TURMEREC'S IMPORTANCE

Turmeric and black pepper

have each been associated with several health benefits. Combined, however, the health- promoting properties of these two ingredients are

amplified exponentially.

Why do you need black pepper with turmeric? To put

it simply, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is responsible for most of its powerful health benefits. Likewise, black pepper also contains an alkaloid known as piperine, which has also been shown to have medicinal properties that are thought to be therapeutic in the treatment of many conditions. Curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body on its own. Pairing it with piperine, however, can significantly boost its absorption and allow the body to use it more efficiently.

One study conducted by the Department of Pharmacology at St. John’s Medical College in India even found that administering the two together increased the bioavailability of curcumin by 2,000 percent. When combined, these two ingredients can come with some serious benefits, ranging from decreased inflammation to better digestion and beyond.

Benefits may include.

• Decrease Inflammation. Black pepper and turmeric can have a powerful impact on inflammation. In fact, one study published in Oncogene actually tested the anti-inflammatory properties of several different compounds and found that curcumin was among the most potent. In addition to enhancing the absorption of curcumin, piperine has been shown to boast its own set of anti-inflammatory effects as well. A 2009 animal model out of Korea actually found that piperine was effective at reducing several markers of inflammation in rats with arthritis.

• Contain Cancer-Fighting Properties. In recent years, the use of turmeric and black pepper for cancer has been heavily researched. Although current research is limited mostly to in vitro studies, studies suggest that curcumin could help block the growth and spread of cancer cells while still preserving the viability of healthy cells. Similarly, piperine has been shown to help kill off cancer cells and prevent tumor formation in test-tube studies, with some research indicating that it could be beneficial in the treatment of colon cancer.

• Using turmeric and black pepper for arthritis can be an effective way to manage pain and treat symptoms right at the source. This is because, in addition to having antiinflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, turmeric and black pepper have been shown to act as natural pain relievers as well. For example, an animal study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine demonstrated that piperine is effective at treating pain in rats after just two hours, even when used in lower doses. Another study out of India also found that administering turmeric to postoperative patients helped significantly decrease pain and fatigue compared to a placebo.

The list goes on, and there is more to come.

From the Scriptures for America Dragon Slayer Newsletter, 2023, Vol. 4.