Skin Health

How to Combat Dry Skin and Improve Skin Health From the Inside Out

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and keeping it healthy is important for a number of different reasons. The driving reason behind many peoples’ concerns about the condition of their skin is the fact that poor skin health can make you look older than your real age. Proper skin care is important all year round, but protecting against dry skin in the summer is especially important when it comes to maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance.

Why Proper Skin Care is Important

Most people are concerned to some degree with maintaining their youthful appearance, which is why there’s such a huge range of available products designed to care for your skin. Additionally, your skin acts as a barrier that protects your internal organs. Unless you suffer an abrasion or laceration that compromises your skin, it will keep diseases and bacteria from accessing your body and adversely affecting your internal organs.

In addition to acting as a barrier, your skin works as a filter, removing excess moisture, salt and oil from your body. It also helps to retain water, which is essential for hydrating your organs and the itself.

When you fail to take good care of your skin, you compromise all of the beneficial things it does for your body. Fortunately, your skin will let you know when it’s not as healthy as it should be. Skin conditions, including acne and eczema, are a few of the signs that your skin’s needs aren’t being fulfilled. If your skin feels leathery or dry, this can be another sign that you need to improve your skin care regimen before more serious conditions develop. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to take better care of your skin, and there are nutrients you can take to promote skin health from the inside out and help alleviate your skin problems.

Ways to Keep Your Skin Looking Young and Healthy

Modify Skin Care Practices

As warmer weather approaches, it’s necessary to change how you care for your skin. For example, the use of steams and exfoliating products should be reduced significantly in the spring and summer. These products promote dry skin when the temperatures are higher. Instead, use a natural moisturizer more frequently to help your skin stay hydrated.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

You should also drink more water at this time of year. Your internal organs rely on water to function properly. Your skin is one of those organs, and it needs to replenish the moisture it loses through sweating. If you’re not sure about how much water you should be drinking, ask your doctor how much you need based on your BMI (body mass index).

Buy a Humidifier

In the summer, it can be very beneficial to run a humidifier in your home. This device will add moisture to dry air, helping to restore the moisture in the exterior layers of your skin. If you do notice that your skin seems leathery or worn, running a humidifier will help hydrate your skin.

Limit Exposure to Heat and Sunshine

If you want to retain your skin’s health, be sure to avoid excess heat and the sun. Even a hot shower can be enough to negatively affect your skin. Additionally, avoid sitting near open fires, such as when cooking or sitting in front of a campfire, during the day. You should also limit the amount of time you leave your skin exposed to the sun’s rays. While sunscreen can help protect your skin, you should still avoid spending long hours exposed to the sun. If you work outdoors, use clothing to help protect your skin from exposure.

Natural Nutrients That Protect Against Dry Skin

You can also help your skin from the inside by taking a comprehensive daily supplement designed to promote glowing, healthy skin. Supplements can benefit the skin by giving your body the nutrients it needs to promote better skin health. The following ingredients are especially helpful for helping the skin to retain more moisture and minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkles that can make your skin look older and more worn.

Niacin

This is a water soluble nutrient that boosts cellular metabolism by regulating cell signaling. It also acts as an antioxidant and helps to make and repair DNA. For the skin, this means niacin helps prevent the cell damage that the sun’s rays can cause. It may also play a role in the prevention of skin cancer.

Biotin

This nutrient is also known as vitamin H and is one of several B-complex vitamins. As such, it promotes healthier skin, hair and nails. A deficiency of biotin results in skin with dry patches, as well as hair loss.

Zinc

Your body uses zinc in multiple ways, but is primarily used by the immune system to help fight off disease and infection. It’s useful in this way because it’s an anti-inflammatory agent. This means it’s also useful in keeping the skin healthy by reducing redness and irritation that’s caused by certain conditions, such as acne.

Selenium

Many of the things you expose your skin to on a daily basis contribute to the decline of your skin’s health. These are things you don’t think about, such as smoking, stress and air pollution. Selenium acts as an antioxidant that helps the body fight off the oxidative damage that these things cause to the cells in your skin.

