Turmeric and Black Pepper for Weight Loss

Though there is no “magic bullet” for weight loss, there has been some promising research showing there could be benefit in using turmeric and black pepper for weight loss. This, of course, would need to be only part of your weight loss strategy! But why not add something simple that has so many other health benefits. 

Just like putting weight on is usually multi-factorial (stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, eating excess food), so can be the case in getting it off! Turmeric and black pepper has been shown to reduce inflammation, which could be playing into obesity and many other health issues.

Why You Should Eat Turmeric and Black Pepper Together

Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric that has been shown to have so many health benefits. What’s amazing is that black pepper has an active compound called piperine, which not only boosts the absorption of curcumin, but also has been shown to reduce inflammation and may have other health benefits. This combination is a powerhouse of nutrition!

How Does Turmeric and Black Pepper Help with Weight Loss?

Many factors go into losing weight, but why not take a very simple, science-backed step that may help you reach your weight loss goal? Read on to find out how turmeric and black pepper help with weight loss!

Anti-inflammatory

One benefit of turmeric that has been widely studied is its anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammation and obesity often go hand in hand. Systemic inflammation may increase your risk for blood sugar issues such as Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders and can make it harder to lose weight. This can cause a vicious cycle of weight gain and inflammation that needs to be stopped, which is where the amazing anti-inflammatory benefit of turmeric comes in to play.

Improves insulin sensitivity

Insulin resistance, a condition where the body can’t use insulin properly, can be a contributing factor in weight gain or not being able to lose weight! Many people who are not even diagnosed with diabetes can be insulin resistant.

A study conducted on mice showed that curcumin could improve insulin sensitivity. The authors of the study even suggested that the compound could be used to develop medications for insulin sensitivity. Why not use the whole food source of this amazing compound first, rather than resorting to a pill?

One study, a randomized controlled trial, showed that curcumin increased weight loss, thereby improving waist-to-hip ratio.

Even more exciting is a How to Incorporate Turmeric and Black Pepper for Weight Loss

There are plenty of recipes that use turmeric and black pepper, but below I will show you some super simple ideas on how to get these spices in you!

1. Turmeric Latte

Make a delicious latte in the afternoon on a cold day (or any day for that matter!) with a milk (nut milks or oat milk works perfectly), turmeric, and black pepper. Add a small amount of natural sweetener such as honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar for the final touch!

2. Rice and Bean Bowl with Turmeric

Turmeric has such a mild flavor, you will hardly notice it added to your favorite rice and bean dish. Just don’t forget the black pepper!

3. DIY Spice Mix with Turmeric and Black Pepper

A quick and easy way to make sure you’re getting in your turmeric and black pepper is to just pre-mix some of your favorite spices that you can cook your veggies with. Get in the habit of adding the blend daily to a dish.

Now that you know the benefit of turmeric and black pepper for weight loss, get in the kitchen and find out what amazing flavors you might have been missing out on!