The benefits of Turmeric and Black pepper for your health

Anytime I have a cold, my friends recommend that I add turmeric to my food or drinks. Since following their tips, I have been able to avert coughs and colds associated with the winter season.

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In the beginning of the pandemic there were many recipes for preventing cold and viral infections circulating on social media platforms and these recipes included ginger, garlic and turmeric. 

Turmeric was a spice that was new to me until the arrival of COVID-19. So I decided to do my research and was surprised that this orange yellowish spice is power packed with many vitamins and minerals that are good for your health.

Reading an article I came across recently, suggested that turmeric combined with black pepper work well to fight many diseases and protect your immune system.

“ A teaspoon of turmeric a day keeps the doctor away!”

Black pepper

Black pepper is made of ground or whole peppercorns derived from the small, dried, unripe fruit of the black pepper plant. This spice has been used in Ayurveda for centuries as a medicine, preservative and in perfumes.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a herb that comes from the rhizome family, the same as ginger and is widely used in India, Asia and Central America as a spice. In Ayurveda, this spice is referred to as The Golden Spice and is said to be more powerful than some over-the-counter drugs.

Turmeric contains an active ingredient known as curcumin which has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties properties that encourage blood circulation and cell reproduction in problem areas specially for those with skin problems such as redness and irritation.

Benefits of turmeric

Turmeric in rich in vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful compounds known as free radicals and protects against diseases. Vitamin C is helpful in boosting the immune system too. Knowing the importance of taking daily supplements of vitamin C, you might want to incorporate turmeric in your diet.

Research also evidence that turmeric plays a vital role in preventing Alzheimer as it helps in stopping brain cells from aging as well as reduces brain inflammation.

However,  according to studies, turmeric has the potential to decrease iron absorption and lower ferritin levels especially in people with low iron levels if consumed in high doses. I recommend using it sparingly if you have a history of iron deficiency anemia.

Benefits of black pepper

Black pepper contains piperine, the main active ingredient in pepper, which reduces inflammation caused by chronic diseases such as asthma, arthritis, chronic gastritis. 

It has been used in Ayurveda for many years to treat common colds, congestion, fever as well digestion issues, relieve flatulence and colic.  

Why the combo turmeric-black pepper

The presence of piperine the active ingredient in black pepper inhibits the metabolism of curcumin. Piperine helps the body absorb turmeric thanks to the active compound, curcumin present in turmeric.

This powerful combo has the ability of fighting many diseases and inflammations in the body.

How to use these two spices in your diet

You can blend turmeric into your smoothies and drinks.

Make your favorite tea with turmeric. Click here to get this turmeric tea recipe.

Add flavor to rice

Turmeric and black pepper can be used as spices to give delicious flavor to your soups and create a salad dressing.

You can add these two spices to your daily diet in many ways apart from sprinkling them on your food. These two spices can be used to create different tasty recipes or mixed in drinks or are available in a form of tablets or capsules.

My Wake-me-up morning shot

I drink this shot on morning when I have a lot of tasks

¼ cup of freshly pressed orange juice (substitute for store-bought)

1 teaspoon of turmeric 

1 teaspoon of ginger powder

A pinch of cinnamon

In a glass, mix the turmeric and ginger powder with the orange juice very well. Voila, you have your morning shot and ready to face your tasks for the day.

Do you use turmeric and black pepper in your diet? please share your tips in the comment box below. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family.