Black Pepper and its Numerous Health Benefits
Black pepper, or peppercorn, is a dried fruit from the family Piperaceae. Commonly used as a spice and for seasoning, black pepper is endemic to the Malabar Coast in Bharat, where it is also widely grown in other tropical areas. Since ancient times, people have used ground, dried and roasted black pepper for enhancing flavour and in traditional medicine. It is one of the most common spices in the world and is also traded the most.
The heat of black pepper comes from the alkaloid piperine, which is different from capsaicin found in red chillies or chilli peppers. In the West, black pepper is mostly used as seasoning, but did you know that for centuries, black pepper has been used in traditional medicine across multiple indigenous cultures around the world? In today’s blog, we will explore some health benefits of black pepper. Let’s find out.
Rich Source of Antioxidants
Piperine, the active alkaloid in black pepper, has strong antioxidant properties. In order to combat environmental stress, the body creates compounds called free radicals. These are highly-unstable molecules that can damage cells. Consistent cell damage from free radicals can cause critical health problems, such as inflammatory diseases, heart disorders and certain cancers. Research has shown that diets high in antioxidants significantly mitigate free radical damage.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Research has shown that black pepper significantly contributes to reduced tissue inflammation in patients with cardiac and renal disorders. Across many Bharatiya households, black pepper is used as a remedy for allergies, common cold and infections. The anti-inflammatory agents in piperine directly help in reducing tonsil inflammation caused by viral infections or allergies.
Helps Reduce Excess Body Fat
The excess amount of fats in foods that are not utilised in energy synthesis is stored as body fats in different parts of the body. Research has shown that piperine inhibits the production of new fat cells, a process known as adipogenesis. Thus, diets rich in black pepper can help combat obesity issues by burning fats. That, coupled with good exercise, can greatly aid in burning excess body fats.
Anti-carcinogenic Effects
Cancer refers to an uninhibited division of cells inside the body at an alarming rate. Studies have shown that piperine contributes to suppressed cancer cell replication in breast, colon and prostate cancer. Although not fully understood yet, piperine is said to act as a therapeutic agent in combating osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Diets rich in peppercorn are frequently suggested to treat nausea and bloating after chemotherapy.
Balances Blood Sugar Levels
Not only does balanced blood sugar levels significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, but it also contributes to weight loss. Sudden crashes in blood sugar levels can lead to mood swings and sweet cravings. This triggers overeating, as a result of which there is a significant infusion of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Research suggests that piperine in black pepper can improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, thus reducing insulin resistance. This, in turn, helps stabilise blood sugar levels and prevents sudden fluctuations. That is why black pepper is said to help with weight management and overeating issues.
Boosts Cognitive Brain Function
A plethora of studies on animals have shown that piperine can positively affect the brain and its functions, particularly concerning the signs of degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Piperine reduces the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting the formation of amyloid plaques. These are damaging protein fragments that form in the early stages of degenerative brain disorders in parts of the brain associated with memory and cognitive function. Piperine is thus a great medicine in combating brain-related diseases in their early stages.
In conclusion, black pepper is not just a flavourful spice or a great source of seasoning. It is also an almost magical seed having numerous health benefits. This is primarily why black pepper has found its place across the entire world in cuisines of different geographies and cultures.