Is curry the same as curcumin?
In this brief guide, we will address the query, “Is curry the same as curcumin?” We will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of curcumin as well as the other queries related to curry and curcumin.
Is curry the same as curcumin?
No, curry is not the same as curcumin. Curry powder consists of curcumin but the curcumin doesn’t necessarily consist of curry powder. While curry is a common spice blend used in different recipes, curcumin is one of the primary ingredients in turmeric and curry powders.
Where is curcumin found?
Curcumin is a yellow pigment found primarily in turmeric as well as other spices like curry powder. It is derived from the rhizome Curcuma longa and is responsible for giving turmeric its distinct yellow color and flavor.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is known to have many health benefits. It is also actively used in cancer preventative clinical research.
Where does curry come from?
There are different types of curry used when cooking. The curry leaves come from the curry tree (Murraya koenigii) which is a native Indian species. Its highly aromatic smell and unique flavors have made it a popular ingredient in many households across the globe.
Curry leaves are different from curry powder. One might think that curry powder is made by blending the dried curry leaves but actually it’s a mixture of all the common spices used in your kitchen including turmeric, cumin, chili powder, ginger, coriander, and pepper. You may also add the dried curry leaves to this mixture though.
We have three ideas when we hear the word “curry” – curry as in the Indian dish that is made by using different spices, curry powder, or curry leaves. Both curry powder and curry leaves are the basic ingredients used while making the curry. Perhaps that’s where the name came from.
What is the difference between curry and turmeric?
The main difference between curry and turmeric is that curry is a spice blend of different ingredients but turmeric is an individual spice on its own. Although curry powder and turmeric may look precisely the same and one may mistake it for another, Curry and turmeric are two very different ingredients used in cooking different cuisines throughout the world.
While they can be used as a replacement for each other due to their similarities, each one has its individuality and benefits. Turmeric is known to have many health benefits but I’m not so sure we can say the same for curry powder.
Curry powder does consist of different nutritive spices but it has no comparison to turmeric in that regard. Turmeric has many medicinal uses as well which the curry powder may not have.
What are the health benefits of curcumin?
Many studies and research has proved the many health benefits of curcumin.
Health benefits of curcumin
- It contains bioactive compounds with medicinal properties.
- It can boost the body’s antioxidant capacity.
- The use of curcumin also helps to lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.
- Though the research is in its early stages, there’s a possibility It may even help prevent cancer.
- Curcumin also helps to regulate body fat by inhibiting the inflammatory pathway involved in obesity.
- It lessens inflammation in people with chronic conditions.
- It has also been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes.
- Much research has also proven that curcumin improves memory, which may be used for treating Alzheimer’s disease as well. For more detailed information, please click the link here.
- It has also been known to treat depression.
- It also helps prevent signs of aging and chronic diseases.
- Curcumin has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects.
What are Curcumin’s main drawbacks?
One of the major drawbacks of curcumin is that it is poorly digested when orally ingested by itself. While it does not have any adverse effect when taken in doses up to 8 grams, higher doses have reported mild adverse effects in some cases.
More comprehensive research is yet to be done regarding this but it’s always better to be safe than to be sorry. According to many reports, high use of curcumin has reported mild effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, skin rashes, and yellow stool in humans.
Other FAQs about Curry that you may be interested in.
Why does my curry taste bland?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “Is curry the same as curcumin?” We have also discussed the benefits and drawbacks of curcumin as well as the other queries related to curry and curcumin.
Citations
https://www.livestrong.com/article/477317-what-is-the-difference-between-curry-turmeric/
https://examine.com/supplements/curcumin/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-vs-curcumin#turmeric-vs-curcumin
