Turmeric Black Pepper: What it is for and how to take it NutritionFacts.org (2023)

FAQs

What is the best way to take turmeric and black pepper? ›

Turmeric and black pepper each have health benefits, due to the compounds curcumin and piperine. As piperine enhances curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2,000%, combining the spices magnifies their effects. They may reduce inflammation and improve digestion, particularly in supplement form.

One study suggests curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, may boost weight loss in people with metabolic syndrome by nearly 5 percent if you take 800 milligrams (mg) with 8 mg piperine — a compound in black pepper — twice daily for 30 days.

The combination of raw turmeric root, black pepper and flax oil makes for a potent shot that your body will thank you for. Simply enjoy one each day for 4-8 weeks to really start noticing the benefits.

Liver disease: There is some concern that turmeric might damage the liver, especially in people with liver disease. Do not use turmeric supplements if you have liver problems. Surgery: Turmeric should be stopped two weeks before a scheduled surgery because of the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

Turmeric should be taken with meals to help with absorption. It's also a good idea to divide it into two doses taken 8 to 12 hours apart. This will help increase absorption and keep levels steady in the body. Dividing the dose may also help reduce possible side effects.

Because of its its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, turmeric has been claimed to be beneficial in inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

But did you know that this golden spice can also have a positive effect on your blood pressure? Yes, Turmeric and blood pressure is a topic that has attracted a lot of active research and many studies have proven turmeric's abilities to control high blood pressure.

Most people find success taking turmeric either in the morning to start their day, or at night before bed to combat inflammation from the day's activities. We also recommend that you take turmeric with a meal since curcumin absorption increases when paired with healthy fats.

What are the side effects of turmeric and black pepper? ›

Side Effects Of Taking Too Much Turmeric Or Black Pepper

Some people have reported side effects such as headache, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, gas, bloating and mouth sores. This can happen if too much is taken at once, which is why we recommend that you take it in moderation.

In fact, they know that just one teaspoon per day of this “Queen of all spices,” which has been prevalent in natural medicine for some 4,000 years, will help keep inflammation, pain, toxins and even some cancers at bay.

The World Health Organization found 1.4 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight is okay for daily intake. It's not advisable to take high doses of turmeric for long periods of time. There isn't enough research to guarantee safety. If you want to take turmeric to relieve pain and inflammation, talk to your doctor.

According to experts, turmeric water is best consumed in the morning. “Though used both in the morning or before bed at night, turmeric water serves to be the most beneficial when had empty stomach as it helps the body burn excess flab,” Chawla said.

Taking turmeric supplements may put you at a higher risk of getting kidney stones. Don't take turmeric supplements if: You're taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil , Motrin ), or Acetaminophen (Tylenol ). Turmeric may lessen the effects of these medications.

Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, and willow.

Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects. Some people can experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. These side effects are more common at higher doses.

Unfortunately, turmeric doesn't offer a quick fix, so you'll need to take it daily to notice results. If you were wondering how long it takes turmeric to work, this can vary from person to person. However, you should usually expect to start noticing improvements in around 4-8 weeks when taken daily.

Turmeric — and especially its most active compound, curcumin — have many scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health and prevent against Alzheimer's and cancer. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

High doses of turmeric could have a blood-thinning effect; if taken on top of prescribed anticoagulants, this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. People with liver or bile duct problems should not take turmeric supplements, as they can increase bile production.

Is turmeric and black pepper good for nerve pain? ›

Pain relief

Turmeric and black pepper together create an unbeatable combo for relief from chronic pain - piperine in black pepper activates cellular receptors (TRPV1) that set off an anti-pain reaction in the body which in turn brings about significant relief – even from nerve-related pain.

Turmeric's main active component — curcumin — is what gives the spice its yellow color. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, including reduced pain and increased ease of movement in people with osteoarthritis.

From these studies, it appears that turmeric mainly affects total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. One study conducted in rabbits fed a high-fat diet showed that turmeric appeared to lower LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides, as well as prevent LDL from being oxidized.

From fighting inflammation to supplying ample antioxidants, turmeric does it all. The common Ayurvedic medicinal spice is also widely used to aid in sleep quality.

