Turmeric

Turmeric

You have probably heard a lot about the health benefits of turmeric in your diet........

 
This rhizome related to the ginger family has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine. It has an impressive list of health claims including, but not limited to, cancer fighting properties, wound healing, potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain relief with many of these claims still under debated by the scientific community.

A compound called curcumin (a yellow pigment) is responsible for most of the associated health claims surrounding turmeric. Curcumin has been shown to have low water solubility, is not readily absorbed in the intestine, and can be readily broken down once consumed (1). Now this little bit of information may make you think that maybe there is not much benefit in consuming turmeric in your food……

What if there was something you could include with your meal that could increase curcumin uptake by 2000% and you already have it in your pantry? 😮

Studies have shown that when curcumin is consumed with piperine it is readily absorbed by the body with a 2000% increase (2). Piperine is found in black pepper at quantities around 5-10%. So, if you like to eat turmeric because you’ve heard it’s good for you and/or because it gives great flavours to your food preparations don’t forget to add some ground black pepper. You will get a lot more from your food than just great taste!!

1. Nelson K, Dahlin J, Bisson J, et al. The essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin. JMed Chem. 2017;60:1620–1637.
2. Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, et al. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Medica 1998;64:353-356.