10 Benefits of Combining Turmeric and Black Pepper

Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicines due to its many health benefits, and numerous modern studies have shown that turmeric root can have a positive effect on disorders that affect the neurological, metabolic, cardiovascular, cellular, and immune systems.

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is what gives it the distinct golden color, and is also the part that promotes health.

The one problem that we have with turmeric is that our bodies can only use a very small amount of the turmeric we consume. Absorption levels of curcumin are very low, so our bodies can’t get all of the benefits turmeric can give us.

There is a very simple way to unlock those health-boosting properties of turmeric, and that’s by adding black pepper.

Black Pepper Boosts Curcurmin Absorption by 2000%

Black pepper can boast many health benefits of its own. It’s been used to relieve headaches, nausea, sore throats, and poor digestion. The compound in black pepper responsible for this is called piperine.

If you take turmeric with black pepper, the piperine can boost absorption by an amazing 2000%! This is because piperine is good at improving the bioavailablility of other substances in the body, and you only need a pinch of pepper with your turmeric.

The Benefits of Turmeric and Pepper Together

1. Antioxidant Properties

Curcurmin is a potent antioxidant, which is ten times more powerful than resveratrol, which is the antioxidant in red wine. Piperene also has antioxidant qualities, so by combining the two you get double the antioxidants.

2. Protects Liver Health

Turmeric helps to increase cholesterol elimination by the liver through increasing bile production. Curcurmin also helps protect liver cells from damage by toxins such as tobacco smoke, household chemicals, and peroxide. Black pepper boosts the bioavailablility of glutathione, which protects the liver on a cellular level.

3. Digestion Aid

The use of turmeric to support digestive health is popular in Ayurvedic medicine, and modern studies have shown that it can reduce spasms and flatulence. Turmeric and black pepper have been found to enhance the activity of digestive enzymes.

4. Eases Stiffness and Soreness

The piperine in black pepper desensitizes a pain receptor called TRPV1, and turmeric helps to ease joint discomfort. Combined, the two help to relive stiffness and soreness, which is why turmeric is so popular with athletes.

5. May Help Cancer Treatment

Research is currently being conducted on the impact that turmeric and black pepper could have on cancer.

A few studies have shown the when curcumin and piperine are combined, they can target breast cancer stem cells – reducing and possibly eliminating the cells. More studies are needed to look further into this issue.

6. Cholesterol Reduction

Research has shown that turmeric and black pepper are effective at lowering bad cholesterol levels. It’s an easy way to keep your cholesterol levels down, as all you have to do is add some turmeric and black pepper to your meals every day.

7. Strengthen the Immune System

Turmeric contains lipopolysaccharide, which is a substance that works to boost your immune system. This compound also has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects.

8. Improve Memory

Black pepper and turmeric are linked to improved cognitive ability and memory, and they can help protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s.

9. Relieves Peptic Ulcers

Both turmeric and black pepper can have good effects on gastric mucosal damage and peptic ulcers. They do this by inhibiting the growth of H.pylori bacteria, which are associated with the disorder. They also contain a large dose of antioxidants, which can help with a range of stomach issues.