
A concoction of turmeric, black pepper, and ghee can help you sail smoothly through this monsoon, thanks to a host of health benefits. Here’s what science has to say about this age-old combination.
The monsoon is an exciting time to experience beautiful rains and cold weather, but it’s also when we need to be extra cautious about our health.
The humid and wet climate enables several microorganisms to thrive, making the season perfect for a slew of infections and waterborne diseases like malaria, dengue, cholera etc. In order to be safe, it is essential to take care of your health by making a few changes in your diet and lifestyle.
From avoiding street food to having a balanced diet, there are many tips passed down from our mothers and grandmothers to follow during the rains.
One such has been a concoction of turmeric, black pepper and ghee, all three of which are known for their health benefits.
1. Helps in reducing inflammation
Curcumin, the bioactive compound in turmeric, and piperine, the bioactive compound in black pepper, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
The combination of these two can aid in reducing chronic inflammation in the body that can cause health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, asthma, stroke, and autoimmune diseases, as well as bone-related diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Besides, ghee also contains butyrate — a fatty acid — that also carries anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Promotes digestion
Another benefit of taking this concoction is that it boosts the process of digestion. Piperine helps stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce gastrointestinal food transit time.
On the other hand, turmeric can cure several digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, leaky gut, etc.
Ghee also aids fast absorption and digestion of food by stimulating the secretion of stomach acids.
3. Boosts immunity
The combination of turmeric and black pepper are ideal for boosting the immune system. Turmeric and black pepper have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that can help improve the immune system, especially during monsoons.
Ghee contains several fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E and K, monounsaturated Omega-3s and butyrate, which also help build immunity.
4. Enhances memory and cognition
Several studies note that curcumin has the ability to improve the functioning of the brain and improve moods. Moreover, several studies have observed that piperine helps improve memory and lower depression symptoms. A combination of both could help boost brain health and lower the chance of disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and so on.
5. Healthy heart
Curcumin in turmeric is known for improving the function of endothelium — the lining inside the blood vessels — thereby helping in regulating blood pressure and preventing blood clotting. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have the potential to improve heart health.
Several studies on animals have highlighted the role of piperine in helping decrease cholesterol levels. Piperine is also noted for boosting the absorption of dietary supplements that have potential cholesterol-lowering effects, like turmeric
Adding ghee into the combination would rather enhance the effect as certain studies suggest that the saturated fats in ghee aids a healthy cardiovascular system.
How to make the concoction?
Ingredients
- 1 tsp of turmeric powder
- 1 tsp of melted ghee
- 1/8th tsp of ground black pepper
Preparation
- Mix the three ingredients together.
- It is advised to consume it on an empty stomach.
- If made in large quantities, the concoction can be preserved in a glass jar.