In the realm of natural medicine, spices are not just used to give our meals a flavourful kick, but they also pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. Among the many spices that have been studied for their medicinal properties, Turmeric has emerged as a potent and effective health promoting food. Turmeric, a root closely related to ginger, is a vibrant yellow spice commonly used in Indian cuisine and traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Its primary active ingredient, curcumin (a curcuminoid), is responsible for most of its health benefits.
Turmeric’s medicinal prowess is vast. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, choleretic, anti-cancer, anti-asthmatic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and chemoprotective properties. With such a broad spectrum of health benefits, it’s no wonder that this spice has been used for centuries for its healing properties and promotion of longevity.
However, there’s a hitch. Despite its many benefits, Turmeric has one major drawback – its bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a substance that is absorbed and used by the body. When taken orally, most of the curcumin in turmeric is not well absorbed into the bloodstream. It is quickly metabolised and eliminated, making it difficult for the body to reap its full benefits. But did you know that you can increase the bioavailability of turmeric by 2000%? And the secret ingredient to this is none other than another common spice – black pepper!
Black pepper, a staple in most kitchens, is not just a flavour enhancer. It also has potent health benefits. One of the key components of black pepper is Piperine. Piperine has been shown to enhance the bioavailability of Turmeric by up to 2000%. That’s a pretty significant increase!
Piperine works by inhibiting the metabolism of curcumin, thereby increasing the time it stays in the body. It also enhances the absorption of curcumin in the digestive tract. By combining Turmeric and black pepper, you can significantly boost the absorption and effectiveness of the curcumin in Turmeric.
Another interesting fact to note is that Turmeric is fat-soluble. This means it dissolves in fat. When turmeric is consumed with a fatty meal, it is directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lymphatic system thereby bypassing the liver. This is not the case for water-soluble nutrients, which are first sent to the liver. Foods like ghee, or coconut cream-based curry are an excellent option for consuming Turmeric. The healthy fats in coconut cream and ghee increase the absorption of curcumin.
In conclusion, while Turmeric and black pepper are excellent on their own, they become a powerful health-boosting duo when combined. So the next time you’re cooking, don’t forget to sprinkle some black pepper on your Turmeric-spiced dish. You’ll not only enhance the flavour but also the health benefits.
Incorporating these spices into your diet might seem like a small change, but it can have a profound impact on your health. So why not give it a try? After all, good health is the greatest wealth we can have.