Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant derived from turmeric root used heavily in traditional Indian cuisine.  Turmeric is a close relative of ginger which I use quite a bit to improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

Curcumin was first used about 4,000 years ago in Chinese and Ayruvedic medicine.

Curcumin has a tremendous amount of research behind it and it is one of my favorite natural anti-inflammatories.  But it's powers don't end with inflammation.  Research has shown that curcumin has the following benefits:

Potent Antioxidant

Bile Support

Enhances bile flow and solubility which is important for fat digestion and cleansing the digestive tract

Toxic Metal Chelator

Effective chelator of copper and iron

Liver Protection

Neutralizes alcohol and aflatoxin (peanut fungus)

Digestive System Protection & Healing

Heals stomach ulcers, Crohn's disease and proctitis (inflamed anus)

Reduces leaky gut

Antimicrobial

Antiviral properties for Epstein-Barr Virus (causes autoimmune disease, “mono” and chronic fatigue syndrome) and HIV (AIDS)

Antibacterial and anti-parasitic (Staph infections, parasites and certain protozoa)

Protects the Heart

Reduces cholesterol levels and increase protective HDL

Reduces fibrinogen and platelet aggregation (prevents stickiness of blood)

Improved microcirculation (small blood vessels)

Brain Protection

Reduced brain damage after stroke

Reduces development and regression of Alzheimer's disease progression (reduces plaque formation)

Reduces brain tumors

Natural antidepressant

Immune System Regulation

Anti-inflammatory, repairs injuries and joint wear and tear (arthritis)

Reduces allergic reactions and asthma symptoms

Reduces autoimmune activity in rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis

Increases natural killer cell activity

Reduces the spread of cancer in the