Priyansh, a high school student, has always welcomed summer vacations with a broad grin. This time it was a bit different. When he returned home last evening, his father found doubts written all over his face. 

Upon asking, he revealed a Science assignment is causing him worry. The other day when his teacher was explaining curcumin in detail but he dozed off. And this time his summer assignment is to cover the difference between curcumin and turmeric. He further explained to his father how his research for both curcumin and turmeric has been leading to each other. That thin line of difference is undetectable.

If you have ever looked for turmeric supplements to use medicinally, you may have found yourself with a bottle of curcumin instead. They do have a connection but they are not entirely the same.

We often find lot of health supplements with turmeric and few with curcumin and they both are used for immunity and other benefits. Mostly Turmeric used for immunity boosting, joint pain, reduce inflammation and more. For your and Priyansh’s ease, in this blog, we will be simplifying both turmeric and curcumin for you. But before we move on to the difference between curcumin and turmeric, let’s first discuss what curcumin is

What is Curcumin?

Turmeric, also known as Haldi, has been a major ingredient in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Today, it owns the world of species for being one of the healthiest spices out there. 

Wait, why are we discussing turmeric and not curcumin? The reason you find curcumin every time you search for turmeric and vice versa is that curcumin is the only active ingredient in turmeric. 

It is because of curcumin that turmeric has long been recognised for its medicinal properties. 

Basically, curcumin is the star ingredient of turmeric and turmeric gets most of its health benefits from the curcumin it contains. 

However, curcumin makes up only one to three per cent of turmeric. If you take 1000 milligrams of turmeric, only 1-3% of that i.e., 10-30 milligrams is the curcumin content. 

Imagine learning an important mathematics concept a day before your exam, only to realise you did not retain the main formula. Now, can you solve the question? 

Clearly, you cannot. Similarly, when it comes to turmeric, retention of curcumin plays a vital role. Because that’s where the magical health properties lay. 

Researchers have spent years finding how to extract the maximum proportion of curcumin from turmeric. But we, at GoYNG, have developed Cure Q Mine drops that pump maximum curcumin inside your body.    

What is the difference between curcumin and turmeric?

Turmeric and curcumin may be used interchangeably but they are not the same! 

Here’s the major difference between the two:

1. Turmeric is a yellow spice, widely used around Asia for thousands of years and is the main ingredient in many curry dishes. Whereas, curcumin is a plant chemical found within turmeric.
2. Turmeric was used traditionally for its healing benefits and contains many plant substances. Curcumin is one of the key plant substances of turmeric which gives turmeric its distinct colour and flavour. 

Since turmeric gets its colour and health benefits from curcumin, it is known as the main active ingredient of turmeric. Well, curcumin may be more beneficial than turmeric because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

It’s time that we dive deep into the health benefits of curcumin and find how useful it is for your body. 

What are the benefits of Curcumin? 

Since curcumin is the most effective nutritional ingredient of turmeric in existence, its importance can never be overly exaggerated. 

Here are the 7 crucial health benefits of curcumin: 

1.    Has Anti-inflammatory Properties 

In 2011, a clinical trial was conducted with 60 male rats. They were segregated into 6 groups, receiving varying quantities of curcumin. Later, this  study concluded that curcumin has great therapeutic potential.

Further, the research published in 2021 mentioned that curcumin possesses exemplary anti-inflammatory properties that may regulate symptoms of the following diseases: 

• Heart disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• Metabolic syndrome
• Arthritis
• Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Allergic Rhinitis
• Bronchitis and Asthma
• Obesity
• Other degenerative conditions

These diseases are caused with ageing, especially when you notice inflammation or swelling getting persistent. It’s a sign that you need curcumin to reduce inflammation and produce medicinal results. 

2.    Increases Antioxidant properties

In order to neutralise free radicals that contribute to ageing and protect your tissues, antioxidants are of immense significance. Otherwise, oxidative stress will result in premature ageing. 

Curcumin saves the day by possessing potent antioxidant properties that are beneficial in fighting off free radicals and safeguards your body tissues from toxins. It also has a role to play in delaying the process of ageing and aims for longevity. 

Research published in 2007 presents that because of the therapeutic antioxidant properties of curcumin, it is a desirable addition to one's diet. 

1.    Protects against heart diseases

In 2019, WHO published the list of top 10 causes of death. Heart disease was topping this list as the leading cause. 

We have not added this statistic to scare you. It is here to strongly emphasise why you need to reverse heart diseases as soon as possible. 

Research published in 2017 brought forward the surprising benefits of curcumin in reversing various cardiac diseases. 

Curcumin-rich diet plays a significant role in regulating your blood pressure which reduces your chances of developing heart disease. 

