I use turmeric in many of the meals that I cook at home. I also purchase hair products that contain this healing spice to promote a healthy scalp. Turmeric is an ancient healing spice that has been used for centuries. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric can help reduce inflammation, which is the major cause of most chronic diseases and even cancer. Unfortunately, the body does not easily absorb curcumin, which makes it difficult for our bodies to get all of the great benefits of this pungent and colorful spice.
It turns out we should be using ground black pepper to help our bodies absorb all of the health benefits of turmeric. Black pepper contains a bioactive compound piperine, which allows curcumin to get absorbed in our bodies Guido, et al. (1998). Piperine is an anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor spice that can also help enhance the production of serotonin. The next time you use turmeric in your meals, remember to use some ground black pepper from a pepper mill to enhance the absorption of these healing spices.
Eat well!
Sources:
Guido, S., David, J., Thangam, J., Majeed, M., Rajendran, R., & Srinivas, P. (1998). Influence of Piperine on the Pharmacokinetics of Curcumin in Animals and Human, DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957450
National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. (2019, November). Piperine extract. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/piperine-extract-standardized