One of the most famous and widely used spices in the world, known for its sharp taste and aroma.
It comes from the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant, native to southern India.
Black pepper is not only a staple in the kitchen, but can also be considered the “king of spices”.
It has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of powerful and beneficial plant compounds.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent chronic inflammation, which can be a root cause of various health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Studies prove that the presence of piperine, the main active compound in black pepper, provides an effective fight against inflammation.
Piperine also helps with swollen joints, suppresses airway inflammation caused by asthma and seasonal allergies and supports liver health. It is still recommended today for boosting immunity and for better digestion, and it is best to use freshly ground pepper.
Brain Health
Piperine also plays an important role in improving brain function. It has been shown to be beneficial in alleviating symptoms associated with degenerative brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Research has shown that piperine improves memory and appears to reduce the formation of amyloid plaques that can damage protein fragments in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Blood Sugar
Pepper may also play a role in improving blood sugar levels by helping to improve blood sugar metabolism.
Regular consumption of it may significantly improve insulin sensitivity. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol is one of the most common health problems and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Research has shown that a diet with black pepper extract reduces blood cholesterol levels, including LDL cholesterol.
Nutrient Absorption
The piperine in black pepper improves the bioavailability of nutrients such as vitamin B6, selenium, beta-carotene, and curcumin from turmeric. This makes it especially useful in combination with turmeric for anti-inflammatory conditions.
Fights Cancer
Several studies have shown that piperine in black pepper plays an important role in destroying some cancer cells. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of tumor formation by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
