A tropical perennial, turmeric is a member of the ginger family and, like ginger, the spice comes from the underground rhizomes of the plant. It is native to India.
As a spice, turmeric features in Ayurvedic medicine. Its healing properties have been well documented in folk medicine and are now being studied by scientists.
Black Pepper is not necessary for turmeric to be effective, but it can be helpful.
Black pepper contains a compound, piperine, which inhibits the metallic breakdown of turmeric compounds in the gut and liver. This allows higher levels of turmeric compounds to remain in the body (i.e., it increases its bioavailability), which may increase the effects of turmeric.
Turmeric (Curcumin) Supplements Review Q/A
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