Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant. It helps to reduce and neutralize free radicals, which damage and destroy your cells and DNA. Curcumin also reduces two inflammation-promoting enzymes in your body and is therefore an effective anti-inflammatory agent.ardiovascular Health. Curcumin is purported to help prevent cardiovascular disease, and may be particularly beneficial for the prevention of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by a hardening and narrowing of the arteries.