Power of Curcumin (Part 2)

30th Jul, 2019 | Nutritional Medicine

The power of Curcumin (Part 2)
It’s all about colourLast edition we looked at research into the healing power of turmeric. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which is the actual yellow pigment in turmeric. I find it fascinating that nature’s most potent healing compounds are locked into brilliant colour. It seems as the colours in fruit, vegetables and spices draw our attention to these marvellous compounds.


Curcumin and OPC

The brilliant yellow of curcumin is matched by the deep purples of the active compounds in berries and red wine grape seeds. These purple pigments extracted from red wine grape seeds are called OPC’s (oligomeric proanthocyanidins). I know of no other group of plant chemicals that have such a profound effect on our overall health. They are excellent for blood vessels, circulation and are also anti-inflammatory but in a different way to curcumin. Combining curcumin with OPC together makes for a highly potent supplement.

A client’s story

I have just spoken with a client who had a very painful shoulder from a combination of tendonitis and bursitis. I created an anti-inflammatory nutrition programme that included my Curcumin/OPC supplement combined with my rapid absorption magnesium to relax stressed tissue at night. He is now active again with greater comfort and freedom of movement.

How does curcumin work?

Curcumin is truly multi-faceted. It actively reduces unwanted inflammation by temporarily disabling inflammatory enzymes while also reducing inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. And it does this without the side effects of drugs.

In fact a clinical trial (Clin Interv Aging. 2014) compared a common medication with curcumin for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and concluded that curcumin was as effective as the anti-inflammatory medication. I have many clients who are not able to tolerate medications for pain and turmeric supplements can really help.

Curcumin though is no one trick pony. It also has the ability to protect the chondrocyte cells that secrete and maintain cartilage. It does this through its potent antioxidant functions which are greatly magnified by adding quality grape seed extract. Free radical damage of chondrocytes appears to be the main driver of osteoarthritis.

Curcumin in supplements

I use 95% Curcumin extract in 3 products. The first is in my osteoarthritis support supplement Bettaflex where I combine this with high grade Chondroitin and Glucosamine. The second is my Curcumin 95 which combines 95% Curcumin with high grade OPC from grape seeds. The third is part of the anti-inflammatory component in my MTQ10. If you are not sure where to start I suggest you contact me and I can then create an appropriate programme for you.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559.  You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.

Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2019
 

Abundant Health Curcumin 95 is a ground-breaking approach to turmeric supplements by combining our proprietary 95% Curcumin complex with ActiVin® OPC (grape seed) extract.

95% Curcumin complex

This is a combination of a concentrated curcumin complex plus absorption aids including piperine to rapidly boost and maintain high levels of circulating curcumin. Each capsule contains 500mg of 95% curcumin extract. This means that the extract is almost pure curcumin.

ActiVin® OPC grape seed extract

ActiVin® is the most researched OPC extract available with over 30 peer reviewed studies attesting to its wide ranging benefits. These studies demonstrate that ActiVin ® supports cardiovascular health, respiratory health and immune defences.

OPC is special among antioxidants in that it neutralises a wide range of free radicals across many tissue types. It quenches both oxygen and nitrogen free radicals including those produced by our energy processes.

Who could benefit from adding Curcumin 95?

  • Those that need joint health support
  • Those concerned about cardiovascular health including supporting heart artery and blood vessel health. It can also promote healthy blood pressure.
  • Those who require digestive health support. Curcumin and ActiVin® are known to soothe stressed digestive tract lining.

How can Curcumin achieve so much?

Curcumin, like many other potent antioxidants can positively impact numerous types of tissue. We can identify these by looking in more detail at the effect of curcumin in the body.

  1. Antioxidant
    This just means that it can neutralise free radicals. While some free radicals come from toxins in the environment, most are actually produced as our body generates energy.  Whenever energy is made there are by-products that include free radicals.These are a completely normal part of how our bodies work. The problem comes when we have inadequate antioxidant defences then free radicals will start to attack other body molecules and cause damage. Curcumin is one of the most active antioxidants and scavenges a wide range of free radicals. It acts on a range of different free radicals making it one of the very best. Combining Curcumin with ActiVin ® OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) from grape seeds produces arguably the most broad spectrum and potent antioxidant combination.
  1. Immune system balance
    Inflammation is a normal response by our immune system to repair damage caused by infection, injury or degenerative disease. Our western diets and lifestyles create a serious imbalance in our immune system causing this delicate system to become unbalanced. Curcumin and OPC help to balance and normalise immune system responses. Numerous scientific studies confirm that Curcumin and OPC can support healthy immune system balance.

Supplements for joint problems:

For most common joint problems especially those related to cartilage function we recommend a combination of Abundant Health Bettaflex and Omega 3 Fish oil. Additional Curcumin 95 can then operate as a booster to help restore healthy joint function.

If joint problems do not include cartilage function then a combination of Curcumin 95 and Omega 3 fish oil is recommended.

Caution: Do not use Curcumin 95 if taking warfarin or similar anti-coagulant medications without advice from your prescribing medical doctor. Adult use only

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559. You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.

Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2018

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