Turmeric root provides a wealth of phytonutrients – plant-derived chemicals that function as the plant’s defense system. We can benefit from these defenses by adding these plants to our diet or our supplement regime. A subset of these phytonutrients founds in turmeric are called curcuminoids, and these are the most active and studied constituents of the root. They include curcumin, the primary constituent and the one responsible for its vibrant yellow colour. There are also volatile oils, sugars, proteins, and resins found within the root. All these parts and pieces work in synergy and make turmeric a star in the medicinal plant realm.  

Curcumin has shown to be very effective as a means of reducing inflammation in the body. Inflammation is often characterized by heat, redness, swelling of tissues and significant pain. It’s the body’s way of starting the clean-up and healing process when damage is occurring within. It’s part of our immune response to damaged cells, irritants and pathogens. Without inflammation, infections and wounds would never heal. The leading causes of inflammation in modern times are excess stress, poor diet and lifestyle choices and other environmental factors.

Inflammation plays a key role in most chronic illnesses. Arthritis, asthma, allergies, ulcers, edema, inflammatory bowel conditions, auto-immune diseases and any state that ends with -itis all involve inflammation. With exercise, from the weekend warrior to the elite athlete, inflammation can be a regular occurence. Curcumin has gained the reputation of being an effective solution for all your anti-inflammatory needs – from exercise-related acute to disease-state chronic inflammation.