Horsetail

What we commonly know as horsetail is a perennial plant that has been used for its medicinal value for centuries. More recent research has found that it’s particularly useful in treating skin wounds and abrasions by speeding up the healing time. It also helps eliminate skin redness and discharge from lacerations.

MSM and Hyaluronic Acid

These compounds are predominantly found in the layers of the skin, although they are also found in lesser quantities throughout the body. In the skin, they bind with cells to prevent the loss of moisture. When taken as a supplement, MSM and hyaluronic acid help increase moisture in the skin, helping to protect against external factors that may leave your skin dry or worn.

How the Anti-Aging Nutrient NADH Benefits Overall Health

Feb 11 by Ewcopywriting

After more than a century of study, science is making real breakthroughs in its understanding of how nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) works in cells to preserve cellular health and function, as well as fight disease. First discovered in 1906 through a study on the fermentation of yeast, modern science recognizes that NAD is present in all living cells as an essential coenzyme with a vital role in aiding the cells’ mitochondria to produce energy. NAD affects the body on a cellular level, impacting mitochondrial performance. Learn more about how anti-aging nutrient NADH benefits include helping to fight disease and protect overall health.

What NAD Does

NAD takes two forms, depending on what point in the energy production cycle it is. These two forms are NAD+ and NADH. NAD levels decrease with age, contributing to the mitochondrial inefficiency and deterioration linked to aging and disease processes.

The human body is made up of an amazingly complex set of highly integrated systems that act as a whole. The foundation of all body and mind functions lies in the almost inconceivable number of chemical reactions and electrical impulses that take place in our cells, molecules, atoms and subatomic particles. As an essential coenzyme, NAD acts as a critical partner, or helper molecule, to regulating proteins, called enzymes, facilitating and enabling the chemical reactions that form the base of the life processes and functions of cells. NAD is essential to the processes involved in the generation of energy by the mitochondria due to its dual function of receiving and providing electrons.

Understanding the Forms NAD Takes

NAD is a term used to encompass the two forms it takes (NAD+ and NADH) while giving or receiving electrons during energy production and transfer processes. When NAD is oxidized, it becomes NAD+, with one of its nitrogen atoms having a positive charge. NAD+, in its role in breaking down glucose into usable elements, receives the electrons and hydrogen produced by that metabolic process. The breaking down of glucose involves chemical reactions called redox reactions.

In its coenzyme role, NAD+ has been linked to the function and health of the mitochondria and sirtuins, which help regulate cellular metabolism and a cell’s response to various types of cellular stress, including oxidative stress. Sirtuins have been linked to the aging process and longevity, as well as some disease processes, including many of those related to the metabolic system and inflammation.

When NAD+ receives hydrogen and two electrons, it shifts into its high energy form, NADH. This is the NAD form that transports and donates electrons, giving it a critical role in energy production. After donating its electrons, eventually NADH is converted to NAD+ again. During the glucose metabolism process, each molecule of glucose yields two NADH molecules. The ratio of NAD+ to NADH tends to skew toward NADH because NAD+ levels go down as we get older. Science has not yet confirmed the ideal ratio between the two, but do theorize that disruptions of that ratio can contribute to aging and disease processes.

How NADH Benefits Health and Well-Being

NAD, via its two forms – NAD+ and NADH – impact health and well-being in a variety of ways. The role of NAD in metabolizing glucose and receiving, transporting and donating electrons is critical to life itself. However, its role in health extends well beyond that vital function. NAD+ and NAHD benefits have been getting a lot of attention from scientists specializing in anti-aging and aging-related disease prevention. That’s not surprising considering the connection between mitochondrial deterioration and aging.

In animal studies and test tube studies done with human muscle tissue, increasing NAD+ has been shown to improve age-weakened muscles. This is thought to relate to the impact of the increased NAD+ and NADH on mitochondrial health. Studies have connected the use of NAD supplements to a number of health benefits relating to the role of this substance in mitochondrial energy production.

