Nothing can replace the value of a good workout for your cardiovascular strength. We’re not talking about performing triathlons or Strongman-level workouts, taking a nightly walk around the block could be all you need.
But it seems that there is something in turmeric that has the same effect on your cardiovascular health as that walk does. Although conventional medicine has a general lack of interest in the heart health benefits of turmeric, there is a substantial amount of research proving its benefits to your heart.
What Can It Do?
One study published in the American Journal of Cardiology concluded that turmeric extract was able to reduce the risk of post-bypass heart attack by 56%.
More impressively, a study published in Nutrition Research in 2012 found that curcumin, the antioxidant in turmeric that gives it the recognizable golden color, is as effective in improving vascular health as a moderate aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women.
The study, which was conducted over 8 weeks and involved 32 postmenopausal women, was split into 3 categories: non-treatment control, curcumin supplement, and exercise. The researchers determined the health of the inner lining of the blood vessels, known as the endothelium, of the participants using ultrasound.
They measured the flow-mediated arterial dilation, which is a well known indicator of arterial elasticity and therefore arterial function. Researchers would only consider this study a success if they could determine that curcumin could prevent, reduce, or reverse endothelial dysfunction which would reduce morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease.
The Results
During these 8 weeks, the women that were in the curcumin group we supplied with 150 mg of turmeric a day. Their diet and exercise habits were not changed during this time solely determine whether the curcumin was effective or not.
The exercise group was perscribed 3 aerobic sessions per week, two were supervised by a professional and they were encouraged to do 1 session at home. During the 8 weeks, they performed cycling and walking in each session for 30-60 minutes. In the first half of the trial they were performing at 60% their maximum heart rate and eventually progressed to 70-75% in the later half.
The researchers found that after 8 weeks, flow-mediated dilation increased in the exercise and curcumin group significantly compared to the control group. Curcumin was found to improve endothelial function to the same extent as exercise in postmenopausal women, proving its effectiveness at reducing age-associated decline in heart health.
While the findings in this study are very impressive, it does not mean that you should perform one method over the other. The best defence against heart disease as you age is a combination of the two.
We recommend incorporating turmeric into your diet on a regular basis. There are some great and innovative recipes to naturally use turmeric and get all the heart healthy benefits. Cardio at least 3 times a week with a turmeric-filled diet doubles your defences, keeping your heart young and you healthy and happy.
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/turmerics-cardiovascular-benefits-found-be-powerful-exercise-a
