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Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Black Pepper or Black Peppercorns used in kitchen increases taste of our dishes and is good for health too.
Black Pepper is a flowering vine. It is cultivated for its fruit. Scientifically it is called as Piper nigrum. The dried fruit is known peppercorn.

Types of Pepper

Black pepper is the most common variety. It is cooked and dried unripe fruit.
White pepper is the seeds from ripened fruit of the plant.
Green pepper is derived from the dried and unripe fruit.
Vietnam is the largest exporter of pepper then follows India, Brazil and Indonesia.

Prevents Cancer

Black pepper contains piperine which can help in prevention of cancer. When consumed with turmeric it becomes twice more effective.

Black pepper has Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenes and other antioxidants that help to remove free radicals and protect the body from cancers and diseases. Best way to eat black pepper is to eat freshly ground. This helps to get maximum benefits.

Stimulates Digestion

Piperine in black pepper eases digestion. It will activate stomach which secretes hydrochloric acid that helps to digest proteins in food. Little bit of pepper in food will help us to digest it faster.

Relief from Cold and Cough

Black pepper is antibacterial in nature, so it helps to cure cold and cough. It can be crushed and taken with a tablespoon of honey. This helps to relieve congestion caused to due pollution, flu or a viral infection. Black Pepper is rich in vitamin C and it also works as good antibiotic.

Weight Loss

Black pepper outmost layer contains phytonutrients which help break down fat cells and increase metabolism.

Good for Skin

Black pepper is best natural exfoliator. It can be mixed with honey, curd or fresh cream. It provides skin with more oxygen by enabling blood circulation. It helps to take care of wrinkles. It can also help to cure Vitiligo in which skin loses pigmentation and creates white patches.

Helps in Depression

Piperine in black pepper helps to fight depression. It activates the brain, makes it active and thus helps it function properly.

Can Help Quit Smoking

As per studies, inhaling the vapour from black pepper can lessen smoking withdrawal symptoms. Cigarette carvings were also lessened in test subjects who inhaled black pepper vapour.

Improve Men Fertility

Pepper contains zinc and magnesium. Both the minerals are crucial for male sex hormones. Pepper can increase sperm count and its concentrations. The zinc present in pepper helps in development and movement of sperms. Thus, it can help to improve male fertility.

How to Store Black Pepper

It is recommended to always store black pepper in an airtight glass container. Keep the container in cool, dry and dark place. Buy whole peppercorn and crush it. This maintains flavour of the spice and helps it to last longer.

How to use Black Pepper

Black Pepper is used in many foods like Pongal, Rasam, Fried Rice, Salads, Soups, Pastas, Buttermilk, and Curries etc. To gain more benefits it is recommended by experts to cook pepper less and eat freshly ground one.

How to Prepare Black Pepper Kadha (Concoction)

·         Take ground Tulsi Leaves and a half teaspoon of black pepper and half teaspoon of chopped ginger.

·         Boil all these with a cupful of water.

·         Add a teaspoon of honey.

·         Strain and Drink this kadha lukewarm.

Pepper kadha are known to ease cold, cough and stimulate your immunity.

Also Read : Health Benefits of Asafoetida or Hing