In fact, a study was conducted in 2012 to check the efficacy of curcumin in the protection of one's heart. 121 patients were part of this study, out of which the curcumin group reported a 65% decreased risk of them experiencing a heart attack. 

1.    Protects you from cancer

What is scary about cancer is that the cancer cells grow in an uncontrolled manner. Once developed, there are high chances that it will be spread throughout the body.

Curcumin, your saviour is back again to help your body fight against cancerous cells. 

A 2019 research mentions that curcumin is a promising anticancer herb (drug). In 2001, a clinical trial was performed wherein 15 patients with advanced colorectal cancer, received curcuma extracts daily for a period of 4 months. It later concluded that curcumin or curcuma extracts are well-tolerated by cancer patients. 

In the past, when other studies were conducted, curcuma extracts have shown to kill cancerous cells and successfully reduced the spread of cancer by disrupting the cell-signalling pathways.

Curcumin is effective in preventing cancer from occurring in the first place by disrupting the formation of cancerous cells.

1.    Improves your brain function

Dementia is a condition in which people lose their ability to think. It is generally an anticipated consequence of ageing. WHO revealed that dementia affects different people in different ways but the most common form people get dementia is in the form of Alzheimer’s disease.

Curcumin has been found to improve brain functions and protect it against common degenerative diseases. In fact, the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin were revealed to decrease the impact of age on brain functions. 

Like other herbs like Ginkgo Biloba as brain booster used at western world, Curcumin is also known to raise the levels of chemicals in the brain mainly serotonin and dopamine that positively impacts your mood and boosts joy levels. 

A 2017 animal study monitored the effects of curcumin on brain-related functions. 16, 6-week-old male rats who were chronically stressed were used in this study which later concluded that curcumin not only enhanced antidepressant-like effects but was also successful in reducing inflammatory factors in the brain.

1.    Ease symptoms of Arthritis

The degeneration of your joint health is known as osteoarthritis. It is a common problem in Western countries and you can blame a sedentary lifestyle for both its severity and frequency.

The potent anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have been studied for its effect on arthritis. In 2012, a clinical study was conducted where 45 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were segregated into three groups. These groups received either 500 mg curcumin or 50 mg of other anti-inflammatory drug (Diclofenac sodium) or both. The group of patients who received 500 mg curcumin showed a reduction in tenderness and swelling of joint scores. Later, this study concluded that curcumin was more effective in treating their conditions than any other anti-inflammatory drug.

Hence, curcumin is effective in easing stiffness and improving physical function in people diagnosed with arthritis (Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis).

1.    Treats Depression

The persistence of sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable hobbies are the common symptoms of depression.How to overcome depression if a common question in this racing world.

Researchers were quick to check the efficacy of curcumin for depression. After many studies conducted in the past, it was revealed that curcumin is as effective as an antidepressant.

One such research was conducted in 2013. After 6 weeks, this study revealed the potent benefits of curcumin in treating depression and alleviating its symptoms.

How to increase bioavailability of curcumin?

A research paper published in 2017 specifically mentions that taking curcumin through diet will not help you gain all the associated health benefits we discussed above. This happens because of the following reasons:

• Curcumin is poorly absorbed and rapidly eliminated by your body. This decreases the quantum of benefits your body will derive from it.
• In fact, there is not enough curcumin in turmeric in the first place. It implies that the chances of your body deriving all the above-mentioned benefits are non-negligible. Hence, it would be very difficult for you to fulfil curcumin requirements with just a diet.  

Putting it simply, in order for you and your body to absorb maximum curcumin and get all the health benefits, you need to take in a lot of turmeric. But is that the only wise option, let’s find out!

Maximum absorption depends on a simple concept called bioavailability (the amount of drug which is passed on to your body for consumption). Curcumin exhibits poor bioavailability. It means that when curcumin is introduced to your body, the maximum quantity of curcumin is eliminated and not retained for consumption.

Instead of consuming a lot of turmeric, your focus must be on increasing the bioavailability of curcumin. There are two ways to go about it:

1.    Enhancing agents

Use components and enhancing agents which not only increase the bioavailability of curcumin but also provides multiple health benefits.

The most common agent is black pepper. It is because of the fact that the major component of black pepper known as piperine has been shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%.

The only problem here is that despite spending time and energy, you would not be able to extract maximum curcumin using black pepper at home. This is an extensive procedure that involves extracting curcumin from the roots of turmeric.

For your heart’s content, there is another way out! Supplements.

1.    Take herbs or supplements

Health supplements are the easiest way for your body to absorb maximum curcumin content and receive the exemplary benefits of both turmeric and curcumin. 