These NADH benefits include better cognitive performance, improved circadian rhythm regulation, reduced fatigue, decrease in symptoms in those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, healthier skin and protection against age-related vision problems. Some studies show a link between NAD+ levels and better cardiovascular health.

NAD has a vital role in many essential processes that protect health and well-being. Among these are DNA repair, oxidative stress mitigation on a cellular level and metabolic efficiency. As the body of information grows concerning the function of NAD+ and NADH, scientists are looking at how to translate this new information into effective treatments for such diseases as Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as developing effective strategies to protect against the diseases and physical frailties associated with aging.

New Knowledge Builds Upon Old

While much of the newest knowledge concerning NAD+ and NADH benefits is based on animal studies, it is built upon a foundation of older knowledge that goes back more than 100 years. This value of this vital coenzyme has long been recognized for its critical role in overall health and well-being.

Vital to cellular energy and function, NAD+ and NADH support health at the most foundational levels. NAD supports DNA health and function, the energy producing metabolic system and is firmly linked to the aging process via its coenzyme action in relation to sirtuins. If you choose to use supplements to boost NAD+, do your research and choose a high-quality, fully bioavailable supplement.

Complete Guide to the Health Benefits of Curcumin

Jan 13 by Ewcopywriting

One of the hottest trends in health and wellness is curcumin, a compound found in the popular spice turmeric. Turmeric is actually comprised of over 100 distinct compounds. The most significant of these compounds is curcumin. Here is what you need to know about the health benefits of curcumin and why many health enthusiasts are diligent about making it an integral part of their diet.

What is Curcumin?

The health benefits of curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, are becoming more widely known. Turmeric is a plant that hails from Central America and India whose root is used as a common ingredient in most Indian cuisines. Its distinctive bright yellow color is easily recognized; it is the curcumin it contains that gives turmeric this unique color.

The Mayo Clinic defines curcumin as a functional food. This designation means that the food has potentially positive health benefits above and beyond the basic nutrition that it provides. Here are a few of the standout nutritional facts when looking at one tablespoon of ground turmeric.

approximately 25 calories
4.4 grams of carbohydrates
less than one gram of fat
1.4 grams of fiber
measurable amounts of iron, manganese, vitamin B6 and potassium

Health Benefits of Curcumin

Boasting a host of antioxidants and numerous anti-inflammatory benefits, there is no doubt that curcumin is a nutritional superstar. While it can be challenging to list all of the health advantages of this spice, here are a few of the key benefits that you need to be aware of.

Anti-inflammatory Agent

One of the most promising bodies of research regarding curcumin suggests that it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. This makes it potentially beneficial for people fighting inflammatory conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.

Improves Skin Health

Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it an effective compound for promoting the health of your skin. In addition to boosting the radiance of your complexion, curcumin can also soothe acne symptoms, help to protect against psoriasis and eczema flare-ups and increase the rate of wound healing.

Promotes Cellular Health

One of the most studied potential benefits of curcumin consumption is how the compound may be able to help protect cellular health. A growing amount of research is beginning to demonstrate that curcumin may target cells that can lead to cancer development. The strongest correlation has been seen in the protection against unhealthy cell growth in the breast, bowel, stomach and skin. This protection can be largely attributed to the ability of curcumin to guard against free radicals.

Supports Weight Loss Efforts

Many people turn to curcumin as a tool to help them in their weight loss efforts. Preliminary research shows that this herbal compound is supportive in the quest to maintain a healthy weight.

Helps Maintain a Healthy Mood

In a study on rats, it was demonstrated that a higher intake of curcumin increased levels of the body’s brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Lower levels of BDNF have been linked to an increased rate of depression.

