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 a common cold. Millions of people who consume black pepper every day 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.

This seemingly small black spice is packed with an array of rich properties that can help you improve your health. Essential nutrients such as manganese, potassium, iron, dietary fiber, and vitamins C and K can be found in black pepper. It has antibacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which make it an amazing medicinal spice. Apart from helping in treating cough and cold and other diseases like cancer and intestinal problems, adding it to your daily diet helps in improving your skin and hair.

Black Pepper Health Benefits

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 the 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, diarrhea, and colic.

4. A cough and cold:

Surprisingly, the spice also acts as a remedy for a 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 the 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 the diet helps to improve skin condition and promotes weight loss. Black pepper finds its 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 a toothache.

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 Skin Benefits:

Are you looking for a healthy and glowing skin? Have tried out various products on the market but not happy yet? It’s time to try out one of the best and most natural ingredients for your skin that is right there on your kitchen shelf! The black pepper has skin benefits that match no other spice.

Here’s a quick look at how this potent spice can do wonders for your skin:

11. Vitiligo Cure:

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes the skin to lose its pigmentation in certain areas. When your skin loses its natural pigmentation, it turns white. There are many different treatments for this skin disease but a majority of them involve the use of harsh chemicals. Many patients are now turning to black pepper as a cure. According to some researchers from London, Piperine found in black pepper stimulates the production of pigmentation in the skin, providing a safe, natural alternative to chemical-based treatments.

12. Goodbye wrinkles:

The high amount of anti-oxidants present in black pepper helps your skin by protecting it against symptoms of premature aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Instead of buying expensive creams and serums that promise to rejuvenate your skin, add black pepper to your daily diet and see its miraculous effect on your skin.

13. Cancer Prevention:

Black pepper is a well-known deterrent against skin cancer that is caused by excessive exposure to harmful UV radiation.

14. Exfoliation:

Crush some black pepper and make a scrub to remove dead skin cells and exfoliate your skin. This will help remove toxins from your skin, leaving it soft and radiant. Black pepper also helps promote blood circulation and provides more oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help prevent acne.

Black Pepper Hair Benefits:

If you thought the benefits of black pepper were limited only to your skin, you’re mistaken. This spice is known to have amazing properties to give you beautiful and healthy hair.

Here are a few ways that black pepper works on your hair:

15. Dandruff Treatment:

If you’re suffering from dandruff problems, black pepper is the best treatment. Add a teaspoonful of crushed pepper to a bowl of curd and apply it on your scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes or so. Wash off with water. Do not use shampoo. If you want, you can shampoo the next day, as this will give the mixture ample time to work on the dandruff. Remember not to overdo the pepper as excess will make your scalp burn, causing extreme discomfort.

16. Hair Revitalization:

Mixture a teaspoonful of ground black pepper and lemon seeds and apply to your scalp and hair. This will revitalize your hair, making it shiny, lustrous and soft. Leave the mixture on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water.

Tips for Usage

• Black pepper goes well with almost every dish.
• To get the best flavour, crush whole pepper before adding it to the dish you’re preparing.
• Peppercorns can be crushed and used to cover your steaks before cooking them. This will give them that little extra punch.
• Use it with olive oil, lemon juice and salt to make a mouth-watering salad dressing that will give your raw veggies a little bit of zing.
• Keep a pepper grinder on your dining table so that you can always add a dash of pepper to the dishes you serve.

For centuries, people have used black pepper in their recipes and have benefited from all the wonderful properties.