The term ‘superfood’ can be controversial, with some regarding it as a marketing ploy, while others affirm its importance in a nutritious diet due to the rich amounts of nutrients found in such foods.
Nutritionists often identify fruits such as blueberries and pomegranate, along with fish like salmon and tuna, as staple superfoods, meanwhile.
Additionally, numerous types of beans, leafy vegetables, and root veggies are also celebrated in this category. However, one particular spice has captured the attention of a doctor who suggests it might be commonly misused.
Dr. Arthur Joustra, known for dispensing his medical insights on TikTok, has recently spotlighted turmeric for its health advantages. “Turmeric is arguably one of the healthiest foods you can eat, but you’re probably eating it wrong,” he declared in a video.
The doctor proceeded by citing a scientific study that delineates the benefits associated with the spice, which he then encapsulates succinctly. “Turmeric acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and may even have anti-cancer properties,” explained Dr. Joustra, alongside a screenshot of the research findings. “It’s also important to note it has no known side effects and no toxic level.”
Moreover, the doctor emphasises a second study that shows turmeric, when used with two additional ingredients [pepper and ginger], potentially outperforms naproxen in alleviating knee pain.
“The reason you’ve probably been taking it wrong is down to its terrible bioavailability, which means its barely absorbed by the gut,” Dr. Joustra elaborated further. “However, when you take it with black pepper absorption increases by 2,000%,” he added, referencing a third study into the spice. “This means more than 20 times of the turmeric is absorbed so [in this way] its benefits can actually benefit you.”
Dr Joustra closed: “So the message of this video is – if you’re using turmeric in food such as a curry, be sure to add a couple of grinds of pepper to get its full benefit.” One of his followers responded: “I have a turmeric late with black pepper and ginger now. I have IBD so trying to improve my symptoms.”
A second hailed the advice: “I have Greek yoghurt with turmeric, banana, walnuts, ginger, cinnamon for an early breakfast, I’ll add some black pepper after seeing this!” A third suggested an addition: “Have it with black pepper plus coconut oil for the best results.”
Whilst a fourth person detailed their own recipe: “Turmeric, black pepper, cacao, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg all mixed for a beautiful morning drink.”
Healthline supports the doctor’s advice, meanwhile, sharing on its website: “It [turmeric] has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. That said, the curcumin content of turmeric is only around 1-6% by weight.”
The site adds: “Most studies on this herb use turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin itself, with dosages usually exceeding 1 gram (g) per day, which means it would be hard to reach these levels just by using turmeric as a spice. That’s why some people choose to use supplements.
“In addition, curcumin is poorly absorbed into your bloodstream. In order to experience the full effects of curcumin, its bioavailability (the rate at which your body absorbs a substance) needs to improve. It helps to consume it with black pepper, which contains piperine. Piperine is a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%.”