How does Black pepper help my health?
I just love black pepper, adding it to my meals daily. And heres why? Not only do I enjoy the spiciness I also enjoy the many health benefits it offers. IN this blog I have outlined them for you and I hope you enjoy this ancient spice in your meals.
Black pepper, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, is a commonly used spice worldwide. It’s made by grinding peppercorns, which are dried berries from the vine Piper nigrum. It has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds.
Health Benefits of Black Pepper:
- Antioxidant Properties: Black pepper is rich in a plant compound called piperine, which has potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that fight cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Many laboratory studies suggest that piperine, the main active compound in black pepper, may effectively fight inflammation.
- Digestion and Intestinal Health: Black pepper helps to stimulate hydrochloric acid in your stomach so you can better digest and absorb the foods you eat. It has carminative properties too, which help to reduce discomfort and gas buildup in your intestines.
Black Pepper and Food Assimilation: Black pepper can enhance the absorption and function of certain nutrients and beneficial compounds. In particular, the absorption of curcumin — the active ingredient in the popular anti-inflammatory spice turmeric. When you add black pepper to your meal, you increase the amount of nutrients absorbed into your bloodstream. Basically I think that everything is absorbed better when you add a little black pepper to the meal.
Foods that can be Assimilated with Black Pepper: Black pepper can be used in all of your cooking or you add it at the end as a condiment. Just a dash is enough to help you absorb the foods better.
Black pepper, , has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including the treatment of depression. The antidepressant properties of black pepper are primarily attributed to its active compound, piperine.
Piperine is a naturally occurring bioactive alkaloid in black pepper that has been found to enhance brain function. It has been reported to have potential therapeutic properties, including antidepressant effects. A study suggests that the essential oil from black pepper exhibits anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, possibly through the involvement of the serotonergic transmission system.
Moreover, black pepper essential oil (BPEO) has been found to have several biological roles, including antidepressant activity. However, it’s important to note that while these studies suggest potential benefits, more research is needed, particularly involving human subjects, to fully understand the mechanisms and effects of piperine and BPEO.
