Black pepper contains piperine, which helps your body absorb the curcumin in turmeric more effectively, enhancing its effects. Effects of Combining Turmeric and Black PepperPiperine in black pepper can improve curcumin's bioavailability—how well the body can take in and use a substance. Black pepper and turmeric, as spices, offer small amounts of their active components curcumin and piperine: Turmeric has about 2-9% curcumin. DietA few ways to add more turmeric and black pepper to your diet include:Make curries: Try adding curry powder, which typically contains both turmeric and black pepper, to soups, stews, rice, and vegetables. Try adding curry powder, which typically contains both turmeric and black pepper, to soups, stews, rice, and vegetables.