Frequently used in curries throughout the world and popular for its distinctive deep gold colour when used in the cooking process, Turmeric spice gives food a fantastic taste and some great health benefits.
Due to these numerous health benefits, Turmeric has long been used in traditional Ayurveda medicine for centuries.
However, various studies have shown that when combining the incredible healing benefits of Turmeric with black pepper, the positive effects may be enhanced. These two superfoods are full of anti-inflammatory properties that can really help those suffering from uncomfortable and painful symptoms of arthritis.
Typically, arthritis is treated with the prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, this type of medication has been attributed to a higher risk of developing heart failure according to a study in The British Medical Journal.
Discover how you could benefit from including Turmeric and black pepper in your diet as a natural alternative to help you relieve the symptoms of arthritis below.
What is inside Turmeric that may help with arthritis?
Grown in India and Indonesia, the Turmeric plant which is related to the Ginger plant family contains a key chemical called curcumin which is what makes this spice such a good superfood. Curcumin can help to reduce pain, inflammation, aid in digestion and is known to help treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and even bursitis.
Curcumin is known to block various inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that are known to aggravate inflammation and responses from the immune system. In particular, joint pain and inflammation may be reduced when taking the superfood Turmeric alongside a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
The most common way to include Turmeric in your diet is to purchase Turmeric powder from a reliable health foods retailer. There are many savoury ways that you can enjoy Turmeric powder alongside black pepper, such as including it in curries, soups, smoothies and even in Turmeric Tea.
What is inside Black Pepper that may help with arthritis?
The piperine found inside Black Pepper acts as an alkaloid similar to capsaicin, which is the active ingredient found inside cayenne pepper and chilli powder. Piperine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient, which may help to reduce joint pain in arthritis sufferers, as well as helping to relieve poor digestion, headaches and nausea.
However, where piperine really comes into its own is when black pepper is taken alongside Turmeric because it can also help to boost the body’s absorption of curcumin. There are two theories as to why piperine can help with this. The first is that by adding Black Pepper to Turmeric, the piperine makes it much easier for the curcumin to pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.
The second is that it could potentially reduce the amount that curcumin is broken down inside the liver, which will help to increase its levels in the bloodstream so it can be transported better to the joints affected by arthritis.
That’s why there is strong evidence to suggest that people suffering from joint pain may benefit from taking both Turmeric and black pepper to help them manage to live with arthritis.
If you want to enjoy the health benefits of Turmeric and black pepper to help combat joint pain, one of the most common ways you can do this is to consume the two superfoods together in Turmeric tea, alongside honey and Ginger. You can also combine Turmeric powder and black pepper with olive oil or coconut oil, as the basis for cooking a warming and tasty curry.
Remember, the best way to enjoy the benefits of Turmeric and black pepper is to ensure that you always purchase your Turmeric powder through an accredited retailer.
