5 SCIENCE-BACKED WAYS TURMERIC BENEFITS IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME.

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome.It has become extremely common among women of the age group 18-30 Research studies have found that turmeric has great therapeutic potential to prevent the progression of PCOS and hence manage the syndrome well.

1. It has anti-inflammatory defenses

Kentary Turmeric Starch

PCOS is characterized by the formation of cysts due to abnormal levels of hormones.

Cysts are a result of inflammation and therefore it is beneficial to include turmeric in the diet which provides tremendous anti-inflammatory benefits.

Turmeric has been found to be useful in treating a variety of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and ulcers.

Several studies suggest anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, specifically curcumin.

A study conducted by Aggarwal et al. in 2009 suggested the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin in a variety of conditions like metabolic, cardiovascular and other diseases.

The study showed that curcumin interacts with proinflammatory mediators like cytokines, transcription factors, adhesion molecules, protein kinases, redox status and various enzymes that are found to be responsible for inflammation.

Another study conducted by Jacob et al. in 2007 highlights the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin in tissue injury.

This can be helpful in preventing inflammation in the body tissues that result in the formation of cysts.

The study found that curcumin upregulates levels of PPAR-γ, a group of proteins that suppresses the release of proinflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factors.

2. It has anti-oxidant properties

An imbalance in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species can lead to PCOS. Prolonged oxidative stress can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with PCOS. This oxidative stress can be prevented or controlled by the consumption of turmeric on a regular basis as turmeric is highly known for its anti-oxidant properties.

A study published in Chemico-Biological Interactions in 2008 described the antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects of curcumin by various assays.

The results showed that curcumin is capable of scavenging free radicals that induce oxidative stress.

Because of its ability to reduce stress that can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions including PCOS the study concluded that it is safe and effective to use curcumin in the medical and food industry.

Curcuminoids are essential constituents of turmeric. According to a study carried out by Rao et al. in 2006 curcumin all curcuminoids were found to possess anti-oxidant properties however curcumin was found to be the most post amongst the other two (demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxy curcumin). The results showed that curcumin prevented peroxidation by linoleic acid most effectively.

3. It fights depression

YOU WILL BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT STRESS CAN CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN

Depression has been observed as a common symptom in women suffering from PCOS – google image

It is important to seek immediate attention for depression as it severely affects mental health.

This can be improved by proving diet support in the form of turmeric supplements or simply including turmeric naturally in the diet as turmeric has been found to have similar therapeutic properties as anti-depressant drugs and with no or least side effects.

Clinical trials conducted by Lopresti et al. in 2014 demonstrated that when curcumin was administered in patients suffering from major depressive disorder for a span of 8 weeks daily at a dose of 500 mg, curcumin was effective in significant improvement of depression as compared to the control group.

Another study conducted by Lopresti et al. in 2015 on similar lines demonstrated the anti-depressant effects of curcumin by clinical trials. The study collected biomarkers from different sites to determine the anti-depressant action of curcumin.

Curcumin was found to regulate plasma concentrations of var that are involved in the treatment.

4. It lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Research reports suggest that women with PCOS are more likely to suffer from heart diseases like atherosclerosis, stroke and coronary heart disease.

Thus it is important that women with PCOS take necessary precautions.

Turmeric can be included in the daily diet to prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacological research in 2017 showed how curcumin has a protective role in the heart by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.

Curcumin has been found to be beneficial specifically for preventing atherosclerosis which can be highly beneficial for women with PCOS.

A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2017 found that curcumin inhibits oxidization of low-density lipoproteins (oxidized Low-density lipoproteins lead to atherosclerotic plaque) by targeting certain signaling pathways. The study concluded that curcumin has anti-atherosclerotic effects.

5. It helps in weight loss

Turmeric can help with weight control – google image

Women suffering from PCOS often have weight gain. Obesity serves as a common symptom of PCOS. It is very important to have a healthy diet in order to prevent fat deposition which increases risk of developing PCOS.

A study published in Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2016 reported the effects of polyphenols that help in weight loss.

The study emphasized that besides many others, curcumin being a polyphenol compound has been reported to increase lipolysis i.e breakdown of fats and improve beta-oxidation of fatty acids thereby aiding in weight loss.

PCOS is a metabolic syndrome, often associated with unstable metabolic changes like dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation.

A study published by Pierro et al. in 2005 determined the effect of curcumin in weight loss and decrease in the adipose tissue in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. The study performed clinical trials that showed a 2% reduction in the weight of subjects administered with curcumin for a span of 30 days.

The study concluded that curcumin can help manage weight in overweight patients.

Source: turmericforhealth