The difference between turmeric and curcumin

Curcumin has the following properties

• Anti-inflammatory,

• Antioxidant

• Antibacterial

• Powerful digestive properties.

• It has beneficial effects on all areas of the body (digestive, osteo-musculo-articular, respiratory, cutaneous, uro-genital, cardiovascular).

• It relieves pain,

• Calms overall inflammation and protects the body's cells against the free radicals responsible for their oxidation, premature ageing and damage.

Curcumin is not very bio-available, meaning that it is only absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal barrier to a limited extent when turmeric is ingested. We would have to eat large quantities of the spice to assimilate the quantities of curcumin that would have an impact on our health.

But there are several ways to increase the bioavailability of curcumin:

• Black pepper: or rather the active molecule called piperine that it contains, increases the permeability of the intestine and therefore the absorption of curcumin when combined with turmeric.

• Fats: curcumin is fat-soluble, so it is easier to absorb when eaten with carrier oil, yoghurt, butter or milk…

• Catechin: found in cocoa and tea

• Quercetin: found in red onions, grapes and red apples…

• Other scientific formulations have been developed to increase the stability and solubility of curcumin. Some use adjuvants such as a micelle, nanoparticles or a phytosome, while others are based on an encapsulation process (liposomal curcumin).

• Its anti-inflammatory benefits: curcumin is central to the body's inflammatory reactions, notably because it blocks the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, protein molecules which direct the immune response according to the nature of the signal detected, and by inhibiting certain metabolic pathways involved in the inflammatory processes. Its anti-inflammatory action is effective against both acute and chronic inflammation, whatever part of the body is affected. It is particularly beneficial for joint or muscle discomfort, rheumatism, loss of mobility and flexibility in the joints and osteoarthritis. Curcumin is also very helpful for sportspeople in supporting and protecting joints, and is ideal for aiding post-workout recovery. It also has good results on dermatological inflammations such as acne, psoriasis and eczema, and ophthalmological conditions such as uveitis. Multiple studies have compared the efficacy of curcumin with certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with the advantage that curcumin does not risk irritating the digestive tract (when taken in the recommended doses).

• Antioxidant benefits: curcumin is a polyphenol and therefore a powerful natural antioxidant. It protects the body's cells against the free radicals responsible for premature ageing and oxidative stress. An unbalanced diet, UV rays, pollution, tobacco, alcohol, excessive physical exertion or stress can all encourage the body to form too many free radicals. An overproduction of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, responsible for damaging the body's cells, which can lead to certain chronic and degenerative conditions. Curcumin's powerful antioxidant properties protect the body and ensure it functions properly, reducing the risk of cancer.

• Digestive benefits: curcumin is a top choice for digestive comfort. It prevents and relieves stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder and intestinal problems. It calms inflammation of the stomach and intestines, gastro-oesophageal reflux, belching, bloating, flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea. It also relieves nausea, aids digestion and can help stimulate sluggish digestion. Curcumin is beneficial for the liver, protecting liver cells and stimulating the production of bile by the gall bladder. It also balances the intestinal flora by reducing the presence and multiplication of pathogenic strains in the intestine thanks to its antibacterial properties. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Commission (EC) have recognised the effectiveness of turmeric (i.e. curcumin) in treating dyspepsia (digestive disorders).

• Dermatological benefits: curcumin is effective in relieving irritation, itching and skin conditions such as allergies, acne, eczema and psoriasis. It calms inflammation, reduces the spread of bacteria and regulates sebum production. Its antioxidant effects protect skin cells from external aggressors such as UV rays, pollution, the cold and synthetic products.

Turmeric obviously has the properties of the curcumin it contains. It therefore has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and digestive properties.

But it also has other benefits:

• Cardiovascular, thanks to its cholesterol-lowering action. It increases cholesterol metabolism and stimulates digestion. It prevents cholesterol-related disorders such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolaemia, metabolic syndrome and all the risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

• Immunostimulant, it helps fight infections thanks to its antiseptic and anti-microbial properties and supports the proper functioning of the immune system.

• Fluidifying, it has anticoagulant properties

• Regenerates and protects organs and tissues

• Remineralising thanks to its richness in vitamins (C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, K), minerals and trace elements (iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, phosphorus...) and fibre.

Encapsulation in this 100% plant matrix ensures excellent bioavailability of the curcumin. To put it simply, this plant matrix acts as a 'vehicle' around the curcumin molecules, enabling them to easily cross the intestinal barrier and reach the bloodstream in an active form.

Usually fat-soluble, i.e. soluble in oil, this plant matrix allows curcumin to become water-soluble (in water) and therefore much easier for your body to absorb.

By way of comparison, a single 300 mg capsule of TurmiPure Gold® delivers:

• 1.5 times more curcuminoids in the blood than 1.5g of standard turmeric extract 95% curcuminoids + piperine (the powdered extract of dried turmeric rhizomes combined with the piperine in black pepper)

• 2.8 times more curcuminoids in the blood than 1g of phospholipid-based turmeric extract (extract of dried turmeric rhizome powder combined with phospholipids, i.e. fats)

According to multiple comparative clinical studies, the TurmiPure Gold® patent is the extract with the best bioavailability on the market and therefore the best efficacy at the lowest dose, without any synthetic surfactants.

Curcumin is contraindicated in cases of:

• Allergy to the plant

• Stomach or duodenal ulcers

• pathology of the bile ducts (stones, obstruction, etc.)

• Liver problems

Curcumin may interact with certain medicinal treatments such as:

• Anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents (blood thinners), including plants with anticoagulant properties such as gingko, ginseng, white willow and eleutherococcus, etc. ).

• Anti-inflammatories

• Anti-diabetics

• Beta-blockers

• Antibiotics

• If you are undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy, we recommend that you do not consume turmeric before, during or after treatment.