Culinary spices are rich in medicinal properties that are like elixir for your health. Among the spices, turmeric is known as the golden spice. This spice enhances both the taste and aroma of food. Turmeric has medicinal properties that have been proven in many studies. For thousands of years, this spice has been used in Ayurveda to treat many ailments. However, when turmeric is taken with black pepper, its effects are multiplied. Along with turmeric, black pepper is also a spice rich in medicinal properties.
Most people know black pepper as just a spice, but it also has important health benefits. According to Healthline, turmeric and black pepper contain active ingredients that control inflammation in the body. Both spices have antioxidant and immune-boosting properties that help prevent disease. Let’s explore the health effects of eating turmeric and black pepper together.
Effects of curcumin in turmeric
Curcumin is the most active and potent compound in turmeric. It is a polyphenol with many beneficial properties. It is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. A major drawback of curcumin is that it is not well absorbed by the body.
Effects of piperine in black pepper
Piperine contains a bioactive compound called piperine, which is an alkaloid similar to capsaicin. Piperine is a compound that relieves nausea, headaches and indigestion, and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Its most important benefit is that it increases the absorption of turmeric curcumin by 2000%.
How does piperine enhance the effects of curcumin?
Curcumin is generally absorbed by the body in very small amounts, providing limited benefits. However, when combined with turmeric and black pepper, piperine significantly increases its bioavailability. According to one study, taking 2 grams of curcumin with 20 mg of piperine increases its absorption by 20 times. Piperine helps curcumin pass more easily through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. It also slows the breakdown of curcumin in the liver, allowing it to remain active in the body longer.
Benefits of eating turmeric and black pepper together
Relieves swelling and pain
Both turmeric and black pepper have their own benefits, but when taken together, their effects are magnified. Curcumin present in turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies prove that curcumin intake can be as effective as medication without the side effects. It provides relief from arthritis and joint pain. Piperine also has anti-arthritic properties and calms the body’s pain receptors, providing relief from both pain and inflammation.
Prevents cancer
Several studies have shown that curcumin can help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. Piperine also helps destroy certain types of cancer cells and reduce the risk of tumors. Consuming both the spices together can help prevent breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and colon cancer.
(Disclaimer: The above facts are based on general information. News18 does not endorse them. Consult relevant experts before trying them.)