Curcumin is the compound that makes turmeric beneficial, a spice many appreciate for its distinctive flavor in various dishes. Curcumin has numerous remarkable health benefits that are scientifically validated. Curcumin is a polyphenol responsible for turmeric’s yellow color. It was isolated as early as 1815 by Vogel and Pelletier. It has since been discovered that curcumin has the following effects:
Its health effects and safety have also been confirmed in relation to cancer (Majeed et al., 2015), diabetes (de Melo et al., 2018), and protective functions on liver health. Curcumin belongs to the curcuminoid group and is most effective when combined with two other natural curcuminoids (DMA and BDMC). The Curcumin C3 Complex is derived from the dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa (turmeric), standardized to contain a minimum of 95% curcuminoids, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC).
Metabolites can be simply described as by-products of metabolism. Curcumin metabolites include DHC and THC. These are chemical compounds that form through various processes in the human digestive tract after consuming curcumin and have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies conducted on mice have shown that after biotransformation in the intestines, curcumin becomes available in the liver, kidneys, and even the brain (Wang et al., 2018), suggesting that curcumin may be beneficial for issues in brain tissue (circulation, intoxication, inflammation… which can affect concentration, memory, mood…). Curcumin is biotransformed in the intestines first into the metabolite DHC (dihydrocurcumin) and then into THC (tetrahydrocurcumin). Thus, when you consume curcumin, DHC and THC are formed in your intestines.
Yu and colleagues investigated the in vitro effects of DHC on fat accumulation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance—all important parameters that precede manifest chronic diseases (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity…). It was found that DHC also has anti-allergic properties related to its anti-inflammatory effects. Due to its impact on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, curcumin, specifically DHC, acts against the development of fatty liver. In addition to curcumin, a range of foods that help prevent fatty liver includes beta-glucan, inulin, omega-3 fatty acids, and taurine. Because of unhealthy food preparation methods, reheated restaurant food, regular alcohol consumption, and sweet foods, the risk of developing fatty liver is very high in today’s world, with an estimated 60% of the European population affected (NAFLD). Fatty liver is a risk factor and a maintaining factor for a range of digestive, hormonal, and circulatory disorders.
The other metabolite of curcumin, THC, has been shown to have an effect on aging prevention and is used in anti-aging creams. THC is formed in the intestines through the biotransformation of curcumin with the help of the bacterium Escherichia coli or fungi, resulting in a final plasma concentration of THC that is 6-9 times higher than that of curcumin. It is THC, a curcumin metabolite, that mediates the antioxidant activity of curcumin (Somparm et al., 2007). Its antioxidant effects have been analyzed in studies involving Alzheimer’s patients, alcoholics, and individuals with ischemic heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease. What we need to know is that THC acts in two ways:
The company Sabinsa conducted several studies proving that THC is a stronger antioxidant than the most common ones—vitamin C and vitamin E. THC has strong anti-inflammatory activity, which has been investigated through its effect on TNF (tumor necrosis factor, which is released during infection and prompts the body’s inflammatory response) and IL6 (an inflammatory mediator) (Zhao et al., 2015). THC also has antiglycation potential (Pari and Murugan, 2007). Glycation is a process where body DNA, fats, and proteins are damaged by the binding of glucose, forming AGEs (advanced glycation end products). This is why older adults get age spots and why atherosclerosis can become complicated—due to glycation. Accumulation of AGEs contributes to the initial damage of the endothelium. Why do we have cellulite? Due to inflammation caused by glucose binding to fat cells.
In the best anti-aging clinics where I have worked, significant attention is given to this process and its treatment and prevention. In this context, antiglycation agents are used to prevent the formation of AGEs. This is not just about aesthetics but also about extending life and health.
In India and Asia, where hygienic measures are still limited in many places, the use of turmeric containing curcumin is one of the preventive measures for preventing intestinal infections.
