Why You Should Always Mix Turmeric with Black Pepper
Turmeric has been a hit in the health world for years. This golden spice is praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. But using turmeric on its own isn’t enough to reap all those benefits. The trick? A pinch of black pepper.
The magic of black pepper
Curcuminoids, the active component in turmeric, are a real all-rounder. They can reduce inflammation, boost your immune system and even work as an antioxidant. But there’s a small problem: your body can’t absorb them very well. This is where black pepper comes in. Combining the two enhances their effects—the whole one-plus-one-equals-three effect, so to speak.
Besides black pepper, turmeric has another ally: fat. Curcumin is fat-soluble, which means you need a splash of oil, coconut milk or another source of fat to get the most out of your turmeric.
How do you use turmeric in the kitchen?
Golden milk
Golden milk is not only wonderfully warming, but also a perfect way to enjoy the benefits of turmeric. Don’t feel like making it yourself? No problem—you can buy it ready-made; a quick Google search will point you in the right direction. But if you’d rather make it yourself, it’s actually very simple. We previously shared the recipe for golden milk.
Dishes
Chicken curry is a true classic that always goes down well. Make it extra creamy by adding coconut milk, and don’t forget that pinch of black pepper for optimal flavor and absorption. Or how about a stir-fry with fish? Thai spices pair perfectly with omega-3-rich fish such as salmon or shrimp, for a healthy and flavorful meal. You can even upgrade a simple egg by sprinkling some of the spice mix over a fried or boiled egg. Little effort, big effect!
Tea
You’ll find ready-made turmeric tea in health-food stores, but why not make it yourself? It’s easy, delicious and you can tailor it completely to your taste. Extra tip: Add a piece of fresh ginger or a few mint leaves for an extra kick. Ingredients for one mug:
- hot water
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder or several slices of fresh turmeric
- a little lemon juice, honey and cinnamon, to taste
Coffee
Turmeric is delicious in coffee too. FavorFlav’s Sharon hasn’t done anything else since her trip to Oman. Mix some cayenne pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom—twice as much ginger as the other ingredients, and go easy on the cloves—into your black coffee or cappuccino, and you’ll have a wonderfully heartwarming cup of coffee.
Also read:
- This fruit contains the most vitamin C (and no, it’s not a lemon)
- Are chia seeds the miracle drink for a flat stomach? We put them to the test
- This is the healthiest food in the world, and nobody eats it
Source: OERsterk.nu
