Black Pepper – A Spice with Benefits

Black pepper, also known as Piper nigrum, is a very pungent and hot spice that is mainly used as a condiment. Still, this small spice also has a large variety of health benefits and it is widely used in the Ayurvedic medicine. The piperine in the black pepper it’s the active component that gives the pungent taste. At the same time, this spice is filled with vitamin C and A, iron, chromium, potassium, zinc, calcium, manganese and magnesium. So, let us explore the numerous benefits of black pepper.

Aids Digestion

Whenever you eat black pepper, the taste buds are stimulated and the secretion of the stomach’s hydrochloric acid is increased. As a result, the digestion is improved. Also, black pepper can treat problems such as constipation, colic, flatulence, indigestion and bloating. Its antibacterial qualities will also kill the bacteria and cure the intestinal diseases caused by them.

Clears Congestion

If you have a stuffy nose, black pepper can be the solution for you. This spice will help you loosen the phlegm and will also clear the congestion. At the same time, black pepper has antimicrobial effects and numerous cold and cough treatments include this ingredient. Mix some black pepper powder (1/2 tablespoon) with lukewarm water (one cup) and drink this solution up to 3 times daily if you suffer from a respiratory disease. Moreover, you can mix eucalyptus oil with black pepper and hot water and make a steam inhalation. It will be extremely beneficial for your respiratory system.

Stimulates the Appetite

Black pepper does not only add flavor to your dishes, but it also stimulates your appetite. This olfactory stimulation can be a great remedy for the individuals who have poor appetite. You can try a remedy including gur or jaggery powder (1 tablespoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon). Use this treatment daily until you notice any improvement.

Treats Arthritis

As mentioned before, black pepper contains piperine, a substance that has anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties and can combat arthritis. This miraculous spice can also improve circulation and reduce or prevent the joint pain. Last, but not least, black pepper has the ability to diminish the perception of arthritic symptoms and of pain.

Natural Antidepressant

The same piperine is efficient in treating depression as it stimulates the production of serotonin. This is the neurotransmitter that regulates and controls the mood. Depression is usually caused by low levels of this neurotransmitter. At the same time, piperine promotes mental clarity and increases the beta-endorphins that are natural mood elevators and painkillers. Moreover, endorphins alleviate the melancholy and the anxiety and they also reduce the stress.

Promotes Weight Loss

Black pepper is also efficient in the weight loss diets. The phytonutrients in this spice are able to break down the fat cells and they prevent the fat accumulation. Black pepper also improves the metabolism and will stimulate the burning of the calories. Finally, this herb is diaphoretic and diuretic and promotes both perspiration and urination, helping you flush out the excess water and the toxins from your organism.