Black pepper & turmeric – The combination that could save lives
A group of scientists from the University of Michigan has come to a conclusion that a combination of black pepper and turmeric could act as a great protection against breast cancer. What is even more interesting is that the same mixture can even help breast cancer patients.
Even though turmeric is a very strong medicinal herb, when it is taken by mouth, the body can’t absorb the nutrients to the fullest because of its fast metabolism in the intestinal wall and liver.
However, black pepper has the ability to increase the level of absorption of curcumin for up to 200% which means that this combination can protect the body from infections, inflammations and cancers.
Health Benefits of Black Pepper and Turmeric
1. Lowers inflammation and reduces pain
Curcumin and piperine are two active ingredients found in these herbs and they have the ability to affect over 700 different genes. In addition, they can inhibit the synthesis and overall activity of 5-LOX (5-lipo-oxygenase) and (COX2) cyclo-oxygenase-2 and the activity of few different enzymes related to inflammation.2. A strong anti-cancer combo
A few studies conducted not while ago have shown that the active compound in black pepper known as piperine makes the active compound of turmeric – curcumin, 1000 times more absorb-able.On the other hand, numerous studies have confirmed that curcumin has very powerful anti-cancer properties. If there is no presence of piperine, the absorb-ability (bio-availability) of turmeric is extremely low.
The popular Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Journal has released a study in which scientists were able to show the efficiency of black pepper and turmeric combination in targeting and eliminating cancer cells.
