Are Curcumin and Turmeric the Same Thing?

You may have thought "CURCUMIN" and "Turmeric" were the same. Don't worry! Many make that same assumption because the terms are often used interchangeably. There are important distinctions between CURCUMIN and Turmeric that can 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 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. You have most likely tried Turmeric in delicious Indian dishes such as curries, tadka infusions, scrambled eggs or certain soups.

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.

What Are Some Benefits of Curcumin?

CURCUMIN has been shown to offer benefits like:

Anti-inflammatory properties
Increased antioxidant capacity in the body
Alleviation from joint pain
Relief from symptoms of digestive diseases

What exactly do we mean when we say CURCUMIN is a natural anti-inflammatory? Anti-inflammatory foods and compounds such as salmon, tuna, walnuts and CURCUMIN help your body with a plethora of things, like healing from injuries and fighting off disease and infection.

If you would like more info on CURCUMIN benefits, simply visit our FAQ page!

Curcumin vs. Turmeric

Turmeric is a flowering plant that belongs to the ginger family. This flavorful spice comes from the roots of a flowering plant that commonly grows in India and other regions in Asia. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular supplement for those dealing with arthritis, digestive issues or other medical conditions.

While Turmeric is often thought to be a beneficial supplement, much of these health-related benefits actually stem from CURCUMIN. CURCUMIN is a part of a group of compounds known as curcuminoids, the main active compound in Turmeric. In addition to providing numerous health benefits, CURCUMIN also contributes to the rich color of Turmeric.

Conditions Curcumin May Improve

The benefits of CURCUMIN include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. While Turmeric and CURCUMIN have both been found to reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, research has shown that CURCUMIN was better at minimizing diabetes markers than Turmeric. CURCUMIN can also provide health benefits for various medical conditions, including:

Osteoarthritis: Some compounds in Turmeric, including CURCUMIN, may help relieve inflammation and symptoms related to osteoarthritis or arthritis.
Diabetes: CURCUMIN can help to minimize diabetes markers for patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, CURCUMIN has been found to improve blood sugar metabolism to improve the negative effects that diabetes can have on your body
Fungi: CURCUMIN can help disrupt fungal cell membranes and improve treatment outcomes, especially when paired with traditional antifungal medication.
Bacteria: With strong antibacterial properties, CURCUMIN can limit disease-causing bacteria from developing to help keep you healthy.
Heart disease: CURCUMIN may be able to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides can help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Liver damage: Research has found that CURCUMIN can protect the liver and treat liver diseases. Many preclinical studies support the effectiveness of dietary CURCUMIN to manage oxidative-associated liver diseases.
Anxiety: In addition to its many physical benefits, CURCUMIN can also help manage anxiety levels. CURCUMIN may be able to normalize certain physiological pathways, providing positive anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.

Is Curcumin or Turmeric Right for You?

CURCUMIN and Turmeric offer many similar advantages and health benefits, but research has shown that CURCUMIN may be more effective at providing benefits for certain medical conditions. When considering if you should take CURCUMIN or Turmeric, you will want to consider a product's CURCUMIN content and absorption rates.

Make sure a product features adequate levels of CURCUMIN. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an acceptable daily allowance of CURCUMIN is about 1.4 mg per pound of body weight.

In addition to these levels, you will want to ensure the product promotes proper adsorption of CURCUMIN so your body can experience the associated benefits. There are generally little to no CURCUMIN side effects, as it is a natural compound that is very safe and effective.

So, Can You 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, it's unlikely that you are getting much CURCUMIN in your meals at all.

Fortunately, CURCUMIN can be extracted from Turmeric. This extract is what we use in ZYN. It is completely natural and organically sourced, yet it is much more potent than unfiltered Turmeric.

What's the Best Way to Absorb Curcumin?

There is one issue with CURCUMIN — our bodies are not very good at absorbing it on their own. Consumed on its own, most CURCUMIN passes through our bodies without being absorbed into the bloodstream. Without being properly absorbed, CURCUMIN doesn't provide any health benefits.

One solution for this problem is Piperine, the active compound found in black pepper. When CURCUMIN and Piperine are consumed together, the Piperine enables our bodies to absorb CURCUMIN at a much higher rate.

Add More Curcumin Into Your Diet With ZYN Drinks

We are big believers in CURCUMIN, which is why we've put 200 mg of this amazing Turmeric extract in every bottle of ZYN. Boosted by Piperine, one bottle of ZYN every day should deliver all the natural benefits of CURCUMIN to your body and spirit. Shop our delicious CURCUMIN-infused drinks today to enjoy a refreshment with benefits!

If you're looking for a more compact way to get CURCUMIN into your diet, try our new Daily Wellness Drink Mixes! These portable packets contain the same proprietary blend of CURCUMIN and Turmeric in 4 delicious new flavors for easy on-the-go health benefits. Just add water and mix to refuel, rehydrate, repair, and recharge!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.