Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Saumya Tandon’s Ghee Drink Gets a Nutrition Reality Check
Saumya Tandon shared a morning mixture made with ghee, turmeric and black pepper.
She says this is one of her healthy habits.
A dietician explained that turmeric contains a substance called curcumin.
The body does not absorb much curcumin on its own.
Black pepper may help the body absorb more of it.
Ghee contains fat, which may also help because curcumin dissolves in fat.
The dietician suggested using a smaller amount and taking it with food if it causes stomach irritation.
Black pepper can affect how some medicines are processed.
People with certain health conditions should ask a doctor before trying the routine.
Saumya Tandon says she starts her day with ghee, turmeric and black pepper.
Dietician Kanikka Malhotra says turmeric’s curcumin is poorly absorbed by itself.
Black pepper’s piperine and ghee’s fat may increase curcumin absorption, according to Malhotra.
Malhotra recommends half to one teaspoon of ghee with turmeric and a pinch of black pepper.
People with gallbladder disease, fatty liver or certain medications should consult a doctor first.
- Who
- Actor Saumya Tandon shared the routine; dietician and diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra explained its possible effects and precautions.
- What
- A discussion about a morning mixture of ghee, turmeric and black pepper, including its possible absorption benefits and health risks.
- When
- Tandon said she takes it in the morning; the article does not provide a specific date for her Instagram post.
- Where
- Tandon shared the routine in an Instagram reel.
- Why
- Tandon presented it as one of her habits for staying fit, while Malhotra discussed how the ingredients may affect curcumin absorption and medication metabolism.
Tandon’s Wellness Routine
Nutritionist’s Qualified View
Health value
Tandon’s Wellness Routine
Tandon presents the drink as one of several habits she uses to stay fit and support her routine.
Nutritionist’s Qualified View
Malhotra says the combination may improve curcumin bioavailability, but describes the broader “gut healing” trend as more nuanced than social-media claims suggest.
How to take it
Tandon’s Wellness Routine
Tandon says she takes one tablespoon of ghee with turmeric and black pepper at the start of the day.
Nutritionist’s Qualified View
Malhotra suggests a smaller amount and says taking it with a meal may improve tolerance and reduce gastric irritation.
Safety
Tandon’s Wellness Routine
Tandon’s post presents the mixture as a daily habit without detailing medication-related precautions.
Nutritionist’s Qualified View
Malhotra warns that piperine may affect medication metabolism and advises medical consultation for people with certain conditions or taking blood thinners.
- Reported ingredients
- Ghee, turmeric and black pepper
- Tandon’s stated amount
- One tablespoon of ghee with a pinch of turmeric and black pepper
- Expert’s suggested amount
- Half to one teaspoon of ghee, one-quarter teaspoon of turmeric and a pinch of black pepper
- Curcumin absorption
- The article says less than 1% reaches the bloodstream in studies when curcumin is taken on its own
- Piperine effect
- The article says black pepper’s piperine can increase curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%
- Possible medication concern
- Piperine may affect how some diabetes and blood-pressure medicines are metabolised
- People advised to seek medical guidance
- Those with gallbladder disease, fatty liver or those taking blood thinners such as warfarin