Turmeric Superfood Turmeric and Cholesterol

Turmeric and Cholesterol

By Gabor Timis

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, native to India and Indonesia.

Turmeric is not only a powerful antioxidant but it also lowers LDL  and raises HDL or good cholesterol while reducing the lipid peroxidation.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin.

Many studies found that curcumin is beneficial in improving the cholesterol blood profile. 

During a controlled trial at Amala Cancer Research Centre in India, researchers noted a 29% increase in good cholesterol (HDL) and a reduction of 11.6% total cholesterol. Lipid peroxidation was also reduced by 33%.

 Another study published in Atherosclerosis in Dec. 1999 by the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Granada reported that curcumin was effective in inhibiting LDL oxidation and lowering LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides.

 According to the latest research, curcumin reduces cholesterol by interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, and increasing the excretion of bile acids (International Journal of Vitamin Nutritional Research, 1991, 61:364-69). Another 2000 study shows that “a daily oral administration of the curcumin extract significantly decreases LDL and apo B (a leading heart disease risk factors) and increases the HDL and apo A of healthy subjects.”
Curcumin inhibits cellular cholesterol accumulation – Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (2008) 29, 555–563.

Other health benefits of turmeric:

1. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

2.  It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent.

3.  May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

4. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

5. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

6. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

7. It may slow the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

8. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

Curcumin in turmeric can be found in the curry spice and the turmeric supplement.