2016-02-21
Joybynature.com Team
Feb
21

Image Source: Watchfit

Turmeric is known to contain compounds, known as curcuminoids, which have medicinal and healing properties . The main active and the most important of all these compounds present in turmeric is the miracle compound curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant properties and has many health benefits on human cells.

The natural anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may be as effective as some prescription anti-inflammatory drugs in treating many disorders. It may be effective in treating inflammation of the eye – uveitis, multiple sclerosis and even inflammatory bowel disease – ulcerative colitis.

Curcumin offers cerebro-protection and cardio-protection advantages to the body and so turmeric safeguards the optic nerves from any damage. Curcumin, which is rich in antioxidants, has the power to neutralize free radicals that are products of oxidative stress. This is especially beneficial for those who are suffering from eye disorders such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.

Free radicals are especially harmful as their presence facilitates in the building up of toxic compounds like advanced glycation-end products, also known as AGEs. The AGEs are instrumental in eroding various parts of the eyes resulting in serious eye damages like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes retinopathy and retinal detachment.

Glaucoma is a disease affecting either one or both the eyes and is a result of the improper flow of aqueous humor due to its build-up because of increase in the eye pressure. There are many causes of glaucoma including severe injury to the eye, infection or inflammation, blocking of the blood vessels to the eyes, chemical injury or may be even hereditary. Turmeric has medicinal benefits for the eye as its curcumin compound inhibits the production of COX-2 enzyme and thereby prevents it from building up in the aqueous layers of the eyes.

Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve, and if not treated on time, may even lead to loss of vision. Patients who are suffering from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) have folic acid, fatty acids and other antioxidant deficiencies. Turmeric can help in eye health by lowering intraocular pressure as it is rich in antioxidants.

Curcumin is effective in fighting glaucoma. Chemicals, such as PKC or protein kinase C inhibitor, help to relax the ciliary muscles. PKC apigenin-rich herbs help to maintain the health of the optic nerves and curcumin, present in turmeric, provides glaucoma benefits by reducing the activity of PKC.

Curcumin content in turmeric is not high and since curcumin is absorbed into the bloodstream only poorly, complements it with black pepper, which contains piperine that helps in the absorption of curcumin. It is also fat soluble and can be taken with a fatty meal for better benefits.

Turmeric is rich in antioxidants with benefits for those suffering from eye disorders especially macular degeneration or glaucoma. To know more about turmeric, click here.

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