Turmeric and black pepper for fertility: Emerging Benefits, impact on pregnancy

Today, we shall explore the benefits and side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper for fertility. Combining herbs to treat ailments, or improve health and well-being has been a practice adopted for years now. There are several reasons why herbal extracts from different plants are combined such as;

• To treat stubborn ailments which a single herb can’t treat.
• To improve health and well-being since a single plant may not have all the required nutrients needed by man, he can combine

However, we shall explore the possible benefits of combining turmeric and black pepper for fertility, as well as the possible side effects.

Turmeric and black pepper

Turmeric and black pepper are two important spices that have been used for centuries in making health-improving tonics, and herbal remedies. Both spices are awesome for their culinary and aromantic benefits in the kitchen [1].

Turmeric is known for its curcumin content [2], which has been proven beneficial to health especially its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Black pepper is known for its piperine contents which act as an activator to curcumin by enhancing its absorption into the body.

As you can see, both spices are independently beneficial to health, but when combined their benefits tend to be double since one makes the other more active.

how to combine turmeric and black pepper for fertility

It has become an ideal practice to combine turmeric and black pepper because black pepper contains piperine, a compound that can enhance the absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Here’s a simple way to combine turmeric and black pepper for fertility.

Method 1

• Mix 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl.
• Add the mixture to your food or drink of choice, such as a smoothie, soup, or curry.
• Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Method 2

• You can combine the two to make turmeric and black pepper tea by following these steps;
• Boil 2 cups of water in a small pot.
• Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a pinch of black pepper to the water.
• Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
• Strain the tea into a cup and add honey or lemon to taste.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming turmeric and black pepper if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications.

Benefits of turmeric and black pepper for fertility

Improves sperm quality

Recent reports show that curcumin has ameliorative effects on sperm motility, viability, and DNA integrity according to the results of experiments conducted on frozen-thawed sperm of male rats [3].

Curcumin in turmeric has been shown to have a strong antioxidant effect, which helps in reducing the deleterious impact of oxidative stress. When combined with piperine in black pepper tends to double its effects as piperine enhances curcumin absorption.

Therefore, combining the two spices may Improve sperm quality by boosting the antioxidant activities in our body, which protects sperm cells from oxidative damage.

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Boost erectile function in males

Both piperine in black pepper and curcumin in turmeric plays an important role in improving erectile function.

Going further, a recent study on rat suggest that curcumin in turmeric may help heal cavernous nerve injury, promote the regeneration of cells, and aids the treatment of erectile dysfunction [4].

Additionally, Piperine in black has also been reported to improve erection by aiding the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Piperin, an active component of black pepper, is believed to have the potency to protect nitric oxide from reactive oxygen species [5].

Hence combining the two, in food, tea or smoothies may help improve erectile function in men. However, the evidence provided is based on animal study, so Human based study is needed to fully appreciate the impact of Curcumin and Piperine on erectile function.

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Fights inflammation

It is a known fact that Inflammation has been linked with many infectious diseases and an even broader range of non-infectious diseases that not only impact fertility but our general well-being [6].

A publication by Harvard Health publishing suggests health conditions marked by inflammation may increase the risk of infertility in such individuals [7].

A related report equally suggests that women who take an anti-inflammatory diet may have a higher chance of getting pregnant than those with similar conditions [8].

However, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are attributed to its curcumin content, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Whereas black pepper contains piperine, which enhances the absorption of curcumin in the body. Together, these spices can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve fertility.

Provides Immune support

While responding to psychological stress, the immune system tends to produce more free radicals which increases oxidative stress— a major cause of many chronic inflammation (resulting from damages done to our body cells by the so-called free radicals).

Remember, the inflammation caused by these free radicals is detrimental to our fertility and reproductive health.

Our immune system may be overwhelmed when trying counter the impact of too much stress, thereby making us weak and susceptible to invaders.

However, only antioxidants can help our immune system in its fight against invaders. When we take antioxidant-rich foods, it will boost our immune response and lower oxidative stress.

Turmeric [9] and black pepper have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. They can also help boost the immune system, and reproductive system function to improve overall health and fertility [10, 11].

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Turmeric and black pepper benefit

Turmeric and black pepper are two powerful spices that can provide numerous health benefits when consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet. Below are interesting benefits of the species.

Improves digestion.

Both turmeric and black pepper can help improve digestion. Turmeric stimulates the production of bile, which aids in the digestion of fats. Black pepper has been shown to increase the secretion of digestive enzymes in the pancreas.

Alleviate inflammatory pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are attributed to its curcumin content, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Black pepper contains piperine, which enhances the absorption of curcumin in the body. Together, these spices can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Improves cognitive function

Ensures brain health —Curcumin in turmeric has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which can help protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function. Piperine in black pepper has also been shown to have cognitive-enhancing effects.

Improves blood flow

Proper blood circulation is important for a healthy heart— Turmeric and black pepper may help improve heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving blood flow.

Turmeric and black pepper during pregnancy

A report shows that curcumin found in turmeric may help;

• Lower inflammation in the uterus.
• Prevent cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, which may affect fetal development.
• Lower risk of preeclampsia – dangerous pregnancy complications characterized by high blood pressure.
• Preterm birth
• Gestational diabetes [12, 13].

This show that the intake of these turmeric and black pepper moderately after the first 3 months of pregnancy may be beneficial to pregnant women.

However, another similar report revealed that while curcumin may help prevent certain complications during pregnancy excessive intake may;

• Induce blastocyst apoptosis in early gestation.
• Lower the success rate of embryo development and implantation [14].

The impact of combining these two species during pregnancy is not fully known, however, more research is needed. Please seek doctors’ advice before taking this combination if you are pregnant.

On the impact of Turmeric and black pepper on female fertility and pregnancy, a study suggests that since curcumin have the potential to inhibit endometriosis endometrial cells by reducing estradiol production which prevents the growth of cancer cell (tumors), it may also reduce embryo development and implantation which is detrimental to reproduction [15].

The same study further suggests more in-depth study and research to fully understand the extent of the impact of curcumin on fetal development.