Instead, your brain has the ability to regenerate and repair itself, and BDNF is “critical” in the process, Lin says. “Studies show curcumin can increase BDNF levels4, and thus support brain healing and regeneration from injury and trauma,” she says.* Cognitive decline is a form of inflammation of the brain tissues, and, given that curcumin manages inflammation, it may help protect people from developing cognitive decline, Lin says.* Research has also found that curcumin can support the lining of your blood vessels5, which is known as endothelium.* (When your endothelium isn’t working as it should, you can end up with heart conditions.) One moderately sized, placebo-controlled, human study found that curcumin can support the function of your endothelium6 as well as moderate aerobic exercise. Another randomized, placebo-controlled, 8-week human study found that curcumin was as effective7 as the drug atorvastatin, which works to manage your blood level of cholesterol and fats.*
