Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Ultimate Immunity Booster. !!
We are all aware of the huge benefits our age-old haldi also known as turmeric encompasses. For centuries, traditional systems like Ayurveda have used turmeric, both fresh and as a dried spice powder, to promote health.
The most important constituent of Turmeric is the curcuminoids (Compound which has been proven to have medicinal properties). The most important Curcuminoids in turmeric is Curcumin. Curcumin is the most active ingredient in turmeric, which is a very strong anti-oxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects. Typically Curcumin % (by weight) in turmeric hovers between 1.5% to 3.2%. In our household, it’s an age-old practice to have Haldi wala Dudh (Milk with turmeric) in case of cold or slight fever. The age old practice of indian household of using Turmeric Milk has now manifested in western world in the form of turmeric Latte milk !!! There’s hardly a system in the body that isn’t supported by turmeric.
And every traditional Indian bride is layered in turmeric paste before her wedding to create a special glow !!!
Black Pepper Like salt, is one of the most ubiquitous spice in all Indian households. Pepper is also mentioned in Charak Samhita, and in Ayurveda, it has been widely used for its healing and balancing effects. Modern scientific research confirms the benefits of pepper in the treatment and prevention of cold, cough, Laryngitis, and also for immune deficiency.
Now what if, two favourite spices from Ayurveda are taken together…!!!
Latest research shows that the compound curcumin found in haldi is enhanced by 2000 times if a product piperine is added to it!!! Yes, its true proved by Cancer research and treatment cell of National Institute of Health. Now where do I go searching for this almost unknown product!! Look no further !!. Piperine is a compound that exists in pepper powder, our spicy black balls kali mirchi (Black Pepper).
Yes a study found that the immunity booster triggers and helps us extract the best in haldi by adding pepper to it. With just 1/20 teaspoon of black pepper, the bioavailability of turmeric is greatly improved, and turmeric's benefits are further enhanced.
In these trying times of Covid 19 when we struggle between going out or remaining home, how to keep an anxiety filled children home to keep them away from the pandemic hit, we must give haldi and kali mirchi its fair chance and credit to provide us providence.
The combination can be taken with a glass of warm water or milk. Works best when either we have had food an hour ago or we are an hour ago from eating. Avoids overlapping, and a chance of benefits being impacted by other food items.
So let's improve our health, increase our immunity in this pandemic by using a combination of Turmeric and Black Pepper.
-- Nidhi Garg.