Curcumin – Especially for Seniors
By Editorial Staff
Curcumin, the primary active ingredient in the spice turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In other words, curcumin is a valuable component of overall health at any age.
But research suggests curcumin is particularly important for seniors – here's why.
A review of previous studies confirms that seniors with metabolic syndrome who take curcumin improve their inflammatory and metabolic profiles. That's significant because metabolic syndrome – a constellation of conditions such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol that elevate heart disease, stroke and diabetes risk – is bad, bad news.
While the findings are based on a review of studies involving seniors, keep in mind that anyone can suffer from metabolic syndrome; all it takes is eating a high-processed-food, high-sugar, high-fat diet, which too many people pursue. However, seniors are more at risk because the risk of metabolic conditions rises with age.
While foods including curry powder, green tea, oily fish, ginger, berries, and certain spices like cayenne pepper provide curcumin, by far the primary source is turmeric, which can be added to foods and/or taken as a supplement. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
