Black pepper, or Piper nigrum, is widely believed to be the most common culinary spice in the world. We use it to spice up our omelette, or add that extra zing to Indian dishes, but did you know that humble black pepper can add a lot more to your food than just flavour. It is a rich source of manganese, iron, potassium, vitamin-C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber. Read this article and learn about the amazing health benefits of Black Pepper you probably don’t know about!
1. Black pepper is good for the Stomach
The piperine content of black pepper makes it a great digestive. When you eat Black Pepper, it stimulates the taste buds to signal the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is necessary for the digestion of proteins and other food components in the stomach. In addition, black pepper’s natural antibiotic properties make it an effective remedy for intestinal diseases caused by bacteria. Black Pepper can also help prevent the formation of intestinal gas and reduce stomach upset.
2. Black pepper for Respiratory Relief
Due to its antibacterial properties, black pepper is a very effective natural remedy to cure colds and coughs. Pepper also provides relief from sinusitis and nasal congestion. Just add a few pinches of pepper to a bowl of chicken soup—the perfect comfort food when you’re cold and snuffle—and you’ll soon be breathing easier.
3. Black pepper Helps Prevent Cancer
Black pepper are rich in flavonoid polyphenolic anti-oxidants like carotenes, cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lycopene. These compounds help the body remove harmful free radicals and help protect from cancers and diseases. According to a study carried out by the University of Michigan Cancer Center, they found that the piperine content of black pepper plays a key role in preventing cancers.
4. Black pepper and Dental Health
Black pepper is helpful in improving dental health. It not only acts on the teeth strong pain, but also prevents cavities and gum disease. You can make a mixture of black pepper and turmeric, massage it into the gums to build stronger gums.
5. Black pepper Helps Weight loss
Black pepper helps in boosting metabolism in the body, it promotes sweating and urination and is a great way to get rid of excess water and toxins from the body. Moreover, Black pepper’s outer layer which contains potent phytonutrients stimulates the breakdown of fat cells. Therefore, black pepper is very effective against obesity.
6. Black pepper for Skin Treatment
Add black pepper to your daily diet and see its miraculous effect on your skin. Black pepper contains piperine is an effective treatment for vitiligo, a skin disease that causes areas of the skin to lose their pigment. It also reduces the chances of skin cancer due to excessive ultraviolet radiation. In addition, you can apply it to the skin for exfoliating. Pepper when crushed and added to a face scrub, helps slough off dead skin, stimulates circulation and helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
7. Black pepper for Dandruff Treatment
Because of its antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties, black pepper is great to get rid of dandruff. Add a teaspoonful of crushed pepper to a bowl of curd and apply it on your scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes or so. Wash off with water. Do not use shampoo. Make sure you do not use too much pepper, it may cause your scalp to burn.
