We’ve got another great food combination for you to add to your list! Rhea Dhanbhoora tells you why using turmeric and black pepper together is a good idea and why they are such a power packed combination
Tumeric, more popularly known as haldi in India, is known for its flavourful aroma, the tanginess it adds to Indian meals and of course, its bright yellow colour, that can leave your fingers stained. And then there's black pepper — a necessity in all your meals. Most Indian dishes will include both spices, so you’re already getting the nutrients from this power-packed duo. If your meals don’t include this combination yet, read on to see why they should.
Turmeric has several health benefits, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. It protects you from cancer, fights tumours and is an all-round health improving agent. However, it doesn’t have enough of what is called a bio-availability when it is consumed alone. This is the proportion of the spice that enters your circulation, in order fors it to have an active effect. This is where black pepper comes in to save the day.
Black pepper contains piperine, which enhances turmeric’s bio-availability. The curcumin (a polyphenol) in the turmeric has a large amount of health benefits when the two are eaten together. When they’re combined, the pain helps to control obesity and also to fight high cholesterol levels and diabetes. This occurs because turmeric and pepper help change blood glucose and body weight, as well as control bad cholesterol.
They also help relieve gastic mucosal damage and contain several antioxidants that can help improve your memory and protect it from a range of cognitive impairments.
Remember that just like any other food, too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing. Consuming too much of this combination can slow down your liver, cause nausea and dizziness and even lead to cases of indigestion.
Pregnant women should also avoid the combination since it might interfere with their system. But, there’s no problem adding both turmeric and black pepper to your food — so go ahead and make the most of this.