Protects Cognitive Health

Like depression, the onset and acceleration of Alzheimer’s disease is also related to a decrease in BDNF. By helping to keep the critical nerve cells healthy and functioning at optimal levels, the addition of curcumin to the diet may also help protect against degenerative cognitive conditions. The way curcumin works to guard the memory and boost overall brain function may also be related to its ability to promote healthy levels of BDNF.

How to Incorporate Curcumin Into Your Diet

Now that you understand all of the healthy benefits of curcumin, you are probably wondering how you can incorporate this spice into your diet. Here are just a few of the ways that you can make this compound found in turmeric an integral part of your healthy eating routine.

Blend it Into Your Next Smoothie

Fresh turmeric root is a great addition to your morning smoothie. You can also add a bit of the ground spice to get in your daily dose of curcumin. While it normally possesses a strong flavor, putting turmeric in a smoothie will usually disguise it when used in moderation.

Here is a great, easily customizable recipe that will give you all of the health benefits of curcumin in a convenient and delicious smoothie that can be enjoyed daily.

Turmeric Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients

1 – 1 1/2 c. dairy-free milk of choice (coconut or almond milk works great!)
1 banana, peeled and chopped
1 c. fruit of choice, chopped (mango, blueberries, goji berries, pineapple, orange and papaya all work well)
2-3 inches fresh turmeric root, peeled and chopped (or 1-2 tsp. turmeric powder)
1 tsp. fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 tsp. coconut oil

Directions

Place all ingredients into a blender; blend until smooth.
Pour into cups and enjoy!

Topping Vegetables

The peppery aftertaste of turmeric makes it a good addition to nearly any roasted vegetable recipe. The spice works particularly well with roasted cauliflower or any type of root vegetables such as potatoes or carrots. You may also want to try sprinkling it on your favorite greens, including kale and collards.

This yummy recipe for roasted vegetables with turmeric gives you the anti-inflammatory and other health benefits of curcumin, and makes a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.

Turmeric Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients

2 c. potatoes of choice, peeled and cubed
1 c. broccoli florets
1 c. cauliflower florets
1 c. carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 c. radishes, cut in half
1/2 c. turnips, cut in half
3 tbsp. olive oil
1-2 tsp. turmeric powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Salt to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine all vegetables with olive oil. Toss until completely coated. Add salt to taste.
Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Place vegetables in a single layer, arranging them evenly across the sheet.
Roast vegetables for 30 – 35 minutes, or until vegetables reach desired tenderness, stirring halfway through.

Take a Supplement

Because curcumin is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream, you will see the greatest benefits by taking it in supplement form. It is easy to find curcumin in supplement form online or at nearly any health food store. The product Oncochron also provides cucumin, in addition to a variety of other natural substances that support healthy cell growth and help maintain healthy cellular inflammatory processes.

When the genetic material of the body’s cells becomes irreparably damaged, they are programmed to destroy themselves via a natural mechanism called apoptosis. When this process is not working properly, unhealthy cell growth can result. Curcumin works specifically to support the healthy functioning of apoptosis within the body’s cells.

Once you realize how easy it is to incorporate curcumin into your diet, you will wonder what took you so long to do so. Because there are no serious side effects to being purposeful about increasing your intake of moderate amounts of curcumin, you have nothing to lose by giving it a shot.

Vitamin A and Skin Cancer: Can Getting Enough Reduce Your Risk?

Aug 16 by Ewcopywriting

Vitamin A is an important nutrient that helps our bodies grow and develop. Even in adulthood, it provides far-reaching benefits, helping to keep our reproductive systems, eyes and skin healthy. Getting sufficient amounts of vitamin A helps skin retain its smooth, youthful appearance, but until recently, it wasn’t known to provide any additional benefits to skin health. New studies suggest an increased intake of vitamin A can help fight off various types of skin cancer.