Cleanliness is half of health, and uncleanliness is its other half. This is a valuable saying if we live in nature and if “uncleanliness” refers to the earth, bacteria, and microorganisms from the land that is free from chemicals. However, in our world, “uncleanliness” often refers to the worst kinds of waste from food and the environment (pesticides, toxins, infectious animals…) that devastate health. Therefore, I want to emphasize that cleanliness is much more than half of health. However, we cannot easily change our environment, so curcumin is of significant importance to us as prevention against intestinal infections and chronic inflammations (of the intestines, blood vessels, skin, stomach, oral cavity, genital organs, lungs…).
Pay attention to your health, to your body, to the early symptoms indicating inflammation— allergies, insulin resistance, weight gain, cardiovascular issues (as a result of fat accumulation in the blood vessels), anxiety, and depression. Pay attention to symptoms that may seem trivial, which almost everyone has, which you think should be resolved with a pill to suppress the symptom so it’s not noticeable. Over time, these general symptoms intensify, which you will notice less and less, and then one day they will turn into a diagnosis. Prevention is half of health—I would say, and its long other half is cleanliness (of the environment, food, thoughts, body). So, pay attention to the following “invisible” symptoms (because you do not pay serious attention to them):
Those who have one persistent symptom (from the above list) or 2-3 occasional symptoms and are over 35-40 years old have already stepped onto a path where chronic diseases start to appear and dominate. Disease and pain are not normal states, and once we turn 35, we must think about disease prevention, body care, and being aware of our own health. Firstly, we start experiencing back pain, which is often not caused by lifting heavy loads but is usually of an inflammatory or mental-emotional nature, and thus needs to be addressed accordingly. Caring for health requires knowledge. It is knowledge that you apply in the moment, not information you share with friends over coffee.
This means you will need to practice this knowledge until it becomes routine and the routine becomes your lifestyle. Taking an anti-inflammatory agent like curcumin, whose metabolite DHC further enhances its health benefits, is a good routine. Chronic inflammations are a reality and should be recognized. They underlie “invisible” symptoms. The best way to control our health is through daily habits, diet, and physical activity. Let food be our medicine. Besides adhering to rules about meal timing, diet types, using clean ingredients, etc., ensure you regularly consume anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, which contains curcumin metabolites DHC and THC, and all available herbs and spices.
Here’s a recipe from India using turmeric that benefits energy and digestion.
Khitcheri is not only very tasty but is also a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine and supports the treatment of various disorders. It is an ideal combination of protein, highly nutritious, and easily digestible. It reduces acidity and excessive body heat and benefits all Doshas (various body constitutions considering digestion, mental state, and the musculoskeletal system). (Recipe for 4 servings):
Wash the rice and lentils, and if possible, soak them for at least 2 hours to make them more digestible. In ghee, gently heat all the spices until the seeds start to crackle. Add the lentils and rice, salt, and mix well. Add water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes in an uncovered pot, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for about half an hour. 
To conclude, I’m sharing a recipe for an anti-inflammatory smoothie, which often serves as the beginning of therapy for my patients with Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune diseases (such as obesity!). Each patient receives an individualized recipe, but this is a general recipe for most people.
In a blender, combine: a handful of almonds, a handful of sunflower seeds, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half to a whole lemon, half a banana or a piece of pineapple, 2 large tablespoons of Hepafast, 2 large tablespoons of hydrolyzed collagen, contents of 2 capsules of Hug Your Life curcumin, a bit of turmeric, add water and blend (always blend the hardest ingredients first, like almonds and sunflower seeds). Make this your healthy breakfast and a preventive measure against inflammation or the start of therapy for inflammatory diseases. To determine if your “invisible” symptoms are leading to a serious illness, take a Microbiome test to get facts about your digestive health (bacterial composition, antibody levels, inflammation, immunity, toxins, enzymes…) and see if small changes now can prevent the development of chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, hormonal diseases, or help reduce current ailments. 
