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The Science Behind Turmeric and Exercise Benefits
Turmeric has been shown to deliver outstanding support to the heart. So much so that it inspired researchers to compare it to exercise in regard to cardiovascular support.
Specifically, they studied curcumin—the constituent of turmeric that gives it its yellow pigment.
In the study, 32 post-menopausal women were assigned to 3 groups. One group took turmeric (curcumin) for 8 weeks, one group performed daily moderate exercise for 8 weeks, and one group was a placebo control group (no turmeric and no exercise).
No cardiovascular support was shown in the placebo group, but in the other two groups, significant cardiovascular support was noticed.
After exercise, the arteries dilate in order to support the demands of the exercise and to support recovery. This was, as expected, seen in the exercise group.
Unexpectedly, the group that took the curcumin showed the same amount of vascular dilation and flow that was seen in the exercise group! (1)
The study concluded that curcumin supplementation and aerobic exercise can increase flow-mediated dilation in post-menopausal women, suggesting that both are beneficial when it comes to healthy endothelial function (which declines with age). (1)
Turmeric Replacing Caffeine as Pre-Workout Supplement
Most of the pre-workout drinks, supplements, powders and gels on the market deliver a powerful boost in energy from caffeine.
There is no doubt that caffeine will boost adrenal function and give you the get-up-and-go needed to maximize your workout, but what effect does this have on your arteries?
While there are studies on both sides of this argument, (4) there are many studies that suggest caffeine can constrict vascular dilation and flow.
One study concluded that coffee exerts an acute unfavorable effect on the vascular function in healthy adults, lasting for at least 1 hour after intake. (2)
So, dosing with caffeine before a workout may not be a very good idea after all! Decaffeinated coffee was not associated with any change in endothelial performance.
A few capsules of turmeric may be a good heart-healthy addition to your pre-workout supplement plan.
Instead of sourcing the extract of turmeric (curcumin)—which is just one of 300 constituents in the turmeric root—look for the whole, organic root combined with black pepper.
Peperine, a constituent of black pepper, has shown to boost bio-availability of the pigment of turmeric, curcumin, by 2000 percent. (3)
>>> Learn more about whole turmeric versus turmeric extract here
In the studies that found turmeric extract to support healthy mood, weight, blood sugar, cardiovascular function, joint health, along with anti-oxidative support, the extract of black pepper was used as a bio-availability driver. (3)
We Recommend Turmeric The Benefits of Turmeric for Longevity
Additional Turmeric Health Benefits
Turmeric has numerous well-documented and time-tested benefits, including the following: (5)
- Supports stable mood
- Boosts immunity through antioxidant activity
- Helps liver and detoxification of environmental toxins
- Helps maintain healthy lymphatic drainage
- Supports inner and outer skin health
- Supports healthy joint function
- Supports overall intestinal health
- Boosts gallbladder & bile function
- Supports blood sugar levels already within a normal range
- Maintains normal brain health & cognitive function
- Supports a healthy inflammation response to changes in diet & exercise
Do you have any recipes for making drinks with tumeric?
Try our Moon Milk Recipe: https://lifespa.com/diet-detox/golden-milk-recipe/
-LS