You may hear the terms “curcumin” and “turmeric” used interchangeably, but there are important distinctions between curcumin and turmeric that should be kept in mind, especially when you’re looking at the ingredients in your food. While turmeric is perfectly safe and a wonderful spice, it isn’t as useful to your system as its prized extract, curcumin.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant. When most people refer to turmeric, they are referring to the spice which is made by grinding up turmeric root. The resulting powder has a bright yellow color and a peppery, somewhat bitter flavor. Turmeric is an important staple of Indian cooking. It features prominently in curries and other favorite Indian dishes.
What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is a compound that is found within turmeric. Scientific examination of turmeric has shown that curcumin is the substance within turmeric that gives the spice its numerous health benefits.
So can you just eat turmeric straight to get the benefits of curcumin? Unfortunately, no. Curcumin only makes up about 2-5% of turmeric, so if you eat turmeric as a whole spice, you’re only getting a tiny portion of curcumin. Of course, if you eat multiple curries per week, you’re probably getting plenty of curcumin in your diet, but if curry isn’t a staple of your diet, you’re probably not getting much curcumin in your meals at all.
Fortunately, curcumin can be extracted from turmeric. This extract is what we use in the Bright Brain CBD products. It is completely natural and organically sourced, but it is much more potent than unfiltered turmeric.
There is one issue with curcumin, though. Humans aren’t any good at absorbing it. Consumed on its own, most curcumin passes through our bodies without being absorbed into the bloodstream. Without being properly absorbed, curcumin cannot provide any health benefits.
CBD is reported to enable our bodies to absorb curcumin at a much higher rate.
Taking the Bright Brain CBD with Curcumin regularly is thought to have several health benefits. Studies have shown that consuming curcumin can naturally reduce inflammation throughout the body, may help prevent cancer, and could help prevent heart disease. Scientists continue to study curcumin because it shows immense potential as a natural healing remedy.
We are big believers in curcumin, which is why we have developed an award-winning CBD product that uses it to help you be better!