Description
Black pepper comes from the berries of the pepper plant. Black pepper, green pepper and white peppercorns are actually the same fruit. The difference in their color is a reflection of varying stages of development and processing methods.
Black peppercorns are made by picking the pepper berries when they are half ripe and just about to turn red. Then, they are left to dry which causes them to shrivel and become dark in color.
Black pepper is the most pungent and flavorful of all types of peppers and it is available as whole or cracked peppercorns or ground into powder. It brings a range of benefits to our health such as: preventing cancer, stimulating digestion, losing weight,.. Here are some details of advantages of black pepper:
Prevent cancer
The piperine in black pepper can be credited with the prevention of cancer, and becomes twice as potent when combined with turmeric. The spice also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenes and other anti-oxidants helping remove harmful free radicals and protect the body from cancers and diseases. The best way to eat pepper to harness maximum benefits is to eat freshly ground pepper, and not cook it along with food.
Stimulate digestion
Again, the piperine in black pepper eases digestion and stimulates the stomach, which then secretes more hydrochloric acid that helps to digest proteins in food. So a bit of pepper in food will actually help you to digest it faster.
Relieve cold and cough
Black pepper is antibacterial in nature, and therefore helps to cure cold and cough. A teaspoon of honey with freshly crushed pepper does the trick. It also helps to alleviate chest congestion, often caused due to pollution, flu, or a viral infection. You can add it to hot water and eucalyptus oil and take steam. And given that black pepper is rich in Vitamin C, it also works as a good antibiotic.
Enable weight loss
Its outermost layer contains phytonutrients, which helps to break down fat cells and also increases metabolism. If you eat fresh pepper, and begin to perspire, that’s the pepper helping your body to get rid of excess water and toxins
Improve skin
Did you know that crushed pepper is one of the best exfoliators nature has provided us? Don’t use it directly. Add a bit of honey, curd, or fresh cream to it. It also enables blood circulation, provides the skin with more oxygen and takes care of unwarranted skin wrinkles.
Address depression
It’s said that the piperine in black pepper helps to deal with depression. It stimulates the brain and helps it to function properly by making it more active.
