What distinguishes the two compounds, turmeric and curcumin? What are their advantages? Which one absorbs better into the body? All these answers are in the following article.
The following article explains the differences between turmeric and curcumin:
Difference between turmeric and curcumin
The following are the definitional differences between turmeric and curcumin:
1. Turmeric
Curcuma longa plants are harvested for their roots, which serve as the plant's main stem. The roots are ground into turmeric, a yellow-orange powder after being dried. In curries and other Asian cuisines, it serves as a flavouring agent. Because of this process, turmeric is also called turmeric root powder or Curcuma longa extract.
2. Curcumin
Turmeric powder contains curcumin, which accounts for the majority of the compound's health benefits, in an amount of about 3.14%. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin has been used in ancient Indian medicine for thousands of years. This makes it a perfect choice for many diseases' treatment and prevention strategies. Curcumin is also responsible for the spice's distinctive yellow colour.
Common benefits of turmeric and curcumin
After knowing the difference between turmeric and curcumin, it is important to know that turmeric and curcumin contain medicinal properties that provide many health benefits. The following are the key potential health advantages of both turmeric and curcumin:
- Osteoporosis: The plant compounds in turmeric that contain curcumin can lessen inflammation-related markers, thereby easing osteoporosis symptoms.
- Obesity: Curcumin and turmeric may help control body fat by suppressing the inflammatory pathway associated with obesity.
- Heart disease: Turmeric and curcumin can lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, which lowers the risk of developing heart disease.
- Diabetes: Curcumin and turmeric can enhance blood sugar metabolism and may lessen the physical effects of diabetes.
- Liver disease: Studies have shown that curcumin and turmeric extract protect against long-term liver damage by lowering harmful oxidative stress.
- Turmeric and curcumin are antifungal agents that can damage fungus cell membranes and work better when combined with antifungal drugs.
- Antibacterial: The powerful antibacterial properties of turmeric and curcumin can inhibit the development of many bacteria that cause illness.
Which is better absorbed by the body?
Knowing the distinction between curcumin and turmeric, another aspect of the debate over these two substances is their bioavailability. In actuality, neither is absorbed particularly well without a small amount of fat or oil. Natural oils found in turmeric root may aid in the body's absorption. When used in cooking, it is also more likely to combine with additional oil. Due to the fact that milk naturally contains fat, turmeric powder is used in turmeric lattes, which are becoming more and more popular and a healthy way to consume it.
Although black pepper is sometimes used to supplement curcumin with essential fatty acids like fish or krill oil, it is more efficient at boosting turmeric's bioavailability. A compound in black pepper called piperine has been shown to inhibit turmeric compounds that Curcumin prevents it from being broken down during digestion , thus allowing it to stay longer in the body.