As we age, we have more aches, pains, and inflammation throughout our body. Certain foods, especially in the fruits and vegetables category, have been shown to help fight inflammation and disease. One spice that has been highlighted recently is turmeric, which is commonly used in Asian food, especially curry.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a polyphenol that is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s an antioxidant that fights free radicals in the body which cause inflammation, disorders, and disease. It has also been shown to reduce pain, and improve metabolic conditions, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and can benefit the kidneys. Some research has shown that curcumin may decrease muscle soreness and enhance performance and recovery in those that are active. Curcumin has also been shown to have anti-cancer effects, and according to the American Cancer Society, intake of curcumin is associated with decreased cancer growth and shrinkage of tumors in lab animals. Lastly, another study showed that turmeric taken with ginger may improve male reproduction function, including sperm motility and increased testosterone levels, but further research is needed to validate the findings.
Curcumin can be hard to absorb because only 3% of curcumin from the spice turmeric is absorbable, but it also comes in supplemental form. It’s best absorbed if the capsule contains piperine, which is a compound found in black pepper. It is also more effective when combined with turmeric oil and other antioxidants. The recommended dose is 500mg of curcumoids per day to help decrease inflammation. While nothing is a miracle pill, curcumin has been around for centuries and has been used extensively in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine. Extensive research studies show that it reduces inflammation and therefore helps to reduce disease.
If you’d like to learn more about the impacts of your diet on your sexual health and fertility, contact us for a free phone consultation.