New Research Finds Link Between Vitamin A and Skin Cancer

Recently, the results from a joint international study may have uncovered more ways that vitamin A helps the skin. The study examined how vitamin A intake affected the development of a common form of skin cancer, known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. This study, led by Dr. Jongwoo Kim, aimed to establish whether an increased intake of vitamin A and carotenoids would lower someone’s chances of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

In attempting to find a link between vitamin A and skin cancer, the researchers evaluated health data from 75,170 women and 48,400 men. The average age of the women was 50.4 and the average age for the men was 54.3. The study involved follow-up research spanning a period of 26 years. Within those 26 years, the researchers found that there were 3,978 cases of skin cancer among the men and women, collectively.

The participants in the study filled out a survey every four years throughout the 26-year interval. Among other factors, they were asked to report on their vitamin A intake. Once this was compared to the incidences of skin cancer, it was found that a higher amount of vitamin A appeared to reduce the risks of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers also noted that the vitamin A intake reported in the study came mostly from food sources.

How to Tell If You Have a Vitamin A Deficiency

A vitamin A deficiency can result in serious consequences for both adults and children. Up to 500,000 instances of child blindness are attributed to vitamin A deficiencies each year. Vitamin A deficiency is also blamed for night blindness and maternal deaths in pregnant women. Additionally, the immune system is compromised when vitamin A is deficient, raising the risk of death from conditions like diarrhea, malaria and measles.

Some common signs of a vitamin A deficiency include:

dry skin and/or dry eyes
night blindness
infertility or problems conceiving a child
stunted growth in children
respiratory tract infections
slow wound healing

Men should consume up to 900 micrograms of vitamin A per day, while women should get at least 700 micrograms. Even though getting enough vitamin A is important, getting too much can be just as dangerous to your health. Taking very high amounts of vitamin A can lead to hypervitaminosis A, which is also known as vitamin A toxicity. Usually, hypervitaminosis A is caused by “megavitamin therapy,” which involves mega-dosing on vitamin A to prevent or treat certain diseases, or long-term use of acne treatments that contain large amounts of vitamin A.

Symptoms of hypervitaminosis A include:

vision changes
bone swelling
dry or rough skin
mouth sores
mental confusion

If you’re concerned about your vitamin A intake, you should consult your doctor.

Natural Ways to Boost Vitamin A Intake

You may not be getting enough vitamin A. In that case, taking a daily supplement can help you get the vitamin A your body needs for good health. A high-quality dietary supplement can help you boost your intake without overdoing it. This can be especially beneficial on days that you don’t consume many vitamin A-rich foods, such as those listed below.

Salmon

This fish provides a vast array of health benefits, including providing 25 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin A. Additionally, it’s a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Carrots

Either cooked or raw, carrots provide a good portion of your vitamin A needs. They also provide the body with iron, copper, vitamin C and vitamin K. Carrots are also an excellent source of fiber.

Goat Cheese

Because it’s low in sodium, goat cheese is often a preferred source of vitamin A. It will also provide you with vitamin D and calcium, which are essential to strong and healthy skin and bones.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin can be eaten in a variety of different ways, including pumpkin pie, and still provide your body with a diverse selection of nutrients. In addition to being a good source of vitamin A, pumpkin also has potassium, vitamin C and vitamin E. It has also been found to help lower the risks of developing type 2 diabetes.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Eating hard-boiled eggs is easy, because they can be added to a number of different dishes. In addition to possessing a high vitamin A content, some research suggests eggs can also lower the risks of developing cataracts. They may also help improve cognitive functioning.

As more research explores the link between vitamin A intake and skin cancer, it seems clear that this vitamin is essential to skin health. Since skin cancer is a growing problem, finding more effective ways of preventing and treating it is essential. Ensuring you get enough vitamin A every day may be one way to protect against the development of skin cancer. Vitamin A can benefit your health in other ways as well, helping you to live a longer and higher-quality life.

Skin Health and Disease: Could Moisturizing Your Skin Reduce Your Risk?

Mar 28 by Ewcopywriting

In order to study how skin health and disease are related, researchers had to first understand why disease causes us to experience inflammation. When it comes to physical injuries, inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process because it builds a buffer around the wound to protect it. Even though we try to reduce the swelling around the wound, it’s actually the inflammation that helps the area heal. Once new skin grows around the wound, the inflammation usually subsides on its own.

