How curcumin can support joint health

The active ingredient in turmeric is responsible for a whole lot more than giving curries their golden hue.

You may not spend a whole lot of time thinking about your joints.

But while joints – i.e. the parts of your body where two or more bones meet – may not be the most focused-on area of health and fitness, they are the things that allow you to do, well, pretty much everything.

Think standing, bending, carrying shopping, lifting your kids, walking the dog, gardening and etc.

Each of these activities, and many more, engage multiple joints in your body – which makes keeping them working smoothly crucial to an active, happy life.

What causes aching joints?

Like most body parts, joints are complicated. But you can’t talk joints without mentioning cartilage, the rubbery connective tissue that keeps motion fluid by coating the surfaces of the bones in your joints.

Cartilage also cushions your joints against impact.

As we grow older (and sometimes even before) cartilage can wear down and cause bones to rub directly together – causing pain, stiffness, inflammation and swelling. Yup, achy joints.

Age can also mean a reduction in synovial fluid that helps keep cartilage healthy.

When it comes to joint pain and inflammation, your hands, hip, knees and feet are common areas to suffer.

So, where does curcumin come in?

Curcumin is the key bioactive substance in turmeric (and what gives the popular spice its distinctive yellow colour).

Turmeric – and more specifically curcumin – have a long history of use in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) and Chinese medicine.

In the modern world, curcumin is also receiving a whole lot of attention for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

What the research says about curcumin

Pain in your joints is often caused by inflammation, which can attack the joint tissue and cause swelling, as well as increased joint fluid and cartilage and bone damage.

Science is showing curcumin can help support joint health by inhibiting the molecules that play a role in inflammation.

As an antioxidant, curcumin delivers a double punch against free radicals – by neutralising them and by stimulating your body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

Spice or supplement?

While we’re all for a curry a day, curcumin is more potent as a supplement.

That’s because turmeric only contains about 2 to 9 per cent of curcuminoids, the family of active compounds that includes curcumin. Plus it’s hard for your body to absorb.

Bioglan Curcumin is a high-strength curcumin supplement that helps combat mild inflammation and pain associated with mild osteoarthritis, aiding joint mobility and reducing stiffness.

Importantly, it contains bioperine, a black pepper extract that helps your body better absorb curcumin, as well as anti-oxidants to reduce free radicals. So that you can keep doing all the things you love to do each day.

* This post is brought to you by Bioglan Curcumin 600mg. Always read the label. Use only as directed. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.