Black Pepper Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Black pepper is a very common kitchen spice that is used in cooking. It’s also an important natural remedy for treating several symptoms and conditions. Black pepper comes from the pepper plant, which is from the family, Piperaceae. The pepper plant is a vine that grows in tropical climates. After 3-4 years, the black pepper plant produces small clusters of white flowers. These eventually produce fruit, which is the black peppercorn. When peppercorns are ground up, it results in the fine pepper that’s used for cooking.¹

Black Pepper Health Uses and Health Benefits

Adding pepper to your cooked food or taking it on its own is helpful in treating several conditions. This is because of the many black pepper health benefits. Black pepper is a source of manganese, vitamin K, copper, fiber, iron, calcium and chromium. Black pepper is a natural anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidants, which are critical in protecting the body from cellular damage.^{1 2} Important black pepper health benefits include: ^{1 2}

• Prevents intestinal gas
• Helps rid the body of toxins
• Promotes healthy digestion
• Breaks down fat cells for improved weight loss
• Helps improve skin pigment
• Kills parasites that cause malaria
• Enhances immune system
• Acts as a natural antibacterial remedy
• Helps lower fever

• Hemorrhoids - Black pepper uses include being able to reduce swelling and pain caused by hemorrhoids.
• Obesity - The outer layer of the peppercorn helps to break down fat cells, which can improve weight loss.
• Post-Nasal Drip - Black pepper is a natural remedy for post-nasal drip symptoms. It can help reduce irritation and stop coughing that may be caused by post-nasal drip.
• Tuberculosis - Black pepper has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits which can relieve symptoms of tuberculosis.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - The anti-inflammatory health benefits of black pepper can help to reduce bronchial inflammation that causes COPD.

Black Pepper Side Effects and Precautions

Black pepper side effects are very limited when taken in normal dietary doses. Using black pepper in high doses for medicinal purposes may cause digestive side effects like upset stomach. Inhaling black pepper may cause a burning sensation and can irritate the eyes.³

References

1. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=74
2. http://foodfacts.mercola.com/black-pepper.html
3. https://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/cooking-cookware/easy-on-the-black-pepper/