The Differences of Curcumin versus Turmeric – Why Fermented Whole Root Turmeric is Best

The Differences of Curcumin versus Turmeric – Why Fermented Whole Root Turmeric is Best

Traditionally we would not eat curcumin, we would eat turmeric – freshly juiced or sliced in a curry or sprinkled on top of your favourite dish. Packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, turmeric is one of the most popular superfood spices with its medicinal and culinary versatility (1). The medicinal benefits of turmeric may range from relieving joint pain, improving heart health, correcting skin and digestive issues. It has many important nutritional compounds as a whole, with many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Research has identified an active constituent in turmeric called curcumin, however the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. 

Curcumin versus Turmeric

Curcumin is one of many curcuminoids within turmeric. Curcumin is an extract from turmeric root, isolated and taken in large amounts in supplement form. In its unnatural form can be more harmful as the body may not recognize the high dose isolate with limited range of actions. Curcumin may be poorly absorbed and can cause irritation to the digestive lining.

Whole root turmeric includes all curcuminoids, turmerones, vitamins, minerals, and essential oils for maximum full body benefits. Utilizing the traditional intention of the whole herb does not compromise the holistic integrity of the plant to work with the body. Such plants should not be processed unnaturally, as separating and isolating the nutrient compounds (yes, there is more than just curcumin), the other important nutrients are not available for full absorption and for all the benefits.

Fermented for Effectiveness 

To get the best and most benefits out of turmeric a natural fermentation of the whole herb is most effective. Living Alchemy uses a living culture fermentation from dairy-free kefir grains and a kombucha Scoby to long-ferment whole root turmeric in TURMERIC Alive. This unique fermentation process makes the synergetic nutrients of whole turmeric even stronger. Fermentation is one of the most powerful natural forces for enhancing nutrition and unlocks the true potential of turmeric. 

Tetrahydro-curcumin, which is called "white gold," is an important compound greatly increased by the Kefir-Kombucha fermentation, when researched in comparison with non-fermented turmeric. This very active compound has been shown to have complementary anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions with the other curcuminoids within the whole turmeric.

Living Alchemy’s unique fermentation creates a bio-available, whole activated, full-spectrum and nutrient-denser form of turmeric. Fermented whole turmeric can provide the activated synergy of nature only in its natural, complete state. To learn more click here for the Living Alchemy Advantages.

 

 

Whole Herb, Whole Body Benefits

Turmeric as a whole provides many of our bodies' nutrients, especially when it comes to fighting inflammation and oxidation, as it helps nourish and rebalance the body. Some benefits & suggestions for use of turmeric and curcumin to further research are:

Osteoarthritis: reduces inflammation markers and relieve symptoms of arthritis (2).

Obesity: may inhibit obesity and help regulate corporal fat inflammation (3).

Diabetes: improves the metabolism of sugar in the blood (4).

Cancer: although early research is still underway, turmeric and curcumin may reduce colon and other cancer cell activity (5).

Fights Off Infections: may interfere with the membranes of fungal cells and may be used with fungal remedies to improve results (6). Antibacterial aid that can reduce the growth of bacteria that may cause disease (7).

Body Wide Inflammation: proven to support levels of inflammatory markers (8).

Cardiovascular Function: supports heart health and balanced cholesterol levels (9). Decrease "bad" LDL and triglyceride cholesterol and thus reduce the risk of heart disease (10).

Bone and Joint Health: proven to promote anti-inflammatory responses and has pain reducing characteristics (11).

Cognitive Function: supports healthy brain cells and optimal overall cognitive function (12).

The most bio-active, dense nutrient turmeric formula available is TURMERIC Alive. USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten and dairy free and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. At every stage of manufacture, it is also free of all excipients, binders, additives and artificial ingredients or chemicals. To learn more click here for the Living Alchemy Advantages.


Healthy Inflammation*


 

References

  1. Bedosky, L., Groth, L., Kennedy, K., Migala, J., Lawler, M., Macht, H., & Palinski-Wade, E. (n.d.). Turmeric vs. Curcumin: Which Supplement Should You Take?: Everyday Health. EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/turmeric-vs- curcumin-which-supplement-should-you-take/. 
  2. Akuri, M. C., Barbalho, S. M., Val, R. M., & Guiguer, E. L. (2017). Reflections about Osteoarthritis and Curcuma longa. Pharmacognosy reviews, 11(21), 8–12. https://doi.org/10.4103/phrev.phrev_54_16
  3. Bradford PG. Curcumin and obesity. Biofactors. 2013 Jan-Feb;39(1):78-87. doi: 10.1002/biof.1074. Epub 2013 Jan 22. PMID: 23339049.
  4. Maithili Karpaga Selvi, N., Sridhar, M. G., Swaminathan, R. P., & Sripradha, R. (2015). Efficacy of Turmeric as Adjuvant Therapy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients.
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