Turmeric and curcumin are two supplements that offer a wide variety of benefits. While both can help to alleviate some diseases, they have a few differences. For instance, curcumin is not the same as turmeric, even though they both have the same bright yellow color. The difference between these two supplements may actually come down to their ability to be absorbed by your body. However, that doesn’t mean that you should ignore turmeric.
In fact, the antioxidant properties of turmeric are impressive. According to one study, it can inhibit the production of disease-causing bacteria. Additionally, it may have anti-inflammatory effects. It can also protect your liver from chronic damage.
Taking turmeric is also an effective way to treat mild to moderate joint pain. In fact, it has been shown to be a good supplement for people suffering from arthritis. Another benefit of turmeric is its ability to boost red blood cell production. This is a good thing to know if you are trying to reduce the risk of heart disease.
One of the key benefits of turmeric is its ability to inhibit tumor growth. Researchers suggest that this may be because of the antioxidant properties of the ingredient. A recent study suggests that turmeric could improve the overall functionality of the brain. Whether or not this is a positive or negative benefit is still unknown, but the benefits of turmeric certainly can’t be denied.
Another interesting aspect of turmeric is its ability to protect against fungal infection. Several studies have demonstrated that it can do this. Moreover, turmeric can help reduce your chances of developing diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Other compounds in turmeric, like curdione, are thought to be responsible for its impressive anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. If you are considering taking a turmeric supplement, be sure to speak with your doctor. There are a number of health concerns to consider, including the fact that turmeric can interact with medications. Also, prolonged use of turmeric can cause stomach upset. Luckily, the side effects are pretty mild under standard dosages.
One of the best ways to maximize the health benefits of turmeric is to choose a standardized extract. In order to ensure that you get all of the active ingredients, be sure to look for a supplement that contains 95 percent or more curcuminoids.
Although you may be wondering whether or not turmeric and curcumin are the same, you will want to remember that curcumin is a very small component of the spice. That’s because it is the smallest of the eight components that make up turmeric.
Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant. According to the NCBI, it can reduce LDL levels, lower the risk of heart disease, and alleviate symptoms of diabetes. Besides being a potent anti-inflammatory, it also has the ability to slow the growth of cancer cells. Finally, it can improve energy production. These are all benefits that are well worth your time to research.
Unlike many supplements, turmeric and curcumin are cultivated without chemicals and pesticides. They are sustainably grown by local farmers in northeast India.