BLACK PEPPER
PLACE OF SOURCE- KHASI HILLS, MEGHALAYA
Black pepper is made by grinding peppercorns, which are dried berries from the vine Piper Nigrum. It has a sharp and mildly spicy flavor that goes well with many dishes.
But black pepper is more than just a kitchen staple. It has been deemed the “king of spices” and used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds.
- High in antioxidants- Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells. Excess free radical damage may lead to major health problems. For example, it has been linked to inflammation, premature aging, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Black pepper is rich in a plant compound called piperine, which test-tube studies have found to have potent antioxidant properties.Studies suggest that a diet high in antioxidants may help prevent or delay the damaging effects of free radicals. - Has anti-inflammatory properties- Chronic inflammation may be an underlying factor in many conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Many laboratory studies suggest that piperine- the main active compound in black pepper- may effectively fight inflammation.
- May benefit your brain- Piperine has been shown to improve brain function in animal studies. In particular, it has demonstrated potential benefits for symptoms related to degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Improve blood sugar control- Piperine helps improve blood sugar metabolism.
- May lower cholesterol levels- High blood cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide.Black pepper and piperine are believed to boost the absorption of dietary supplements that have potential cholesterol-lowering effects like turmeric and red yeast rice.For example, studies have shown that black pepper may increase the absorption of the active component of turmeric- curcumin- by up to 2,000%.
- May have cancer-fighting properties- Researchers hypothesize that the active compound in black pepper, piperine, may have cancer-fighting properties.
- Other benefits- Black pepper may increase the absorption of essential nutrients like calcium and selenium, as well some beneficial plant compounds, such as those found in green tea and turmeric. The makeup of your gut bacteria has been linked to immune function, mood, chronic diseases, and more. Preliminary research suggests that black pepper may increase the good bacteria in your gut.
For details and benefits of Black Pepper
