India, Feb. 9 -- T urmeric has long been celebrated as a healing staple in Indian households, but according to a doctor, most people may be consuming it in a way that offers little real benefit. Hyderabad-based dermatologist Dr Pooja Reddy recently took to Instagram to debunk common myths around the golden spice, pointing out that turmeric, when consumed on its own, is poorly absorbed by the body. In a post shared on January 27, Dr Reddy explained that while turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the body struggles to use it effectively. "Turmeric is not the powerful anti-inflammatory you think it is on its own," she said, highlighting what she calls the '1 percent problem'. According to Dr Reddy, when curcumin is consumed without any supporting ingredients, the liver treats it as a foreign substance and breaks it down rapidly. "When you consume it alone, your body absorbs less than 1 percent curcumin. Studies show that blood levels are either undetectable or extremely low. Your liver breaks it down before it even enters your bloodstream," she explained. The solution, however, lies in a simple kitchen pairing. Dr Reddy stressed that black pepper plays a crucial role in improving turmeric absorption. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that slows down the liver's ability to metabolise curcumin, allowing more of it to enter the bloodstream. "Research shows that combining turmeric with black pepper increases absorption by 2,000 percent. Nearly 20 times more curcumin actually reaches your blood," she said. Beyond black pepper, she revealed a third, often overlooked component: fat. Curcumin is fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves in fats rather than water. Without a fat source, it cannot pass through the gut wall efficiently. "There is a third secret: fat. Curcumin needs fat to dissolve, not water. Turmeric, black pepper and ghee is not a random combination. It is centuries of wisdom that science is now proving," Dr Reddy added. The traditional Indian 'golden trio' of turmeric, black pepper and ghee, she explained, works as a natural delivery system, ensuring that the body actually absorbs and uses curcumin. For those turning to turmeric to fight inflammation or improve skin health, Dr Reddy advised against plain turmeric shots or standalone capsules. Instead, she recommends always pairing the spice with a pinch of black pepper and a source of healthy fat to truly unlock its benefits....