JULY 11- Black pepper is one of the most common spices used in different cuisines around the world. It is used in both whole and grounded form. It contains potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin K and vitamin C. Apart from a strong flavour, it also has certain health benefits which must be taken into account.
Black pepper aids in digestion and also helps in relieving cough and common cold. Millions of people who consume black pepper everyday might not be aware of the fact that it is classified as a medicinal spice and is very rich in mineral content. Also, it has an anti-biotic property. Let us delve deeper into the black pepper benefits for the human body.
Health Benefits of Black Pepper:-
1. Anti-biotic properties:
Black pepper has natural antibiotic characteristics owing to its Vitamin C content. They curb harmful free radical reactions. This is one of the prime uses of black pepper
2. Gastro diseases:
Black pepper eases the digestion process by secreting hydrochloric acid as an alert before food consumption and hence, helps in prevention of diseases related to the intestine and stomach.
3. Bacterial infections:
Black pepper helps in treating diseases caused due to bacteria. The influence of black pepper has been observed while treating conditions like constipation, diarrhoea and colic.
4. Cough and cold:
Surprisingly, the spice is also acts as a remedy for cough and cold. The antibacterial properties of black pepper are used for treating respiratory disorders.
5. Flu and congestion:
Black pepper eases congestion. The free-radical scavenging activity of black pepper helps in treatment of cancer. It slows down the activity of some types of cancer. Black pepper finds its application in skin cancer.
6. Free radical suspension:
It generates free radical killing action that curbs the cancerous activities in the body.
7. Metabolism:
Black pepper helps in boosting metabolism in the body. It burns unwanted calories and helps in reducing belly fat. Black pepper is very effective against obesity. Daily consumption of black pepper helps in reducing stomach related problems.
8. Skin treatment:
The use of black pepper in diet helps to improve skin condition and promotes weight loss. Black pepper finds it application in Ayurveda also. If you have not tried black pepper in the daily diet, go for it.
9. Dental health:
Black pepper is helpful in improving dental health. It helps fight tooth decay and provides quick relief from tooth ache.
10. Anti-depressant:
Black pepper is a natural anti-depressant. Piperine present in black pepper acts as an anti-depressant and stimulates the nervous system. As a result of that, the cognitive capacity is improved.
Black pepper should be consumed in moderate quantities and not in excess as it’s a spice and not a food type. Used together with other ingredients like turmeric, fenugreek, cinnamon and cumin, it formulates a great combination of spices.
In one table-spoon (6 grams) of black pepper, there are 15.9 calories, 4.1 grams of carbohydrates and 0 grams of fat and cholesterol. Sodium content is about 3mg, carbohydrates are 4 grams and dietary fibers are 2 grams.
Other nutrients in black pepper has is Vitamin C content of about 2% of the dietary value; calcium as 3% of what can be consumed in your diet and iron has a 10% dietary value share. Proteins are a decent 0.7 grams that make up a percentage of the total dietary value.
