The combination of black pepper and turmeric is considered a miracle for health. Most of turmeric’s benefits are based on the presence of compounds called curcuminoids, with “curcumin” being the foremost. Curcumin is one of the active ingredients in turmeric and has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As a polyphenol, curcumin provides numerous health benefits, including being a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Black pepper, with its sharp and aromatic taste, is derived from compounds such as piperine, oleic acid, and capsaicin. Piperine, responsible for black pepper’s sharp taste, also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Oleic acid is a strong antioxidant that protects cells against harmful effects, and capsaicin, which also imparts a sharp taste, has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, black pepper is rich in manganese, iron, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, making it a good anti-inflammatory agent.
Piperine helps alleviate nausea, headaches, and digestive problems. While curcumin in turmeric alone is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream, when combined with black pepper, the piperine in black pepper can increase curcumin absorption by up to 2000%. Many brain disorders, such as depression and Alzheimer’s, are associated with a decrease in BDNF levels. Curcumin can increase BDNF levels, potentially preventing or delaying many age-related brain diseases and disorders. Additionally, curcumin might enhance memory and intelligence by boosting BDNF.
Curcumin is so potent that some studies suggest it can be as effective as certain anti-inflammatory drugs without side effects. Turmeric plays a significant role in preventing and treating arthritis, characterized by inflammation and joint pain, and is crucial in preventing Alzheimer’s.
When curcumin and piperine are combined, they form a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can help reduce discomfort and pain. The combination of black pepper with turmeric enhances the absorption of many minerals and vitamins, such as vitamins C and A, from foods entering the digestive system. Therefore, using them in a balanced manner in meals can help prevent issues like diabetes, insulin resistance, Alzheimer’s, bloating, fatty liver, vascular blockages, high bad cholesterol, obesity, and many other problems.
The Nature of Black Pepper and Turmeric
Black pepper and turmeric have a warm and dry nature, and they are very effective in treating phlegm-related diseases in various organs like the respiratory system, digestive system, muscles, and joints.
- The combined use of black pepper and turmeric warms the body, providing appropriate warmth when used correctly but causing heat stress if used excessively.
- Adding black pepper and turmeric to most dishes as a spice helps lighten and improve digestion.
- This combination helps remove moisture from the body, but excessive consumption can harm individuals with a dry temperament.
The combination of these two components is a miraculous solution for many disorders, including digestive issues, bloating, diarrhea, respiratory problems, etc. Turmeric combined with black pepper is also very beneficial for nervous disorders, and chewing them with raisins can help clear excess moisture from the brain and stomach.
This combination increases mucus discharge and, when mixed with honey, can clean the lungs and prevent mucus buildup and moisture in the chest, alleviating chest pain, shortness of breath, asthma, and throat irritation due to mucus. Additionally, the combination of black pepper and turmeric is very beneficial for treating stroke, organ laxity, increased moisture in the kidneys, cold and moist diseases, and relieving spasms and discomfort, and it is particularly useful during the winter months when symptoms worsen.
Neutralizing Harmful Compounds in Cooked Meats
HCAs (Heterocyclic Amines) and aromatic PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) form during high-temperature cooking of animal meats like beef, fish, and chicken, such as grilling or frying. These compounds can cause mutations, potentially leading to DNA changes and increased cancer risk. PAHs can also form during other cooking processes like smoking meat. HCAs are found in significant amounts in foods cooked at high temperatures. PAHs are present in smoked foods, as well as in cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust fumes.
However, after cooking meat, mixing a blend of black pepper and turmeric powder with natural oils like sesame oil, ghee, coconut oil, tail fat, or olive oil and adding it to the cooked meat can neutralize these heterocyclic amines and hydrocarbons. It also enhances the absorption of the food in the body.
Since both black pepper and curcumin are fat-soluble substances, combining them with fresh lemon juice and coconut oil helps them absorb perfectly on their own and aids in the absorption of nutrients found in the intestines and blood vessels. This combination plays a significant role in preventing forgetfulness, vascular blockages, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes, and in strengthening the digestive system, immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system.
Reference:
“The Nature and Effects of Medicinal Plants,” Farzollah Gholizadeh and Fariba Bayrami
