While protein, nitric oxide boosters, branch chain amino acids, and capsicum extract are popular ingredients for sports nutrition, antioxidant-packed curcumin has piqued the interests of researchers and consumers alike. Curcuminoids are the fat-soluble, polyphenolic components found in turmeric.
Conventional curcumin powders are poorly soluble and absorbed in the body, so when choosing a curcumin product, it is important to look for ‘higher bioavailability’ formulas. There is a growing number of formulas on the market addressing absorption, including one that has been shown to be 46-times more bioavailable over standard curcumin and patented for improving, muscle performance, endurance capacity and resistance to fatigue.
Highly bioavailable curcumin is supported by strong, compelling science, delivering a trifecta of benefits that supports sports nutrition and a healthy, active lifestyle:
1. Inflammation and Joint Health. We know that staying active is an integral part of maintaining health—but many people don’t realise exercise produces free radicals, which are linked to inflammation. Curcumin may help protect against exercised-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, exercise and sports are notoriously hard on the joints. But numerous studies have shown that curcumin may help support joint health and promote a healthy inflammatory response after vigorous exercise.
2. Muscle Recovery. A recent study demonstrated that a highly bioavailable curcumin can support recovery after strenuous exercise. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, supplementing with the highly bioavailable curcumin significantly reduced markers of inflammation and muscle damage (IL-6 and CK, respectively) following a bout of strenuous exercise and may, therefore, facilitate muscle recovery and performance. An additional study also reported a reduction in 24-hour pain scores and better overall muscle performance after a muscle-damaging exercise, further underscoring bioavailable curcumin’s benefits for sports performance.
3. Heart and circulation. Both circulation and a healthy heart are imperative components to staying physically fit. The FloMeD (Flow Mediated Dilation and Curcumin) Study measured the impact of highly bioavailable curcumin on circulation. Flow mediated dilation (FMD)—a process that measures the ability of blood vessels to dilate—is a useful tool because it is a sensitive and non-invasive process that evaluates the efficacy of natural ingredients for cardiovascular function. The results showed that supplementing a highly bioavailable curcumin significantly improved FMD by 37 percent. When compared to other studies on ingredients purported to increase blood flow, such as arginine, this particular bioavailable curcumin showed greater improvement in FMD at a lower dosage. The result is greater blood flow and nutrient availability to support performance.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, athlete, or someone looking to support a healthy body for a lifetime, highly bioavailable curcumin can support those who are actively pursuing a natural, convenient way to enhance their workouts, support recovery and maintain healthy joints.
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