Turmeric, cinnamon and ginger
Turmeric, cinnamon and ginger are spices known for a very long time. Although they have been used in medicine for hundreds or even thousands of years, knowledge of their usefulness in this area is still not as widespread as it might seem. In cooking? Of course. In medicine and health-promoting activities? Not necessarily… Plant products are still treated as an afterthought, without awareness of their real potential. And yet they are often the basis for research into specific compounds. Let us present the "holy trinity" containing compounds that can be successfully used not only for health, but also for shaping the figure.
Turmeric (curcumin) – effects on physique and health
Turmeric is a spice which, like the popular curry blend, contains a compound with remarkable properties that may support work on the physique and health status. This is, of course, curcumin, classified as a polyphenol, which is most often discussed in the context of combating hypertension or various inflammatory conditions. What is more, there are studies confirming its potential usefulness in anticancer therapies. Curcumin is more widely known as colouring agent E-100, and in fact it is a dimer of ferulic acid, whose strongest properties include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. It can therefore be said that its use reduces the risk of many inflammatory diseases, and also alleviates symptoms and disease states. Moreover, it gains an additional anti-inflammatory effect because some of these conditions arise as a result of excessive oxidative processes / radical activity. An appropriate balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant processes is, in turn, one of the keys to improving health and physical condition. All the more so because disturbances of this kind lead to oxidative stress, which in fact results in damage to cellular structures and impaired functioning of the cells concerned. Over time, if appropriate action is not taken, the area of damage may increase, extending even to genetic material. It is worth knowing that administering curcumin may have a positive effect on lipid peroxidation. Early clinical studies by Ramírez-Boscá et al. already indicated great potential in this respect. In men taking an aqueous-alcoholic extract, a noticeable reduction in lipid peroxide levels was recorded after 45 days. Curcumin is also a compound with a beneficial effect on bile formation and bile flow. It turns out that it is very well absorbed and tolerated by the body. Even oral administration can result in the compound passing from the intestines into the bloodstream by as much as 65%. Additionally, it supports liver function, protects it and liver cells (hepatoprotective function). And what about support for the figure? Published studies confirmed that curcumin stimulates fatty acid oxidation. It was noted that this involves not only a decrease in body fat and body weight, but also a reduction in triglyceride levels. Moreover, a reduction in the rate of adipogenesis was observed, making it harder for further development and storage of adipose tissue. There are also indications of curcumin's beneficial effect on the activity of genes responsible for the production of catabolic factors.
Cinnamon - support for health and weight loss
Cinnamon is another spice well known in cooking, which has much more to offer than simply adding variety to meals or desserts. To start with, it contains valuable minerals such as magnesium, iron and calcium. It also contains fibre. Besides providing important mineral compounds, cinnamon is characterised by bactericidal activity, as well as support for shaping an aesthetic physique (especially reducing body fat). The main factors leading to overweight, obesity and excessive storage of body fat are an unsuitable lifestyle, highly processed food, low physical activity, inflammation and an excess of carbohydrates in the diet. Very often we cause "energy overload" when we consume large amounts of sugars, or together with fats. Sharp spikes in blood sugar and the subsequent insulin surges to stabilise glucose are by no means beneficial for the figure. Over time cells and receptors stop responding, and we are unable to burn the stored body fat, even when we have a calorie deficit and a relatively high level of activity. All the more so because insulin resistance most often also means the shutdown of glucagon. Not to mention inflammation – after all, insulin resistance is a problem with an inflammatory basis. What does cinnamon have to do with this, or rather how can it help? According to studies, the active compounds in cinnamon are able to reduce glucose concentration, and it also has anti-inflammatory effects. This in turn translates into improved glycaemic control and conditions that support more efficient reduction of stored fat. To intensify the effect and increase the results, it is good to use it together with turmeric (curcumin) and ginger compounds.
Your essentials
Ginger – how will it support the body?
Ginger has been an ingredient used both in cooking and in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It was used mainly because of its regulating and metabolism-boosting effects, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In medicine, the rhizomes and resin of the plant were most often used. The former because of their content of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The resin, in turn, gained recognition because it contains large amounts of the compounds characteristic of ginger, namely gingerols. They are largely responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. That is not all, because they also work well for digestive and alimentary problems – they improve the functioning of the digestive system. In addition, the aforementioned properties work well in combination with joint-protective agents, to protect and support the musculoskeletal system even more effectively. Especially since inflammatory conditions are not uncommon among people who train or do physical work. Of course, it is not only about the musculoskeletal system, that is, joints, ligaments, muscles, connective tissue… Nevertheless, it is worth remembering the supportive properties of gingerols in this area if we care about safety, health and increasing training capacity.
