Adding Pepper To Your Turmeric Dish Can Give It A Health Boost

Chances are you've seen turmeric, or turmeric-inspired foods everywhere. You know, the superfood spice that gives your food or drink a pretty golden hue? Yep, turmeric has some serious health bennies, like boosting your mood, helping soothe aches and pains, and even preventing breakouts.

But turmeric, despite its recent attention, isn't new, says Vandana Sheth, RDN, author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes. "Turmeric has been used for thousands of years both in food, as well as for medicinal purposes," says Sheth. "It is known for being anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and adds a beautiful golden color to food." Its taste is also reminiscent of other curries, so it has an earthy, bitter favor, with a hint of a peppery kick.

So what about it makes it so super? Well, turmeric contains curcumin, a known polyphenol (a type of antioxidant that fights free radicals that cause cellular damage), Sheth says. Its medicinal properties have also largely been embraced by Ayurvedic medicine (an alternative medicine system with roots in India that focuses on the holistic health of the mind, body, and spirit), since some studies claim that turmeric may have positive effects on chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer, Sheth adds.

Her trick for supercharging turmeric is to combine it with a bit of black pepper, Sheth says. That's because pepper can actually help boost the body's ability to absorb curcumin.

Whether you are new to turmeric or already a turmeric superfan, you can always use some more inspo on how to use this superfood root. Keep reading to learn 20 ways you can incorporate turmeric into your daily diet.