Answer #1

Both are used in cooking, both have medicinal purposes, both are confused with each other when in fact they are two different substances with different effects and uses.

On one hand, curcumin is a derivative substance from the rhizomes of turmeric. Turmeric (or curcuma longa) is an herb that is associated with the ginger family and is used as a spice in cooking by grinding its roots. Curcumin is the known ingredient that provides curries its golden yellowish color.

Cumin, on the other hand, is also a spice that comes from a flowering plant which is related with the Apiaceae family. A plant that is native in the countries of India and East Mediterranean particularly Egypt, Morocco, and Iran. The seeds of cumin are the ones being used, either grounded or whole, in various cooking preparations and in medicine.

Curcumin is mainly known for its usage as a food coloring in various dishes. In terms of medicinal purposes, it is known to be an antioxidant used to prevent cell and tissue damages. It is also under study if it is able to provide possible cure for cancer and other health conditions such as heart burn, Alzheimer’s disease, scabies, and high cholesterol levels.

Cumin is known to be the next popular spice after black pepper. It contains distinct aroma and is also used as an added ingredient in making chili powder. Among many others, cumin is commonly used in various cuisines that have a Mexican, Indian, Central Asian, Western Chinese, Sri Lankan, North African, Nepalese, Pakistani, Cuban, and Middle Eastern taste. It is also included in baking traditional breads from France and in creating some of Dutch cheeses such as Leyden cheese.

Medically speaking, cumin includes “cuminaldehyde”, an element that is known to contain abounding medicinal components. Cuminaldehyde can be seen in essential oils such as cassia, myrrh, cumin, and eucalyptus among many others.

Answered By: khristine [216 ]