Scientists have developed a new capsule to help improve the body's uptake of curcumin, a compound known to offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
In a recent report, the scientists note that digestive fluids in the gastrointestinal tract can rapidly destroy curcumin and keep it from being fully absorbed by the body. With the use of the newly developed capsule, however, absorption of curcumin increased fourfold and boosted blood levels of antioxidants.
Found in the curry spice turmeric, curcumin has been shown to protect against a host of diseases in recently published studies. For instance, research suggests that curcumin intake may help reduce risk of breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, heart failure, diabetes, cataracts, and skin cancer. Curcumin may also help curb inflammation associated with chronic pain, as well as help cells fight off infection more effectively.