Inflammation is characterized by a few mild to severe signs, depending on the nature of the medical condition. When damage to tissue occurs, the first thing most people notice is that the affected area is painful. Chemical compounds are released in the body to stimulate the nerves so pain messages can be delivered to the brain. This prevents you from touching the area, since pain is stronger with physical contact. The area will also appear redder than your normal skin color, because the capillaries in that part of the body are carrying a higher concentration of blood. The increased blood flow will also make the affected area feel hotter and more sensitive.

At this point, physical swelling may begin. While this happens to protect the affected area, it also causes a reduction in mobility. The swelling builds a physical barrier that inhibits the free range of motion you usually experience. Trying to push, or force, motion of that area often triggers a more intense sensation of pain.

Some people think that inflammation is the result of an infection, but this isn’t necessarily true. What does actually happen is that the smallest arteries in the affected area will enlarge to allow maximum blood flow. This allows the capillaries to move more easily between cells and the blood, attracting proteins as they move through the arteries. Finally, white blood cells called neutrophils are released and they begin consuming the foreign microorganisms in the affected area. This immune response is what triggers inflammation.

Research Uncovers a Connection Between Skin Health and Disease

The skin is the largest organ of the body, so it only makes sense that it plays a major role in how we’re affected by disease. Previous research has found that inflammation of the skin can be linked to diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. As the largest organ in the body, even the smallest levels of inflammation can affect the body in significant ways.

As people age, they experience increased dryness, irritation and itchiness of the skin. Researcher Dr. Mao-Qiang Man believes this to be a sign of inflammation in the body, prompted by heightened cytokines. The cytokines released into the blood supply help younger skin heal more easily, but older, dryer skin is less resilient. As a result, inflammation becomes chronic and the body has more difficulty filtering out pathogens.

In the new study, designed to examine the effects of skin treatments on disease, Dr. Theodora Mauro reveals that skin conditions, particularly psoriasis and dermatitis, can increase the risk of heart disease. If skin health could be restored, Dr. Mauro surmised that inflammation and the risks of disease could also be affected. In this case, keeping skin moisturized might be an effective way of fighting degenerative diseases.

Is Skin Moisturizer an Effective Weapon Against Disease?

The researchers for the pilot study chose 33 older adults, ranging in ages from 58 to 95. Since cytokines are good indicators of internal inflammation, the researchers started the 30 day study by measuring cytokine levels in each of the participants. Throughout the study, each participant rubbed moisturizer into their skin from head to toe, twice each day.

There are different types of cytokines that can inhabit the body, but three in particular are responsible for age-related degenerative illnesses. They are tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6. When a moisturizer containing ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids was applied twice daily, there was a noticeable drop in those cytokine levels. The levels dropped low enough that the participants’ cytokines were similar to those of people in their 30s.

This was the first study of its kind, linking skin health to inflammation and the risks of degenerative illnesses. While it laid the groundwork and established that there is a connection, more research will have to be conducted. As future studies confirm the correlation between disease and skin health, there will likely be greater emphasis placed on keeping skin moisturized and healthy.

Skin health has always been a major concern, particularly in terms of the damage caused by the sun’s rays. In addition to moisturizing twice per day, it’s important to always wear sunscreen outdoors and to avoid direct sunlight at the hottest times of the day. Using a natural supplement designed to nourish the skin from the inside out by delivering crucial nutrients may also be beneficial. A dermatologist can recommend more skin care tips, so you can keep your body’s largest organ healthy and youthful into old age.