High doses of turmeric can lower blood sugar or blood pressure, which means people taking diabetes or blood-pressure medication should use caution while taking turmeric supplements. People preparing for surgery should avoid turmeric supplements because turmeric can increase the risk of bleeding.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of nature's most potent anti-inflammatories, due to a compound called curcumin. This not only reduces arterial inflammation, but also fatty deposits known as plaque, by as much as 26%! That's pretty impressive for a pinch of spice.

The recommended daily dose for turmeric powder is about 3 grams per day, which is equivalent to a teaspoon.

“It's safe to take up to 8 grams per day, but my recommendation would be somewhere on the lighter side: 500 to 1,000 milligrams a day for the general population,” says Hopsecger. For optimal absorption, try taking with heart-healthy fats like oils, avocado, nuts and seeds, she adds.

Seema Singh, chief clinical nutritionist & HOD, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, told indianexpress.com, “Besides reducing inflammation associated with obesity, consumption of turmeric increases the metabolic rate which helps burn calories faster in the body. Turmeric water or turmeric tea can help you reduce belly fat.

The best turmeric supplements combine curcumin and black pepper. Adding black pepper can increase absorption of curcumin by 2,000%! The liver actively tries to get rid of the curcumin. By adding even just a pinch of pepper, this helps to suppress this process, allowing curcumin levels in the bloodstream to rise.

Who should not take black pepper? ›

The scientific community recommends against the use of black pepper during pregnancy. Its pungency can cause a burning sensation to the body of the infant (9). In a female mice study, the piperine in black pepper was found to interfere with several reproductive events (10).

It has been proven that consuming spicy foods from peppers that contain capsaicin can help lower blood pressure.

Turmeric can be a great part of your diet and doesn't have significant side effects. But in high doses (more than 8 grams or about ½ tablespoon), the curcumin can cause upset stomach, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Turmeric Spice

The bold deep yellow pigments in this spice can turn your teeth just as yellow over time. Turmeric can also stain anything it touches, so be careful when using it.

The analysis included 7 eligible studies (649 patients). Turmeric and curcumin significantly reduced serum LDL-C (SMD = −0.340, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.530 to −0.150, P < 0.0001) and TG (SMD = −0.214, 95% CI: −0.369 to −0.059, P = 0.007) levels as compared to those in the control group.

Eat With Good Fats

So, by eating the turmeric with good fats, like avocado, olive oil or coconut oil, you're more likely to absorb more of it into your bloodstream. This is also why turmeric is commonly mixed with warm milk—any kind of milk including coconut, cow, almond.

Cooking with fats such as coconut oil, or mixing a golden latte or smoothie with full fat dairy, almond or coconut milk will optimise the body's absorption of curcumin. If you are taking a turmeric supplement it is best to take them with meals or choose a supplement which contains a bioavailability enhancer.

The Best Ratio of Turmeric to Black Pepper

However, a good rule of thumb is generally 1/4 of a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to 1 teaspoon of Tumeric powder. This works out to roughly 1:4 for a ratio.

According to experts, turmeric water is best consumed in the morning. “Though used both in the morning or before bed at night, turmeric water serves to be the most beneficial when had empty stomach as it helps the body burn excess flab,” Chawla said.

Who should not ingest turmeric? ›

Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements. Because turmeric may act like a blood thinner, you should stop taking it at least 2 weeks before surgery.

In India, it was traditionally used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system. Today, turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others.

The typical study dose of 500 to 2,000 mg of turmeric per day had potential benefits. The exact dose depends on the medical condition. The Arthritis Foundation suggests taking turmeric capsules (400 to 600 mg) 3 times per day. Another option is to take a half to three grams of the root powder every day.

Turmeric supplements come in a number of different forms. Some are paired with other ingredients to enhance absorption and accessibility by the body. Three formulations that have been tested for superior absorption and used in products we recommend include Meriva, BCM-95, and Longvida®.

Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, and willow.

“It's safe to take up to 8 grams per day, but my recommendation would be somewhere on the lighter side: 500 to 1,000 milligrams a day for the general population,” says Hopsecger. For optimal absorption, try taking with heart-healthy fats like oils, avocado, nuts and seeds, she adds.