Cancer remains a concern for anyone who is interested in taking care of their bodies and keeping them healthy. It remains a leading cause of death in the United States and around the world and is rampant is both developed and developing countries. And while cancer treatment has improved in the recent past, the side effects of chemo or radiation therapy are still incredibly difficult to live with.
On the whole, the best form of cancer treatment, then, is cancer prevention. And a good way to prevent cancer from beginning in the first place is to eat a diet which is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and spices like black pepper, olive oil and turmeric.
An East Indian Tradition for Health and Cancer Prevention
The combination of black pepper, turmeric and olive oil for use as a condiment is a long-standing East Indian tradition. Not only does is add incredible flavor to a number of different dishes, the combined benefits of these three spices is great for both cancer prevention and general health.
To make this condiment, simply add quarter tablespoon of turmeric and a dash of black pepper to half a teaspoon of olive oil and mix well. This can be used on a variety of salads and hot or cold dishes. If it is used for a meal that requires more preparation, however, be sure to add it to the dish right before serving so its nutritional value is not lost. This can also be drunk in liquid form, though it is better to dilute it in water due to its very strong and pungent taste.
Why This Combination Works
The effectiveness of this condiment is based on the healthful properties of its constituent parts:
Turmeric, the deep gold spice which lends its distinctive color and taste to so many curry dishes, contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which can not only help prevent cancer, but also is effective against Alzheimer’s disease, cardiac complaints and chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis.Black pepper contains a compound called piperine and while it has many health benefits on its own, it is especially important in this condiment since piperine greatly increases the body’s ability to absorb the curcumin from the turmeric so that its health benefits may be enjoyed.Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and oleic acid, which have been shown to improve heart health and aid in weight loss, but also reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer, particularly of the stomach and colon.
When taken together, the health benefits of these three spices are truly amazing.
In conclusion, using this condiment in everyday cooking is an easy, inexpensive way to greatly enhance the nutrient value of virtually any dish, while at the same time significantly reducing the risk of cancer development.
Sources: anticancerbook.com, organicfacts.net, internationaloliveoil.org
