Just started taking curcumin (tumeric) . . .

I keep reading in fitness magazines that it can help with weight loss and joint pain (I have osteoartrthitis in my knees), as well as provide other benefits, so I figured, what the hell.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Benefits

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which makes up to 5 percent of the spice. Curcumin is a polyphenol with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols have the ability to stabilize free radicals, which can damage the body’s cells (1). Diets rich in polyphenols can help support brain health and delay cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (2, 3). One study conducted with a group of individuals from 60 to 90 years of age demonstrated that those *****gularly consumed curry performed higher on cognitive tests as opposed to those who never or rarely ate curry (4). In India, where turmeric is regularly used in foods, the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease is one-fourth that of the United States among those in the 70 to 79 year age range.  Curcumin also seems to have anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic effects, possibly through down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines (5).

Lipid Metabolism and Weight Loss

A recent animal study showed the hypolipidemic effects of curcumin, demonstrating its ability to significantly lower triglycerides and free fatty acids  This is a promising result, suggesting curcumin’s potential for treating obesity and associated diseases. In another animal study, dietary therapy resulted in significant weight loss and a potential for increasing basal metabolic rate.

Cancer Prevention

In other animal studies, curcumin showed a chemopreventive effect in areas such as the colon, stomach, and esophagus (6). There was also a protective effect against radiation-induced tumors. Curcumin can inhibit tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinoma, and breast carcinoma cells from spreading (5).

Turmeric For Arthritis

Turmeric isn’t something most people think of when dealing with arthritis or joint pain. Recent studies show sufferers should consider turmeric for arthritis as it is a powerful anti-oxidant. Like other anti-oxidants, turmeric works to destroy free radicals in your body which are responsible for damaging body cells.

Due to turmeric’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric health benefits provide relief to those suffering from moderate to mild joint pains. Arthritis patients using turmeric for arthritis were found to benefit from reduced morning and evening joint pains. It has now become a natural remedy for arthritis sufferers and provides significant pain relief while also increasing walking speed for patients.

Have you ever made Tandoori Chicken?  It's delicious, low fat and is made using turmeric.  Here's a link to a good recipe.  I use Fage 0% and lemon juice and double the tumeric.  I make it a day ahead in a zip lock, refrigerate and then grill it, yummy! http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/tandoori_chicken.aspx

PS it's what give pickle juice and yellow mustard their color.  I use it in rice pilaf, farro, quinoa etc for color and antioxidant effect.

Yep. I love curries but I don't eat them every day, so this will give me the benefits without having to cook.

Bette, is it a supplement or a spice? I've never heard of it but very interested. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and think it would help me.

Well, it IS a spice, but what I am taking is a supplement that I bought, if I remember right, at Whole Foods.

I understand the benefits are also in Curry too,I make my own Curry- Ketchup,let me share how to make it,my German recipe(spell? recipie

1 large bottle any kind of Ketchup 

1/4 cup of sugar 

4 tablesp full of Curry powder

a dash of pepper     bring to almost a boil stiring  constantly,if you don't stir always it will bubble and burn yourself or splatter all over. Store in jar and keep in fridge,it last a long time. I eat it wit any kind of meat or with where ever you eat ketchup.

Try to find the Heinz low sugar ketchup, much lower in carbs.