Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in the East as a powerful natural remedy for pain, and to enhance longevity. Curcumin is the active component in turmeric, and research shows curcumin is highly anti-inflammatory, [1] aids in bone healing, [2] maintains bone density, [3] and helps reduce injury-induced pain and swelling. [4] When combined with Bioperine and healthy fats like coconut, curcumin is made much more bioavailable and effective for reducing inflammation and improving physical health. [5]

Pineapple is high in vitamin C, which aids in the synthesis of collagen (vital for the health of bones, joints, skin, hair and nails). Pineapple is also high in bromelain, an enzyme that aids in the breakdown of proteins in order to help build muscle and support bone healing, and is reported to help reduce pain and swelling in acute injuries. [6]

Together, curcumin and pineapple are a superhero combination that can help reduce pain and discomfort whilst simultaneously improving bone and joint health. This is a great recipe to help speed up injury healing, or drink a couple of times a week to reduce inflammation naturally.  

INGREDIENTS

(serves 2)

• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 capsules curcumin 95+ & Bioperine
• 1 scoop collagen
• 1 slice fresh ginger (about ½ the size of your thumb) or 1 tsp ground ginger

METHOD

• Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth
• Divide equally into glasses and enjoy

Sources

• [1] Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Jun;14(2):141-53. Erratum in: Altern Med Rev. 2009 Sep;14(3):277. PMID: 19594223.
• [2] Hatefi M, Ahmadi MRH, Rahmani A, Dastjerdi MM, Asadollahi K. Effects of Curcumin on Bone Loss and Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury. World Neurosurg. 2018 Jun;114:e785-e791. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.03.081. Epub 2018 Mar 19. PMID: 29567290.
• [3] Riva A, Togni S, Giacomelli L, Franceschi F, Eggenhoffner R, Feragalli B, Belcaro G, Cacchio M, Shu H, Dugall M. Effects of a curcumin-based supplementation in asymptomatic subjects with low bone density: a preliminary 24-week supplement study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 Apr;21(7):1684-1689. PMID: 28429336.
• [4] Aiyegbusi AI, Olabiyi OO, Duru FI, Noronha CC, Okanlawon AO. A comparative study of the effects of bromelain and fresh pineapple juice on the early phase of healing in acute crush achilles tendon injury. J Med Food. 2011 Apr;14(4):348-52. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2010.0078. Epub 2011 Jan 23. PMID: 21254908.
• [5] Stohs SJ, Chen O, Ray SD, Ji J, Bucci LR, Preuss HG. Highly Bioavailable Forms of Curcumin and Promising Avenues for Curcumin-Based Research and Application: A Review. Molecules. 2020 Mar 19;25(6):1397. doi: 10.3390/molecules25061397. PMID: 32204372; PMCID: PMC7144558.
• [6] Aiyegbusi AI, Duru FI, Anunobi CC, Noronha CC, Okanlawon AO. Bromelain in the early phase of healing in acute crush Achilles tendon injury. Phytother Res. 2011 Jan;25(1):49-52. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3199. PMID: 20623610.