Incredibly popular the black pepper often referred as “king of spice”. Its plant is native to tropical evergreen rain forests of Kerala, in India from where it spread to rest of the world. In ancient times in certain parts of the world it was used as currency and also was presented to the gods as a sacred offering. It is extensively used both as spice and as medicine across many cultures. It has some brilliant properties which make it an essential spice, such as mentioned below.

Add fresh ground pepper to avail its multiple benefits, learn more here

1. Antibacterial

It helps to fight against infections and insect bites externally when used topically. It is this antibacterial property in pepper that helps to keep the arteries clean by scraping excess cholesterol from the walls.

2. Antioxidant

Pepper prevents and repairs the damage caused by the free radicals, as it is high in many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A. They are also rich in flavonoid polyphenolic anti-oxidants like carotenes, cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lycopene.

Black pepper helps the body to be healthy in many ways, click here to know more

3. Antidepressant

It has piperine, which acts as an antidepressant by increasing serotonin production. It also increases beta-endorphins in the brain. Both of these are mood elevators and help to beat depression.

Earl grey tea is also an antidepressant, click here to know more

4. Helps in Cognitive Impairment and Neurological Health

Numerous studies prove that piperine, one of the key components of black pepper reduces memory impairment and cognitive malfunction. This organic compound stimulates the chemical pathways in the brain thus helping to keep neurological problems at bay. The

malfunctions in cognition such as macular degeneration is also decreased by the usage of this spice. 

5. Relieves from Respiratory Problems

Pepper has an expectorant property that helps to break up the mucus and remove phlegm depositions in the respiratory tract. Further its natural irritant quality helps to expel this loosened material through sneezing or coughing, which finally eliminates them from the body. In Ayurveda, pepper is used to cure cold, cough, sinusitis and nasal congestion.

A great way to feel better during a cold to have a hot cup of tea with pepper in it, discover more here

6. Aids in Digestion

Pepper benefits the digestion process in multiple ways. It increases the hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach, which are essential for digestion. It also prevents the formation of intestinal gas and forces the existing gas out of the body in a healthy, downward motion. