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Study shows curcumin may counter effects of smoking on brain health

While it is common knowledge that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke can also harm the body in other ways. For instance, according to the CDC, smoking is a contributing factor in one out of five strokes in America. In addition, tobacco smoke can also increase the risk of developing Buerger's disease, a condition that restricts blood flow throughout the system.

Since secondhand smoke can also bring about these conditions and trigger asthma attacks, legislators around the world have issued bans that forbid smoking in public places including bars and restaurants. However, even with these measures, sometimes exposure to these toxins is unavoidable.

This health risk has lead medical researchers to investigate natural substances and nutritional dietary supplements that may be able to reduce the health risks posed by inhaling cigarette smoke. Earlier this month, academics from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria in Brazil published a study that showed how curcumin – the compound found in turmeric – may be able to preserve brain health in the face of consistent exposure to tobacco.

To determine this, the researchers first monitored the effects of cigarette smoke on mice, and found that it impaired memory retention and caused redox imbalance – a condition that leaves cells more susceptible to damage and disease. But, when mice that were regularly exposed to these toxins also received daily curcumin supplements, the scientists discovered that the compound helped ward off their negative effects and preserved brain function.

"Our results suggest that curcumin is a potential therapeutic agent for neurocognition," the study abstract states.

As well as providing nutrition for the mind, curcumin has also been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells and ease the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. But, even people who do not suffer from these medical conditions can benefit from a daily dose of this compound. Click here for information about Nutrivene Longvida Curcumin.
 

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 27th, 2012 at 5:30 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.