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Although a well balanced diet and exercise routine is the only foolproof way to maintain your weight and set the standard for a healthy lifestyle, there are certain tricks you can implement into your daily eating plan to expedite the process. Choosing nutrient dense foods is a good place to start to nourish your body and keep yourself at a reasonable calorie intake for maintenance, but there are also certain anti-inflammatory spices which can have a profound effect on your body. If you struggle with keeping a steady weight and need something additional to add to your existing habits to give you a leg up, this is the one spice you should be including in most meals for the best results.
Often known as “the master spice,” black pepper contains a number of sneaky health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties that can help you to maintain your weight and feel better in your body. While turmeric is well regarded as the most powerful anti-inflammatory spice, studies have shown that a combination of black pepper and turmeric in your cooking could have a strong effect on your body. Healthline explains, “Curcumin in turmeric and piperine in black pepper have been shown to improve health due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and disease-fighting qualities.”
On their own, each spice has a powerful flavor and the capacity to enhance your overall health, but when consumed together, they can play off of one another for even more impressive benefits. According to Healthline, “Unfortunately, the curcumin in turmeric is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, you could be missing out on its advantages to health. However, adding black pepper can help. Research supports that combining the piperine in black pepper with the curcumin in turmeric enhances curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%.”
Piperine, which is found in black pepper, is known for having an anti-inflammatory effect within the body. When you’re under stress, the cortisol levels in your body increase, leading to inflammation as you work to fight off the stressor. Combating inflammation with a variety of spices can help to eliminate bloat and cut through additional water weight, instantly allowing for you to appear leaner and feel better within your body. While inflammation and fat gain are not truly tied together, bloating can lead to a higher number on the scale, so your body will benefit from targeting it in your journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
While it’s important to remember that a spice cannot be the primary factor that you rely on to help maintain your weight, black pepper, particularly in combination with turmeric can be a great addition to your daily routine for a little boost. Fighting inflammation is vital for helping your body feel it’s best, and prioritizing foods and spices which can guide you to your healthiest self is the key to managing weight gain and keeping yourself in check.
