Black pepper is known as the king of spices and is one of the most commonly used spice. It has a strong sensation with a spicy flavor. Use of black pepper has been done in Ayurvedic medicine for years due to the abundant amount of beneficial plant compounds.
Protects against free radical damage
Due to the current lifestyle accumulation of free radicals in our body from pollution, smoking, stress and sun rays. Excess free radical damage may cause certain serious health problems, such as inflammation, premature aging, heart diseases and certain types of cancers.1 Research has shown that including black pepper in your routine dishes to be very beneficial as they have antioxidant properties.
Specifically, a plant compound known as piperine and is full of antioxidants. Chronic inflammation may be a base factor in conditions like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Piperine being the major active compound in black pepper seems to be effective at fighting against inflammation. 2
Improves brain health
It has been observed in multiple animal studies that piperine improves brain functioning and potentially benefits for symptoms of degenerative ailments including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. 3
Blood sugar spike control and might reduce cholesterol
Another study shows that there is a slower spike in blood sugar level and piperine helps improve blood sugar metabolism. 4 Black pepper has shown signs of reducing cholesterol in multiple animal studies.5 All of these health ailments have been overpowered but with animals. Human research is needed but it is quite likely to benefit humans. The extent of benefit may vary due to differences in organisms. It is believed that black pepper and piperine increase absorption of active component of turmeric known as curcumin by up to 2,000% 6 7 8
Anti-cancer properties
Piperine in black pepper has anti-cancer properties. Test tube studies show piperine being able to slow down replication of breast, prostate and colon cancer cells, and also induce cancer cell death. 9 Human trials are needed to say for certain, but these tests have promising results. This could do good for cancer patients but must be taken after guidance from professional doctors.
Enhanced absorption and utilization of nutrients
Including black pepper in your diet allows better absorption of nutrients like calcium and selenium, as well as plant compounds found in foods like green tea and turmeric.10 Researches show evidence of black pepper promoting growth of good bacteria and that improves gut health. 11
Summary
Black pepper has loads of potential health benefits and may lack concrete scientific evidence. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for many years with great results. That cannot be overlooked, we trust black pepper’s benefits and found it to be very helpful in the TANS pilot phase when our Rawblends were being tried by several people with different types of health ailments. A natural cure should be the first priority with the current lifestyle and the way our world is shaping to be. Black pepper is present in 3 of our Rawblends, namely Organ Cleanse, Stress Buster and Energy Blast. Hope you give them a try and see for yourself if there is a change in your health.
References:
1-Antioxidant potential of spices and their active constituents – PubMed (nih.gov)
2-Chronic diseases, inflammation, and spices: how are they linked? – PubMed (nih.gov)
3-Neuroprotection by spice-derived nutraceuticals: you are what you eat! – PubMed (nih.gov)
6-Therapeutic Roles of Curcumin: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials – PMC (nih.gov)
7-Why Turmeric and Black Pepper Is a Powerful Combination (healthline.com)
8-Therapeutic Roles of Curcumin: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials – PMC (nih.gov)
11-Prebiotic Potential and Chemical Composition of Seven Culinary Spice Extracts – PubMed (nih.gov)