Wellness Wednesday by Sandy Ryan
- Sandy Ryan
- Feb 9, 2022
- 3 min read
Peperine, What the heck is it and what can it do for YOU?
Many have heard of the amazing benefits of turmeric in the past several years. But, have you wondered why it's often used with black pepper? This fantastic pair is not random (one reason: it helps optimize turmeric's absorption). But this botanical can stand on its own two feet. The secret to black pepper's potent health benefits? An organic compound called piperine and it acts as a bioactive ingredient. Bioactive: Having an effect upon a living organism, tissue, or cell. Biologically active. Antibiotic, enzymes, and vitamins are all bioactive substances. What does 'bioactive' mean in regards to foods? It means there are things in foods that are nonactive themselves, but when mixed with another part, it results in better nutrition.
Piperine is a naturally occurring phytonutrient compound (think of it as black pepper to turmeric like Scotty Pippen to Michael Jordan) that gives freshly ground pepper its sharp, biting flavor. It's found in piper fruits from the Piperaceae family but is most concentrated in Piper nigrum, or black pepper. Black pepper is a plant that has been used in natural remedies and recipes in ancient Indian (Ayurvedic) and Chinese medicine for hundreds of years while piperine's health benefits are touted in modern scientific studies as well.
The health benefits are absolutely astounding. its antioxidant properties supports liver function, a vital organ for many critical pathways in the body—including detoxification.* Piperine also boasts anti-inflammatory support, which have direct relevance for promoting a robust and balanced immune response. Piperine has also been linked to having anti-asthmatic, anticarcinogenic, antiulcer, anti-amoebic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer properties. On the other hand, curcumin, found in turmeric, has been shown to help prevent skin cancers, duodenum, forestomach, and colon cancers in mice. In India and many other regions of the world, piperine and curcumin have been part of the folk remedies hundreds of years.
Since we've entered into the gray days of winter and the many snow storms hitting the USA, I thought I'd the following recipe. It's said depression can be, in part, caused by inflammation, turmeric may help reduce inflammation. The benefits of turmeric are increased when adding the pepper. I've also had an americano with added black pepper. It was amazingly delicious.
MOOD-BOOSTING GOLDEN LATTE
1 c Almond or Oat Milk
1t Turmeric Powder
1/2 t raw Honey
1/4 t ground nutmeg
1 pinch black pepper
Heat all ingredients except nutmeg in medium sauce pan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Pour into mug and sprinkle with nutmeg.
May be sweetened to taste.
Or, add a couple dashes of freshly ground black pepper into your morning coffee.
Please, be sure to comment and let me know if there's another nutrition topic you'd like to hear about. And always, remember, it's OK to not be perfect, just keep moving in the right direction.
This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding any medical condition. NEVER disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
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