared to a placebo. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5964053/
A growing body of scientific research shows curcumin's benefits in age-related cognitive decline. Its neuroprotective qualities, anti-inflammatory effects, potential to boost BDNF levels, and demonstrated cognitive enhancement in clinical trials all point to its role in maintaining cognitive health in aging. More comprehensive research is needed to understand curcumin's impact, but these findings show its potential as a natural, nurturing approach to preserving brain function in the later years of life.
Supplementing with Turmeric: Do’s and Don’ts
Most turmeric supplements include a black pepper extract called piperine. Piperine greatly enhances curcumin absorption in the body, but piperine by itself can cause liver toxicity. Even worse, when piperine reaches the endothelial lining of the gut, it causes "leaky gut syndrome" (similar to what happens with allergic people who are exposed to gluten). Piperine can damage the lining, and introduce the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream.
What about just supplementing with plain turmeric? Pure turmeric root alone only contains about 2% curcumin, and even that tiny amount is difficult for the body to absorb. So stirring powdered turmeric into your golden milk drink won’t give you the health benefits you’re after.
A smarter way to supplement is to focus on curcumin, not turmeric powder.
Combining curcumin with a fat helps the bioavailability and dramatically enhances its absorption. It will even pass through the blood brain barrier – a selective barrier that protects your brain from foreign bacteria, viruses, and harmful substances.
Lastly, don’t just mix the curcumin powder with any fat. Use an omega 3 fatty acid – arguably the number one ingredient for brain health, at any age. This is the logic behind the Cover Three formulation – it's the most effective way to supplement with curcumin and support your brain.
Curcumin Supplement FAQs
How potent is Curcumin?
Curcumin is the most active compound in turmeric, and responsible for its many health benefits. Supplements often contain a higher concentration of curcumin, whereas powdered turmeric has a relatively small amount of curcumin (~2%). If you're looking for a more potent source of curcumin for a specific health goal, a curcumin supplement may be more effective.
Is there a standard dose of Curcumin?
Curcumin supplements are usually standardized to contain a specific percentage of curcumin, typically 95%. This ensures a consistent and known amount of curcumin in each dose, which can be important for therapeutic use. In contrast, the curcumin content in powdered turmeric can vary widely.
Is Curcumin easy to digest?
Some people find curcumin supplements easier to digest than turmeric in its powdered form. Turmeric can be quite pungent and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, especially when consumed in large quantities.
What is the most convenient way to take Curcumin?
Curcumin supplements are available in various forms, such as capsules or tablets, making them convenient for daily use. Turmeric, in its powdered form, can be less convenient to incorporate into your daily routine.
