Curcumin’s many benefits are well known. This golden compound has been a staple of traditional Asian medicinal practices, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In modern times, studies have shown that this superfood can fight depression, maintain healthy blood sugar levels and even fight cancer.

Now, a recent review of curcumin studies points to curcumin having yet another health benefit: treating and protecting you from cardiovascular diseases.

Curcumin for the heart

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major health concern due to the number of people who die from them every year. As such, many studies have been undertaken to look for new and better ways to treat CVDs.

A recent review published in the journal Biotechnology Advances looked at different curcumin’s effects on the cardiovascular system. Here, researchers found that the yellow compound could help fight several CVDs.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects help the heart

Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Based on the studies covered by the review, these same properties help curcumin fight cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, cardiotoxicity and diabetic cardiovascular complications.

More importantly, the potential mechanisms of how curcumin can do so have been studied in-depth in both laboratory studies and clinical tests. This means that curcumin’s health benefits for the heart are well understood and, more importantly, its consumption is considered safe by experts.

Fights cardiovascular dysfunction that can lead to CVDs

More than just helping fight CVDs, curcumin also plays a critical role in protecting you from cardiovascular dysfunctions. Cardiovascular dysfunctions are the primary step for CVDs, including atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, myocardial infarction and stroke.

All this means that curcumin doesn’t just help treat heart disease; it can also help prevent them in the first place.

Eating more curcumin

As you may already know, turmeric is one of the best natural sources of curcumin.

That said, some of you may be thinking only of turmeric teas or spicy curries when this golden compound comes is mentioned. As such, you may believe that these are the only ways you can increase your intake of turmeric – they’re not.

You can also use curcumin-bearing turmeric using various recipes beyond the usual teas, tonics and curries.

Here are some interesting, turmeric-using recipes you can try.

Turmeric Fried Eggs with Kale, Yogurt and “Bacon”

Here’s a tasty breakfast recipe that combines turmeric and kale with the breakfast staples bacon and eggs.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices turkey bacon
• 1 bunch curly kale, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into large pieces
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Urfa pepper or other mild red pepper flakes (for serving)
• lime wedges (for serving)

Preparation:

1. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 375 F.
2. Bake turkey bacon on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes or until brown and crisp.
3. Tear into large pieces; reserve fat for another use.
4. Spread out kale on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Massage leaves with oil and season with salt.
5. Bake, tossing halfway through, for five to seven minutes or until lightly browned around edges and crisp-tender.
6. Season yogurt with salt. Divide among plates and top with turkey bacon and kale.
7. Heat remaining 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add eggs one at a time, shaking skillet between additions to keep them from sticking together. Cook for about two minutes or until the whites are set.
8. Remove skillet from heat, keeping skillet tilted, and add turmeric to oil. Baste egg whites with turmeric oil.
9. Divide eggs among plates and drizzle turmeric oil over. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and squeeze limes over.

Turmeric Yogurt Dip

Looking for a tasty and healthy snack? Try dipping your vegetable sticks in this yummy, turmeric-based yogurt dip.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 English hothouse (or 2 mini) cucumbers
• 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint
• 1 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger (from one 1/2 inch piece)
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon  fresh lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Sliced raw vegetables, bread, and/or crackers (for serving)

Preparation:

1. Heat the extra-virgin olive oil and turmeric in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for two to three minutes or just until oil begins to bubble. Let cool.
2. Coarsely shred cucumbers on the large holes of a box grater. Squeeze out excess liquid.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumbers, turmeric oil, yogurt, garlic, mint, ginger, lemon zest, and lemon juice; season with salt and stir to combine.
4. Serve alongside sliced raw vegetables, bread or crackers for dipping.

Turmeric and the curcumin that it contains is an amazing spice that can provide you with a myriad of health benefits. It’s well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help it address a number of health problems, including CVDs. As such, if you’re serious about taking natural remedies to keep yourself healthy, then you should consider stocking up on this spice.

Sources:

ScienceDirect.com 1

ScienceDirect.com 2

ScienceDirect.com 3

Spandidos-Publications.com

BonAppetit.com 1

BonAppetit.com 2