Turmeric for curry, meat and for anti-inflammation tea

Benefits of the yellow root range from gut health, antibiotic features and a natural dye

Turmeric or curcumin can be found in various spice mixes and health cocktails, and wellness shows with ginger, and lemon juice. This is a great spice that has benefits for your gut health and can act anti-inflammatory or even help prevent some cancers and boosts your immunity. Used in curries, stews, for chicken and vegetable meals, but the spice from the ginger resembling root has much more than you might think^[1].

Turmeric is a yellow powder that is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is found in countries like India and other Southeast Asian nations. It belongs to the ginger family or Zingiberaceae family and has a distinct taste that is described as earthy, bitter, musky, and slightly peppery. The herb contains curcuminoids, which are types of polyphenols, and the most active compound is curcumin. Curcumin has several health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties^[2].

Turmeric has been found to help slow or prevent blood clots from forming by reducing platelet aggregation in lab and animal studies. Curcumin has been shown to be an effective treatment method for people who are prone to vascular thrombosis and require antiarthritic therapy.

In addition, turmeric can help reduce depression symptoms due to the way that curcumin impacts neurotransmitter function through the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Several studies have shown that curcumin is as effective as fluoxetine in managing depression and may improve depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Another significant benefit of turmeric is its ability to fight inflammation, and curcumin is considered one of the most effective anti-inflammatory compounds in the world. Several animal studies have shown that curcumin may help with Alzheimer's symptoms by reversing existing amyloid pathology and associated neurotoxicity, which is a key feature of the progression of this neurological disease related to chronic inflammation^[3].

Turmeric can also boost skin health by improving the glow and luster of the skin, speeding up wound healing, and controlling psoriasis flares, among other things. It has even been found to clear up 97 percent of scabies cases within three to 15 days, according to an uncontrolled pilot study.

Turmeric is also used as a digestive healing agent in ayurvedic medicine and can contribute to healthy digestion due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Western medicine has started to study how turmeric can help with gut inflammation and gut permeability, two measures of digestive efficiency, and it is even being explored as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

One tablespoon (about nine grams) of ground turmeric contains:

• 29 calories
• 6 grams carbohydrates
• 1 gram protein
• 0.3 gram fat
• 2 grams fiber
• 1.86 milligram manganese (26 percent DV)
• 5 milligrams iron (16 percent DV)
• 0.01 milligram vitamin B6 (6 percent DV)
• 196 milligrams potassium (5 percent DV)
• 19 milligrams magnesium (3 percent DV)

Health benefits: helps skin and gut, stop inflammation, and aids brain, and mental health

Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking, is a common ingredient in many Indian and Southeast Asian dishes. In recent years, turmeric has gained attention for its potential health benefits. Here are some of the ways that turmeric may be beneficial for your health.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Studies have shown that curcumin may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with these conditions.

Pain relief: Turmeric has been traditionally used to treat pain, and recent research suggests that it may be effective in reducing pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin has been found to have analgesic properties, and may be a safe and effective alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief.

Brain health: Curcumin may have a protective effect on the brain. It has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment and may even help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin has also been found to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is important for the growth and survival of neurons.

Digestive health: Turmeric has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Studies have found that curcumin may help to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and improve gut health. Curcumin has also been shown to have anti-microbial properties that may help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Anti-cancer properties: Curcumin has been found to have anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies, and may help to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. Studies have shown that curcumin may be effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

Overall, turmeric is a spice with many potential health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, incorporating turmeric into your diet may be a simple and natural way to support your health. Whether you add it to your meals, drink it as tea, or take it in supplement form, turmeric may be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

Why is it crucial to take turmeric with black pepper?

Turmeric, also called the golden spice, is a tall plant that is native to Asia and Central America. It has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries to treat various health problems and is known for giving curry its yellow color. Recent studies have shown that it has numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and disease-fighting properties.

However, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is not well absorbed by the body. That's where black pepper comes in. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that can enhance the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%. Combining turmeric and black pepper can have numerous benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain, helping prevent cancer, and aiding digestion.

Piperine also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce nausea, headaches, and poor digestion. Together, curcumin and piperine create a potent inflammation-fighting duo that can help improve overall health.

Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to treat a variety of health conditions. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a potent antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

However, despite the numerous health benefits of turmeric, curcumin is not well absorbed in the body. Fortunately, there is a solution. When combined with black pepper, turmeric's absorption rate increases, leading to enhanced health benefits.

Black pepper contains an alkaloid called piperine, which is responsible for its pungent taste and has been shown to have various health benefits. Most importantly, piperine can help increase the absorption of curcumin. This is why wellness shots with turmeric and other cocktails with curcumin have black pepper too.

