Turmeric has an ancient history of being used in traditional medicines due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The main and active component of turmeric that gives the spice its yellow colour is curcumin- a compound primarily responsible for most of turmeric’s health benefits. Curcumin may be helpful in slowing the ageing process and potentially preventing Alzheimer's disease.
Steadfast Curcumin:
Curcumin by itself has a poor absorbability in the body, which is why the Steadfast Curcumin supplement contains piperine along with curcumin to improve its absorption and maximise the benefits. Black pepper contains piperine- a compound that makes turmeric more bioavailable to the body. Steadfast Curcumin offers a variety of benefits such as improved immunity, eye, gut, heart, and liver health, healthy joints and bones, younger and radiant skin, and controlled inflammation levels in the body.
Ingredients and their benefits:
1. Starch: Starch is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is odourless and tasteless. It is a commonly used disintegrant for immediate release tablets. The anti-adherent properties of starch prevent the sticking of compressed powders/granules of the tablets to each other by putting an intermediate layer between the tablet components.
2. Bulking Agent [INS 460(i)]: INS 460(I), also known as microcrystalline cellulose or cellulose gel, is commonly used as an anti-caking agent, binder, thickener, or stabiliser. It is widely used as a binder for manufacturing tablets and improving their flow properties.
3. Disintegrant [Sodium Starch Glycolate, INS 466]: The sources of starch glycolate include rice, potato, wheat, or corn. INS 466 is used to produce tablets and capsules and works by absorbing water rapidly, resulting in swelling, which leads to the disintegration of tablets and granules. In the absence of a disintegrant, tablets may not dissolve properly, decreasing the absorption rate of the active ingredient.
4. Dispersing Agent [INS 1201]: INS 1201 is a synthetic water-soluble polymer used as a thickening agent, filling agent or stabiliser in the production of tablets or capsules. It acts as a binder in pharmaceutical tablets and passes through the body when taken orally.
5. Anti-Caking Agent [INS 553(iii), INS 551]: INS 553(iii), a subclass of magnesium silicates and INS 551, also known as silicon dioxide, together work as anti-caking agents that help prevent food particles from sticking together. They also give a shiny appearance and a protective coating to the food and pharmaceutical products.
6. Anti-Sticking Agent [INS 470(iii)]: Magnesium stearate or 470(iii) is a subclass of salts of fatty acids which acts as an emulsifier and preserves a mixture of substances normally incapable of being mixed like oil and water. It also improves the viscosity of food and prevents its components from sticking together.
7. Colour [INS 172(ii), INS 171]: INS 171 is a food additive also known as titanium dioxide and is widely used in foods to whiten or brighten its colour and appearance. Iron oxides (INS 172) are obtained from various sources like INS 172 (i) - iron oxide black; INS 172 (ii) - iron oxide red; INS 172 (iii) - iron oxide yellow. These are responsible for adding and restoring the food colour.
8. Curcumin Extract (10%): Curcumin fights chronic inflammation which can lead to many chronic diseases. It may also treat conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and arthritis. Curcumin protects the body against free radicals, delays brain degeneration and other age-related diseases. It may help in treating atrophic arthritis (RA), an inflammatory disorder that commonly affects the joints but may eventually spread to other body parts, like, eyes, lungs, skin, heart, and blood vessels. It is also known to improve blood lipid levels by lowering down cholesterol. Due to its powerful antioxidant effect, turmeric protects the liver from being damaged by toxins.
9. Piperine Extract (5%): Piperine is the active compound of black pepper and has numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants which help to scavenge the harmful free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cancer-fighting properties. It maintains the levels of good cholesterol in the body, thereby supporting heart health. It enhances nutrient absorption in the body and supports the gut by working as a prebiotic. It boosts curcumin absorption greatly in the body.
Different ways to include turmeric in diet:
Turmeric is quite a versatile spice that can be consumed in various ways. Add turmeric into gravies, curries, dals, or marinades. You can make a homemade dressing using oil, vinegar, and seasonings including turmeric. Try some of the healthy and delicious turmeric recipes such as mason jar lentil salad, turmeric vinaigrette, mango turmeric smoothie, turmeric latte, turmeric and dates milk, etc. Turmeric can also be taken in supplement form such as, powders, capsules, fluids, extracts, and tinctures.
Directions to take Steadfast Curcumin:
Anyone looking to improve their immunity and minimise the inflammation naturally can take Curcumin supplements. Take one to two tablets any time of the day with milk or normal water. Take it preferably with meals or as suggested by your healthcare professional.
References:
Human case study on benefits of curcumin: