Curcumin vs Turmeric Difference
"The Difference Between Curcumin and Turmeric"
Turmeric, a herb, has been used as a medicine for a long time and is a commonly used seasoning. Curcumin is an important pigment among the many ingredients contained in turmeric. The two seem to be related, but there are many differences.
As far as the source is concerned, turmeric is a plant entity, taken from the rhizome of turmeric plant, which is widely grown in South Asia, South East Asia and other places. Curcumin is a chemical component obtained from the extraction and separation of turmeric rhizomes, and is a key active ingredient for turmeric to exert many effects.
Looking at its properties, turmeric is mostly yellow-brown or dark yellow powder, with a unique aroma and slightly bitter taste. It is often used for toning and seasoning in cooking, which can add golden color and special flavor to dishes. Curcumin is usually an orange-yellow crystalline powder. Compared with turmeric, its smell and taste are light, but it is widely used in the fields of medicine and health products.
In terms of efficacy, turmeric is often used in traditional medicine to break qi and blood stasis, relieve menstruation and relieve pain. Modern studies have also shown that it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood lipid regulation effects, but due to its multi-ingredient content, its efficacy is relatively diverse and complex. Curcumin has been studied more deeply, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are significant. Many studies have shown that it has potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of nervous system diseases and cardiovascular diseases. It has also attracted much attention in anti-cancer research, and its activity is relatively more concentrated and prominent.
In the field of application, turmeric is widely used in cooking due to its aroma and color. It is an important ingredient in curry powder, which adds color and flavor to food. It is also used in the dyeing of some traditional handicrafts. Curcumin is mainly used in the pharmaceutical and health care products industries, making capsules, tablets, etc., to play a health care and auxiliary therapeutic effect. It is also used in the cosmetic field to delay skin aging with its antioxidant properties.
To sum up, although turmeric and curcumin are closely related, there are significant differences in their sources, properties, efficacy and application. To clarify the differences between the two, it is necessary to apply them rationally in various fields.