Better together!
Sure, you can use turmeric on its own, by adding it to a variety of recipes. However, if you want to obtain the maximum health benefits that turmeric offers, it is best to take it in a synergistic form with other ingredients that improve bioavailability, absorption and metabolism. These include: Black pepper: This works by activating curcumin, one of the key active ingredients in turmeric. By itself, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, but when black pepper is taken at the same time, absorption is boosted by up to 2,000 per cent. Black pepper has health benefits of its own, being traditionally used as a remedy to relieve headaches, nausea and indigestion. Cinnamon: With anti- inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, this also improves uptake of curcumin.
However, check that it is true or Ceylon cinnamon, which is more nutrient-dense than the more common Cassia cinnamon. Coconut: This superfood has immunity-boosting effects, plus it has a high content of the healthy fatty acids which are essential for absorption of nutrients, especially – you guessed it – turmeric. Ginger: A renowned digestive herb, this has been shown in studies to decrease pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis; pairing it with turmeric creates a powerful one- two anti-inflammatory punch. Clove, cardamom, aniseed and caraway: These ingredients have long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for their anti-inflammatory prowess, making them useful fight-back support for disorders such as arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.
which may be due to either curcumin’s antioxidant action or its protective action on the liver.
Calm irritable bowel syndrome: Studies have indicated that curcumin helps to alleviate many of the symptoms of IBS by calming inflammation in the gut. Age well: Curcumin’s antioxidant properties are thought to slow the ageing process by reducing the effects of oxidative stress. Please seek the advice of your health professional before taking supplements to ensure there are no contraindications with prescribed medications and other existing health conditions. With 35 years’ experience in journalism, Suzy Grinter has written numerous health articles; her family also owned one of the first retail health stores in the UK.
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ISSUE 53 • 2019
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