Turmeric is a popular spice used all over the world. It gives foods a yellow color and a strong flavor. It has reigned in India for over a century, both as a spice and a medicinal plant.
Turmeric usually grows tall in the fertile lands of Asia and Central America. The medicinal value of turmeric has recently sparked many studies on its compound. Curcuminoids are powerful plant compounds in this herb-cum-spice, which have been shown to have numerous health benefits. Published studies suggest that this compound has very strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A combination of black pepper and turmeric is thought to have extremely powerful effects that can significantly promote your health. This article explores how a combination of turmeric and black pepper can benefit your health.
Active Ingredients in Both Spices
Several studies have confirmed that turmeric may benefit human health. Black pepper is also another spice that people simply use in the kitchen without knowing its potential health benefits. Turmeric and black pepper have active ingredients that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can fight serious infections.
Curcumin in Turmeric
Turmeric contains key active compounds called curcuminoids. Of all the curcuminoids, curcumin is the most important and of health concern. Curcumin is a polyphenol antioxidant and can support your health in several ways. As an antioxidant, it possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal effects. However, your body is only able to absorb fewer amounts of curcumin.
Piperine in Black Pepper
Piperine is a bioactive plant compound found in black pepper. It is an alkaloid just like capsaicin, which is a key active compound in cayenne pepper and chili powder. Health benefits tied to piperine, include improving digestion, relieving nausea, and headache. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the main importance of piperine not known to many, is its ability to increase the absorption of curcumin.
Piperine Boosts the Absorption of Curcumin
While curcumin may have incredible health benefits, it is poorly absorbed from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. For this reason, it may not benefit your health as per se. Fortunately, you can add black pepper to help with its absorption. Published studies indicate that adding piperine in black pepper to curcumin in turmeric can boost curcumin absorption by up to two thousand percent. To understand this, two theories have been postulated. First, the absorption of curcumin from the digestive tract into the bloodstream is made easier by piperine. Second, piperine may increase curcumin levels in the blood by slowing down its breakdown by the liver. This ensures that curcumin delivers its advantages to your health effectively.
Piperine and Curcumin Boost Health Benefits
Both curcumin and piperine have their health benefits, but combining them boosts their health benefits.
Reduces Inflammation and May Reduce Pain
Curcumin in turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, it is so strong that it has been likened to some conventional anti-inflammatory medications, without any negative implications on health. Some studies also indicate that turmeric’s curcumin may help prevent and treat arthritis – which is a condition of the joints characterized by inflammation, pain, and stiffness. These anti-inflammatory properties are more effective for the alleviation of pain and temporary discomfort. On the other hand, piperine has also been found to possess anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties. Piperine can silence a pain receptor in your body, which is involved in the perception of pain. Taking a combination of curcumin and piperine may help fight and prevent inflammation significantly.
May Help Fight Cancer
Studies suggest that curcumin can both treat and prevent certain types of cancer. It is said that it can reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells. Additionally, curcumin may also initiate apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells. Piperine, on the other hand, may fight cancer by contributing to their death, which decreases the formation of tumor. It is also thought that it can interfere with the growth of cancer cells. A combination of curcumin and piperine may help reduce and inhibit the growth of breast cancer. Other types of cancer that these compounds can work against include pancreatic, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
Both Curcumin and Piperine Increase the Antioxidant Capacity of the Body
Antioxidants are powerful compounds that can reverse the effect of free radicals. When free radicals accumulate in the body, they cause oxidative stress and damages to cells and tissues. This results in development of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes just to mention a few. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce free radicals and their damages. Studies suggests that curcumin may inhibit the action of free radicals and activate other antioxidants in the body. Piperine has also shown antioxidant effects against free radicals. A combination of these compounds may help prevent the development of chronic diseases associated with free radicals.
Both Can Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the main cause of fatalities in the world. Curcumin and piperine may interfere with the steps involved in the development of heart disease. Curcumin in particular, may improve the function inner lining of blood vessels. Dysfunction of endothelium is one of the main causes of heart disease. A poorly functioning endothelium is unable to control blood pressure, regulate blood clotting, and other factors. Several studies suggest that piperine may also lead to improved heart health. Both of these plant compounds, can reduce inflammation and oxidation.
Both Can Delay Aging
Premature aging is associated with chronic diseases as a result of oxidative stress. Since these compounds can prevent cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases, they may also have benefits for longevity as well. That means, that curcumin and piperine can both be used as anti-aging supplements.
Improves Digestion
For many years, Indians have used turmeric to relieve digestive problems. It can help reduce flatulence and gut spasm. Piperine can also boost the digestion of other foods by enhancing enzymatic activities.
Conclusion
Turmeric is an old spice that has long been used in India. It contains a curcuminoid called curcumin. Black pepper also contains a powerful compound called piperine. Combining piperine and curcumin may help treat a number of conditions like arthritis and cancer.
MS, University of Latvia
I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.
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