In recent years, research has confirmed that turmeric has medicinal properties. 1
The primary active component of turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin as the compound is responsible for most of turmeric’s potential health benefits. Curcumin is a strong anti-oxidant and has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. 2
Piperine is the major bio‐active component of pepper, that has numerous demonstrated health effects and beneficial therapeutic propertie. 3
This naturally occurring alkaloid is also the active compound in chilli powder and cayenne pepper.
” External read: Why Turmeric and Black Pepper is a powerful combination?
The biggest benefit of the combination of Turmeric and Black Pepper is that Piperine (in Black Pepper) helps the body to absorb more curcumin (in turmeric). Curcumin is hard to ingest to reap substantial health benefits that have been seen in research studies. In order to squeeze the maximum health benefit out of turmeric, you have to Black Pepper to the mix.
Research indicates that curcumin may lower inflammation 4 and improve systemic markers of oxidative stress (a sign of overexposure to free radicals such as those in cigarette smoke and industrial chemicals), according to an October 2017 review published in Foods. 5
Turmeric and Black Pepper: A Perfect Pair
Black pepper is a potent spice in its own right. This popular, pungent ingredient is made of ground (or whole) peppercorns, which are the small, dried, unripe fruits of the black pepper plant. In addition to flavoring food, it’s commonly used as a medicinal agent, a preservative, and in perfumes, according to a review published in Medicinal & Aromatic Plants. 6
Like turmeric, black pepper contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it potentially helpful for managing inflammatory conditions and reducing free-radical damage.
” External read: Why you should combine Turmeric and Black Pepper?
Research has shown that piperine, the main active ingredient in pepper, may reduce inflammation associated with chronic diseases like asthma 7, arthritis, chronic gastritis, and Alzheimer’s 8, according to a review published in January 2018 in Journal of Translational Medicine. 9
A study published in Planta Medica 10 found that pairing 20 milligrams (mg) of piperine with 2 grams (g) of curcumin increased the amount of curcumin that could be absorbed by the body (a concept known as bioavailability) by 2,000 percent. And piperine increases the bioavailability of many nutrients, by preventing metabolizing enzymes (enzymes that are used to break down drugs, foods, and other substances) from doing their job, according to a review published in Medicinal & Aromatic Plants. 11
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Inputs taken from multiple research papers and health portals including Healthline.com and EveryDayHealth.com
