The best turmeric supplements combine curcumin and black pepper. Adding black pepper can increase absorption of curcumin by 2,000%! The liver actively tries to get rid of the curcumin. By adding even just a pinch of pepper, this helps to suppress this process, allowing curcumin levels in the bloodstream to rise.
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.
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.
For our bodies to effectively maximize the healing benefits of turmeric, we need to activate it. Otherwise, we won't be able to absorb turmeric to its full potential as it could only bypass our tissues and be filtered out by our bodies.
Even just a little pinch of pepper—1/20th of a teaspoon—can significantly boost curcumin levels. And guess what a common ingredient in curry powder is besides turmeric? Black pepper.
(3) You must also use black pepper only; its active compound, piperine, is what encourages turmeric absorption. The compound in cayenne, capsaicin, does not have the same effects (although it is extremely good for you).
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.
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.
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.
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%.
When can you expect to see results? In one study, participants reported improvements in joint discomfort after supplementing with 2 grams of turmeric daily for 6 weeks. Another study reported results after 8-12 weeks of supplementation with 1 gram of turmeric daily.
The recommended daily dose for turmeric powder is about 3 grams per day, which is equivalent to a teaspoon.
Another way to increase the bioavailability of turmeric is to consume this spice with a source of fat (such as avocado, nut butters and nuts, fish, etc.), and therefore curcumin will directly be absorbed into the blood stream and bypass the liver.
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.
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.
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.
The only genuinely official advice is to take your curcumin within three hours before or after your meal. Some studies have also implied that taking curcumin in the evening makes it slightly more difficult for some individuals to sleep. However, this effect is not universal and will vary from person to person.
When taken by mouth: Turmeric is likely safe when used short-term. Turmeric products that provide up to 8 grams of curcumin daily seem to be safe when used for up to 2 months, Also, taking up to 3 grams of turmeric daily seems to be safe when used for up to 3 months. Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects.
Unfortunately, turmeric doesn't offer a quick fix, so you'll need to take it daily to notice results. If you were wondering how long it takes turmeric to work, this can vary from person to person. However, you should usually expect to start noticing improvements in around 4-8 weeks when taken daily.
Most people find success taking turmeric either in the morning to start their day, or at night before bed to combat inflammation from the day's activities. We also recommend that you take turmeric with a meal since curcumin absorption increases when paired with healthy fats.
The Science Behind Turmeric and Turmeric Extracts
Multiple studies have shown that taking higher doses of curcumin in supplement form — around 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day — had similar pain relief effects to taking a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
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.
One of the easiest ways to get a feel for the taste of turmeric and black pepper is to blend the two into a latte, and this tasty drink is a snap to make. In addition to turmeric and black pepper, it also incorporates ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, honey, and vanilla for maximum spice and flavor.
Ultimately, the best spice for you depends on your individual needs. If you are looking for an anti inflammatory agent, turmeric is a good choice. However, if you are looking to boost your metabolism, cayenne pepper may be a better option.
The natural acids in coffee can make it difficult for the spice to dissolve, affecting the solubility of a compound in turmeric. That compound is curcumin, found in spices like ginger and turmeric.