Increased bioavailability of curcumin will direct your body to help curcumin reach the bloodstream and spread the magical benefits of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties throughout your body. 

How to use Curcumin Supplements?

There are various ways to activate curcumin content in turmeric. As discussed above, the most efficient way is to take curcumin supplements and let the medicinal experts do it for you.

Below mentioned are the various forms in which curcumin supplements are available:

1. The most prominent way to take natural curcumin inside your body is in the form of drops (liquid form).
2. It is also available in the form of capsules.
3. You can also supplement curcumin in tablet form.

This is on you to choose and decide which way you prefer supplementing for the curcumin requirements and taking the benefits of curcumin inside your body. 

GoYNG understood the assignment beforehand and simplified the task for you. We bring to you Cure-Q-Mine drops specifically curated for people desiring antioxidant support, who want to prepare their body well-in advance to defend against viruses, prevent cancer and keep their immune system’s health in check.   

To serve the purpose, we have sourced high potency curcumin extracts from their natural home and captured their benefits in the form of drops. These supreme quality drops are manufactured right here in India with strict quality control.

Having adhered to the high standards of the FDA, we have done all the hard work for you. Bring home the myriad benefits of bioavailable curcumin and pump all the health benefits inside your body that you otherwise miss out on because of low curcumin bioavailability. Read all about it here.

Side effects of curcumin

Since we’re discussing plant-based curcumin supplements, they hardly pass on any side effects when taken in the right proportion.

Generally, increased quantities of turmeric are pretty tolerable and do not result in any side effects.

In rare cases, people reported nausea, headache, diarrhoea and skin allergy. 

In case you’re scared to take a chance, our suggestion will be to start slow with the lowest dose and gradually build up. Begin by taking curcumin supplements in small amounts. Once you’re sure that your body has assimilated curcumin effectively, take a leap of faith and consume curcumin builders in the required quantities.

Final Thoughts 

Curcumin is that magical nutrient present in turmeric which is responsible for all the health benefits turmeric passes on. The only problem with curcumin is its low bioavailability i.e., poor absorption by the body. 

The easiest way you can increase its bioavailability and derive all the health benefits is through herbs or health supplements. Bioavailable curcumin extracts make it effortless for your body to absorb maximum curcumin content from turmeric.

You already know that in order to successfully defeat any health condition, lifestyle changes are equally important. Do not miss out on that because only supplements won’t do. It is just that adding supplements to your diet is the basic foundation of lifestyle changes. 

So, are you ready to step into healthy living with curcumin? 

We hope this blog has helped you find answers on what is the difference between curcumin and turmeric, and why you should take curcumin. Do mention in the comments if you have any unanswered questions about curcumin and its health efficacy. Our team will be happy to take them up!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is curcumin used for?

Curcumin is used widely to reduce inflammation and treat painful symptoms of osteoarthritis.

How is curcumin different from turmeric?

Turmeric is a yellow edible spice while curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric. In fact, turmeric receives its colour, texture, diverse flavour as well as health benefits from curcumin.

What foods are high in curcumin?

Curcumin is mainly found in turmeric and is the largest source of curcumin. The research published in 2020 shows that there is another source of curcumin - Mango ginger plant. It is important to note that the Mango ginger plant contains smaller quantities of curcumin when compared with turmeric.

What is the daily dose of curcumin?

Daily dose of curcumin really depends on your overall health. It is safe to take up to 8 grams of curcumin per day. It’s best to keep it within 500 milligrams to thousand milligrams.

Is it good to take curcumin daily?

Yes, it is better to take curcumin daily. Because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin protects your heart, eases symptoms of arthritis and improves your brain function.

How to get the most curcumin out of turmeric?

The only problem with curcumin is its low bioavailability. You can get the most curcumin out of turmeric through enhancing agents such as black pepper and ginger.

What is the best way to eat curcumin?

Curcumin is a fat-soluble substance. To enhance curcumin absorption through your diet, it is suggested to take it with heart-healthy fats such as oils, avocados, nuts and seeds.

Which is the best curcumin supplement?

In India, Cure-Q-Mine drops by GoYNG is a high potency curcumin supplement. It contains powerful and bioavailable curcumin extracts that adhere to the high standards of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Who should not take curcumin?

Though curcumin is pretty tolerable, the following people should not take curcumin without consulting a healthcare professional:

• Pregnant women
• People suffering from gallbladder and bile duct conditions
• People who are allergic to turmeric

Are there any side effects of curcumin?

Curcumin is pretty tolerable. The rare side effects of curcumin could be headaches and nausea.

You can avoid undesirable side effects by never consuming curcumin supplements in place of medications prescribed by your healthcare professional.