Researchers have scientifically confirmed more than 600 health benefits of turmeric, so this natural miracle has become a huge hit all around the world. The main culprit for its amazing properties is considered to be its active ingredient, curcumin. Yet, it does not stand alone.
Newest studies reveal another property of turmeric: apparently, the whole turmeric could actually help with brain regeneration!
German researchers examined the effects of aromatic-turmerone, which is a fat-soluble component of turmeric, on neural stem cells, in adult rats, and in vitro. They found that the neural stem cells (NSCs) increased in number by 80% when exposed to ar-turmerone, showing its healing effects.
In the case of rats, they created healthy new brain cells in the subventricular zone and the hippocampus. Moreover, they also noticed a size growth.
Therefore, ar-turmerone is a potent regenerative which can help NSCs in brain regeneration, and could eventually help in the treatment of degenerative diseases like stroke or Alzheimer’s.
It does not just promote stem cell proliferation, but it also differentiates stem cells into neurons, which is a major goal of regenerative medicine.
According to scientists, curcumin can improve the overall memory of Alzheimer’s patients. Yet, there is a need for further research to support the beneficial effects of curcumin, before you start using them as an alternative to the harmful drug-based methods.
Furthermore, the use of the whole turmeric offers more benefits than the curcumin extract on its own. For example, in the case of colonic inflammation or polyps, the extract will be absorbed by the small intestine before ever getting to the large intestine, unlike the whole turmeric.
Indeed, the beneficial compounds of turmeric are responsible for many of its healing properties, but it is always the best to use it as a whole, and enjoy all its health benefits.
Source: www.besthealthyguide.com