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Is curcumin the same as turmeric?

Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which are bioactive compounds, and curcumin is one of these curcuminoid compounds. While turmeric contains only 2 – 9% curcuminoids, 75% of these active curcuminoids are curcumin, which is why curcumin is the “star” of turmeric.

originsfunctionalmedicine.com - Turmeric and Curcumin - are they the same thing?
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You’ve probably heard lots of people talking about turmeric, and then other people talking about curcumin. But what exactly is the difference? Are they the same thing? Turmeric is a spice, commonly found in curry and used traditionally in many Indian dishes. It’s a rhizome, and a member of the ginger family. This spice is known for its bright yellow/orange color. Turmeric contains curcuminoids, which are bioactive compounds, and curcumin is one of these curcuminoid compounds. While turmeric contains only 2 – 9% curcuminoids, 75% of these active curcuminoids are curcumin, which is why curcumin is the “star” of turmeric. While both turmeric and curcumin are full of health benefits for the body, they also have low bioavailability, which means they aren’t easily absorbed and processed by the body. When cooking with turmeric, it’s a good idea to add black pepper. Studies have shown that black pepper increases the bioavailability of both turmeric and curcumin. In fact, you’ll notice that many curcumin supplements include either black pepper or piperine, which is the active compound in black pepper. So what exactly does curcumin do? To begin with, it’s an antioxidant powerhouse! Along with lessening existing inflammation and dampening future inflammatory pathways, it’s also well known for reducing the pain response, and some people are able to use it in place of NSAIDs such as Advil and Aleve. It’s commonly used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, and many osteoarthritis sufferers report impressive results with consistent use. Curcumin is also lauded for its many anti-cancer effects, and studies are currently underway to determine its efficacy in the treatment and prevention of breast, pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers. But the many uses don’t stop there! Studies have shown that curcumin can protect and repair the gastrointestinal lining, and help people heal from “leaky gut” syndrome. In addition, more research is currently underway to determine how effective curcumin is in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, gallstones, and more. The many benefits of curcumin supplementation are very exciting, and we here at Origins Functional Medicine love working with our patients to determine safe and natural alternatives to traditional medications. Sarah is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (“CNS”), a national credential awarded by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (https://nutritionspecialists.org ) and a Licensed Dietician/Nutritionist in the state of Florida. She can be found at https://sarahgehawellness.com

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When should I avoid turmeric?

High doses of turmeric could have a blood-thinning effect; if taken on top of prescribed anticoagulants, this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. People with liver or bile duct problems should not take turmeric supplements, as they can increase bile production.

Should I be taking turmeric supplements?

Should I be taking turmeric supplements?

BHF dietitian Victoria Taylor says:

Turmeric is a key ingredient in curry powder and also has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. The active ingredient is curcumin, which has been found to reduce inflammation and increase antioxidants. There has been some research into whether these properties could protect against heart disease or improve outcomes for people with coronary heart disease. However, although studies have had some positive results, these have not been consistent, and in some cases have been small, short in duration or based on animals (not humans), which makes it difficult to draw reliable conclusions. The issue is complicated by the fact that the curcumin in turmeric is not easily absorbed by the body, so you may get little or no benefit. We therefore don’t recommend turmeric supplements. Turmeric supplements are safe for most people. But if you’re taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin, check with your doctor before taking turmeric supplements. High doses of turmeric could have a blood-thinning effect; if taken on top of prescribed anticoagulants, this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. People with liver or bile duct problems should not take turmeric supplements, as they can increase bile production. Cooking with turmeric shouldn’t cause problems. But don’t assume that foods and drinks, such as turmeric lattes, which use turmeric as a selling point, are healthy. They often come with added ingredients that are high in saturated fat or sugar.

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