Turmeric’s magic lies in its active compound, curcumin. Curcumin, the bright yellow pigment in turmeric, has captivated the world with its potential health benefits.
What are the benefits of turmeric?
Many health benefits of turmeric, and curcumin in particular, have been promoted. Although further research is required, potential advantages of turmeric may include:
- Reducing swelling
- Fighting cancer
- Boosting mood
- Treating pain
- Improving memory
- Protecting the heart
However, curcumin has notoriously low bioavailability, meaning your body struggles to absorb it. That’s where the question arises: what’s the best way to take curcumin?
THE BEST WAYS TO BOOST CURCUMIN ABSORPTION
Here are some key strategies to maximize curcumin absorption:
MIX – WITH HEALTHY FATS
Curcumin dissolves more readily in the presence of fat since it is fat-soluble. When curcumin binds to fat, our gut can absorb it more readily.
Cooking with fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, or ghee in your meals or creating a golden latte or smoothie with full-fat milk will maximize the body’s absorption of curcumin.
MIX – WITH BLACK PEPPER
Piperine, a component of black pepper, has been proven to make curcumin more bioavailable. Thus, piperine dramatically boosts the absorption of curcumin by as much as 2,000%.
Therefore, cooking with turmeric, freshly ground black pepper and lipids together is a terrific combo to improve your absorption of curcumin.
HEAT IT
Heat changes a lot of spices. Studies have revealed that heating curcumin intensifies its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics while fortifying its capacity to combat cancer cells.
While heating turmeric for less than 15 minutes does not destroy it, it does improve curcumin’s bioavailability. Thus, incorporating turmeric into your food—like scrambled eggs or curry—or heating it up in a golden latte can maximize the body’s absorption of the spice.
WHOLE – USE THE WHOLE TURMERIC ROOT
Traditional medicine has long used the whole turmeric root and research is suggesting that the various chemicals work synergistically together and can aid in the absorption of curcumin.
Both cooking with the entire turmeric root and taking supplements for health benefits are advised. This reflects the belief that whole plants are usually better than isolates. Eating turmeric in its original form—as Mother Nature intended—is therefore another strategy to increase your absorption of curcumin.
These four simple steps are easily done at home and incorporated into your favourite recipes. In this easy and delicious way, you can boost your body’s ability to absorb curcumin, maximise its bioavailability, and enjoy all the benefits of this amazing super spice. Drinks such as turmeric latte, Immunity Shots, and Gut Healing Soup infused with turmeric are becoming increasingly popular and can be made easily at home.
Who should not take turmeric?
Those who suffer from any of the following conditions should avoid using turmeric:
* Nursing or pregnant
* Gallstones, either past or present;
* Kidney stones, either past or present
* Diabetes
* Turmeric allergy
Remember, consistency is key, and enjoying turmeric regularly is the best way to reap its long-term benefits
Detoxpri 