Black Pepper Extract Benefits: Boost Nutrient Absorption and More

Nov 28 by Ewcopywriting

The black pepper plant produces a unique fruit that is harvested and used to create black pepper, a substance used all over the world daily. In fact, many people add black pepper to their foods so frequently that they don’t even think about it. This has made it one of the most valued spices in the world for generations. After harvesting, the fruit of the plant is dried, resulting in what we know as the peppercorn — a tiny seed-like ball with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The fruit of the black pepper plant is of such interest to scientists because its primary element is piperine. The piperine in black pepper is what gives it its powerful scent and flavor, but it does much more than simply improve the taste of food. The piperine in black pepper can help the body in a number of ways, from helping to better absorb nutrients to alleviating dental discomfort.

Science Takes a Deeper Look at Black Pepper

One of the newest discoveries is that black pepper extract benefits include helping the body process nutrients more efficiently. It does this by slowing down processes in the liver and intestines, allowing certain compounds to be held in the intestines longer. This gives the body more time to absorb nutrients, which allows the digestive system an opportunity to make better use of the foods we eat. Specifically, a process called “glucuronidation” is inhibited when piperine is added to the system. Under normal circumstances, glucuronidation helps the liver process medications and dietary supplements more rapidly. This process causes the beneficial properties of these substances to be flushed out with our urine prematurely. By arresting this process, the black pepper extract gives the body a longer period during which it can absorb these helpful properties of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are ingested.

Black pepper extract benefits are particularly beneficial where curcumin is concerned. Curcumin is another natural substance, found in spices like turmeric, that provides a wealth of health benefits. However, our bodies can’t absorb curcumin quickly enough and many of the beneficial properties are flushed out of the system as waste. When black pepper extract is added to the mix, it slows down the digestive system long enough to allow the body to absorb more of the healthy properties found in curcumin. Taking black pepper extract with curcumin can improve the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000 percent or more.

More Black Pepper Extract Benefits

Supports Healthy Cells

One way that black pepper can benefit us is by helping to support healthy cell growth. It does this by releasing antioxidants into our bloodstream, which can help protect against free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive particles that can cause cell damage when left to roam within our bodies. This may be why people who consume more black pepper may experience fewer skin anomalies, such as wrinkles and liver spots.

Improves Digestion

Consuming black pepper also increases the amount of hydrochloric acid released into the stomach. A higher acid content helps the stomach digest foods more efficiently, which may be adding black pepper to food regularly can help reduce instances of colic, diarrhea and constipation. The spicy nature of black pepper also promotes sweating and more frequent urination, which helps flush toxins and excess fluids from the body. The flushing of toxins helps reduce the risks of developing more severe gastrointestinal problems.

Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight

In addition to helping the body flush excess water and toxins from the body, black pepper plants assist in maintaining a healthy weight in another way. Black pepper possesses an outer layer that works to help support the breakdown of fat cells in the body when it’s ingested. Fat cells that are broken down are more easily digested, making it more efficient for the body to process those cells. This means they will be used for energy and the waste will be flushed rather than having the whole cells stored to cause weight gain.

May Aid in Cases of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a type of skin condition that inhibits pigmentation and gives some people a paler or whiter skin tone. A study conducted at Oregon Health & Science University found that pepperine helps the body produce melanocytes, which help to produce melanin. In turn, melanin makes it easier for the skin to darken and tan. In fact, a topical solution derived from piperine and used in combination with UV light therapy can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

Improves Respiration

If you’re a fan of spicy foods, you already know that strong dishes help clear the sinuses and improve breathing. this is because the pepper acts as an expectorant, which breaks up mucus and phlegm in the sinus cavities. As you’re prompted to sneeze or cough, you expel those contaminants, which helps clear out the respiratory tract. Additionally, by removing these substances from the body, you may also be reducing the risk of illness or infection. If you’re easily congested or experience breathing difficulties, ingesting more black pepper may help.

While there are many more benefits of ingesting black pepper extract, the benefits listed here may be the most advantageous. By slowing down the digestive process, black pepper helps us gain the benefits of other foods we eat and the natural supplements we rely upon to stay healthy. By adding black pepper to more foods, we’re likely making those foods even more useful to our bodies.