We so often use salt in our dishes that black peppercorns often lie forgotten. But the benefits of black pepper are far better. Black peppercorns, more commonly called black pepper, dramatically enhance the taste of your dishes – and their health quotient too.
What Is Black Pepper? How Is It Good For You?
Scientifically called Piper nigrum, black pepper is a flowering vine that is cultivated for its fruit. This fruit is dried and used as spice and seasoning – and this is the black pepper most of us are familiar with.
An ounce of this spice has a lot to offer. It is a great source of magnesium, vitamin K, iron, and fiber . It also contains the essential oil piperine, which, when used in aromatherapy, helps ease aching muscles, digestive issues, and even inflammatory arthritis.
1. Improves Digestive Health
Black pepper stimulates the digestive juices and enzymes, thereby promoting digestion. This holds true when you consume black pepper, especially with a meal, which might enhance your body’s ability break down and digest food.
2. Prevents Cancer
Studies have shown that the piperine in black pepper exerts protective activity against numerous forms of cancer. Piperine also increases the absorption of other nutrients like selenium, curcumin, beta-carotene, and B vitamins in your intestines – nutrients that are vital for gut health and cancer prevention.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
It’s piperine, again. Reports have shown that piperine can lower blood pressure in animals, and similar effects can be expected in human beings. One Slovakian study states that oral administration of piperine can control the increase in blood pressure.
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