Black pepper is one of the world’s healthiest spice that is effective for supporting weight loss, improving skin health, calming toothaches, combating depression, treating ulcers, preventing gray hair, promoting digestion, aiding nutrient absorption, treating arthritis, and promoting a healthy heart.
Apart from its flavor in cuisines, black pepper is an amazing source of calcium, fiber, iron, manganese, vitamin K, and chromium.
Now, let’s take a look at the many health benefits of black pepper.
Treats Diabetes
The antioxidants present in black pepper might help regulate blood sugar level which, in turn, aids in diabetes treatment. According to some studies, consuming black pepper can slow the absorption of glucose.
Cures Skin Problems
Due to the antioxidants in black pepper, it is an amazing anti-aging agent. The pepper is also effective in cleansing the skin and treating acne and other skin problems. In fact, the antioxidants in black pepper combat free radicals that result in premature aging, including dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Black pepper can be used as a scrub to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. This makes your skin smoother.
Simply crush some black pepper into a facial scrub to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from the skin. This scrub will leave the skin supple and radiant. Additionally, black pepper helps to improve blood circulation and provide nutrients to the skin.
Aids in Weight Loss
According to studies, the compound piperine found in black pepper results in sneezing and also prevents the production of fat cells. This encourages weight loss and treats fat-related problems.
Treats Dandruff
Black pepper is the best treatment for dandruff. Simply add a teaspoon of crushed black pepper to some curd and apply it to the scalp. Wash off with water but avoid using shampoo. It is important to note that overdoing the pepper can burn the scalp and cause` extreme discomfort.
Improves Digestive Health
Black pepper promotes digestion by stimulating enzymes. When black pepper is added to a meal, it breaks down food and facilitates digestion. According to some studies, black pepper has a affects pancreatic enzymes positively and so good for the entire digestive process.
Black pepper also possesses carminative capabilities that relieve flatulence, stomach gas, and maybe peptic ulcers.
Contains Antioxidant Effects
Black pepper has powerful antioxidant abilities that fight off free radicals while also boosting the immune system. Its high antioxidant content also prevents chronic ailments such as cancer.
Prevents Cancer
The piperine present in black pepper improves the absorption of nutrients such as vitamin B, curcumin, selenium, and beta-carotene in the intestines to improve gut health and prevent cancer. The piperine in black pepper lowers the stress on the rectum, averts colon cancer as well as prostate cancer.
Improves Fertility in Men
Black pepper plays a vital role in improving male fertility as the zinc and magnesium in the pepper helps to increase testosterone levels and sperm development. In fact, it also improves sperm count and concentration.
Lowers Blood Pressure
The piperine in black pepper helps to lower blood pressure and improves the bioavailability of curcumin, an important compound present in turmeric.
Enhances Brain Health
Black pepper, via its compound piperine, inhibits neurotransmitter, a particular enzyme that breaks down serotonin. This enzyme restricts the functioning of one other hormone known as melatonin – which controls the sleep/wake cycle.
Black pepper can also inhibit depression, slow brain aging, as well as prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The pepper can also improve nerve functions in the brain, thus, treating seizures and prevents stroke.
Relieves Common Cold and Cough
Black pepper stimulates blood circulation and mucus flow. When you combine the pepper with honey, it helps to relieve coughs.
Black pepper can also calm symptoms of asthma. The pepper clears the respiratory tract and relieves other respiratory issues such as whooping cough too.
Helps Quit Smoking
According to studies, inhaling the vapor from black pepper can significantly reduce cigarette cravings and the symptoms of smoking withdrawal.
Side Effects and Precautions
It is important to always remember that if black pepper gets into the eye, it can result in burning and redness. Also, although it is okay to incorporate black pepper into food during pregnancy and breastfeeding, high doses can lead to complications such as miscarriage. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the consumption of black pepper to normal doses.
The Bottom Line
Black peppercan be found in whole and crushed. Whole black pepper is, however, better as they are usually unadulterated. Always ensure that your black peppers are tiny, heavy, and blemish-free.
