Surprising Health Benefits of Black Pepper

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), also called as the king of spices has featured a lot of health benefits. The major benefit of consuming pepper is that it aids in weight loss and helps in reducing cold and cough. It has active compound Piperine which may have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Laboratory studies have also suggested that black pepper may improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and brain and gut health. In ancient times Rome used to Import Pepper as it was most valuable item for them. Hence, the name given to Pepper was Yavanapriya.

The major health benefits of Black Pepper are:

• Prevents Cancer: Black pepper is said to prevent cancer when it is mixed with turmeric and can be consumed in the form of milk by mixing turmeric and black pepper. As per PubMed Central Black Pepper has Piperine, which may have cancer-fighting properties.

• Good for Digestion: Black pepper helps in good digestion and when it is consumed raw, hydrochloric acid is released by the stomach and helps in breaking down the protein.

• Helps in Weight Loss: If added to green tea and consumed two to three times a day help in weight loss as because this spice has a rich content of phytonutrients in it that helps in breaking down on excess fat and also improves your body’s metabolism.

• Relives from Cold & Cough: Black peppers has the most powerful impactwhen a person with cold and cough consumes it.

• Reduces Depression: Piperine in black pepper helps to deal with depression and stimulates the brain and helps it to function properly by making it more active.

You can use it to boostup sauces for steaks or curries or use it to coat or grill meats liketurkey or chicken before grilling it. But most experts will recommend not cooking pepper and use as freshly ground ones as they are most beneficial.