Studies show that when piperine and curcumin are combined, the absorption of curcumin increases by up to 2,000%. This means that you can experience the full benefits of turmeric when it is combined with black pepper. The combination of curcumin and piperine has a range of health benefits, making it an excellent addition to your diet. This duet can help with various issues.

Fights inflammation and helps reduce pain

Both curcumin and piperine have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a powerful inflammation-fighting duo. Curcumin has been shown to match the power of some anti-inflammatory drugs without the negative side effects. Studies also demonstrate that turmeric may play a role in preventing and treating arthritis.

Piperine, on the other hand, helps desensitize a specific pain receptor in your body, reducing feelings of discomfort. When combined, curcumin and piperine can help reduce pain and temporary discomfort^[4].

May help prevent cancer

Curcumin shows promise in not only treating but even preventing cancer. Test-tube studies suggest that it can decrease cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level. Piperine also seems to play a role in the death of certain cancer cells, decreasing the risk of tumor formation.

One study showed that curcumin and piperine, both separately and in combination, interrupted the self-renewal process of breast stem cells, which is where breast cancer originates. Further studies point to curcumin and piperine having protective effects against additional cancers, including prostate, pancreatic, and colorectal.

Aids in digestion

Indian medicine has relied on turmeric to help with digestion for thousands of years. Modern studies support its use, showing that it can help reduce gut spasms and flatulence. Piperine has been shown to enhance the activity of digestive enzymes in the gut, which helps your body process food more quickly and easily. The anti-inflammatory properties of both turmeric and piperine may also aid in reducing gut inflammation, which can help with digestion^[5].

In conclusion, taking turmeric with black pepper can enhance its absorption and increase its health benefits. The combination of curcumin and piperine can help fight inflammation and reduce pain, prevent cancer, and aid in digestion. So the next time you're making a curry or taking a turmeric supplement, be sure to add some black pepper to maximize its health benefits.

From stews to lattes, the nutritional applications are endless

Turmeric can be used to flavor our everyday meals. In fact, at home, we use a powder derived from the rhizome of the plant called turmeric. This powder, pure or mixed with other spices, can be used to enhance the flavor of a wide range of dishes, to flavor stews, stews, and soups, to mix with rice, or simply to color the dough of sweet or savory pastries. 

Nowadays, turmeric is being used in more and more unusual ways. For example, in major supermarkets, you can find cheeses and soft drinks flavored and colored with this spice. More recently, turmeric powder has been used as an alternative to coffee in latte coffee. Turmeric powder is poured over warm milk or water and, for those who prefer, flavored with honey, vanilla extract, or cinnamon.

In recent years, turmeric has increasingly become an ingredient in cosmetic products, and pharmaceutical campaigns have turned to the plant for the production of dietary supplements and other well-being products. 

However, if you are just getting to know turmeric, don't be too quick to add it everywhere and in large quantities. Moderation is important when experimenting, as too much turmeric can ruin the taste of your food or drink. It's true that you should be careful in the kitchen, too, as this brightly colored powder is particularly difficult to clean and rinse. Turmeric powder itself should be stored in an airtight container in the dark, avoiding changes in heat and humidity.

How to use turmeric powder and supplements?

Taking turmeric with black pepper can enhance the absorption and bioavailability of its active compound, curcumin, which offers numerous health benefits. However, it's essential to follow the recommended dosage to avoid side effects such as nausea, headaches, and skin rashes, especially when consuming high doses of curcumin. Supplements mainly have these two together.

According to the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), the acceptable daily intake of curcumin is 1.4 mg per pound (3 mg/kg) of body weight. For instance, an 80-kg person should consume around 245 mg of curcumin per day. Therefore, it's crucial to check the dosage recommendations on the supplement packaging before taking any turmeric supplements.

In Indian culture, turmeric and black pepper are traditionally consumed in tea, often mixed with ginger, honey, olive oil, or coconut oil. Since curcumin is fat-soluble, it's advisable to consume it with fat for better absorption. You can make your own wellness shows with lemon juice, ginger, and honey, adding pepper and turmeric powder to it.

In conclusion, turmeric and black pepper offer many health benefits when consumed together, but it's important to follow the recommended dosage to avoid side effects. Taking turmeric with your food and putting it in cocktails or smoothies can help your overall health. Additionally, taking turmeric supplements with piperine can enhance curcumin's absorption and bioavailability, making it more effective in supporting a healthy lifestyle. There might be some side effects when taking any supplement, so always talk with your own doctor before changing your habits.