In fact, research shows that piperine can increase the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%. It is not necessary to take turmeric with black pepper but it can help if you are taking turmeric for health reasons.
Black pepper is not necessary for turmeric to be effective, but it can be helpful. Black pepper contains a compound, piperine, which inhibits the metabolic breakdown of turmeric compounds in the gut and the liver.
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.
With just 1/20 teaspoon or more of black pepper, the bioavailability of turmeric is greatly improved, and turmeric's benefits are further enhanced.
As mentioned above, turmeric is best absorbed when taken with food. Fatty foods, such as eggs and vegetable oils (like coconut or olive oil), are the best to combine with turmeric. This is because they contain a compound called lecithin. Lecithin helps the body absorb turmeric.
HEAT. Many spices are transformed by heat. Their compounds can become altered or activated by this process, and it can be the key to releasing their best effect. Research has found that exposing turmeric and curcumin to heat can increase its solubility in water.
The most effective way to take turmeric is with a liquid, such as in liquid shot form or even blended within a drink or smoothie.
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.
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.
Combining with raw honey packs a power boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Heat it up to help activate it. When cooking, and Turmeric is heated up, it becomes more bioavailable.
You can try cooking with turmeric and black pepper (check out the recipe ideas above), but you'll likely reap even greater anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits by taking a turmeric supplement with added black pepper or piperine.
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.
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.
Studies using high doses of curcumin have reported some mild adverse effects, including nausea, diarrhea, headache, skin rash, and yellow stool. Use of curcumin with piperine a black pepper extract may cause adverse drug reactions because piperine greatly increases intestinal permeability.
In fact, black pepper benefits curcumin absorption. Research has found that consuming just 20mg of piperine per 2g of turmeric can increase curcumin absorption, turmeric's powerful active ingredient, by up to 2000%.
So, how long does it take turmeric to work? Depending on your body mass and condition, it will usually take around 4-8 weeks for you to start noticing improvements to your body and mind.
We also know that turmeric, and especially its active constituent curcumin, are poorly absorbed by the body. The reason for this is that curcumin dissolves in fat, rather than in water, and as the digestive system is a rather watery environment, most of it just ends up being excreted by the body.
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.
The recommended daily dose for turmeric powder is about 3 grams per day, which is equivalent to a teaspoon.
With turmeric powder, you are going to have to consume more of it in order to get the same amount of curcumin. This means that if you are looking for purely health benefits, it is best to simply take the supplements. They are far more concentrated, and get you the curcumin you need without the bloat.
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. When applied to the skin: Turmeric is likely safe.
There are many benefits of drinking turmeric water. First, it is perfect for your heart as it reduces cholesterol levels. In addition, it prevents atherosclerosis. Turmeric water also protects against blood clots and plaque build-up in the arteries.
Turmeric usually does not cause significant side effects; however, some people can experience stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. In one report, a person who took very high amounts of turmeric, over 1500 mg twice daily, experienced a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm.
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.
High doses of turmeric and curcumin are not recommended long-term since research confirming their safety is lacking. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined 1.4 mg per pound (0–3 mg per kilogram) of body weight an acceptable daily intake ( 14 ).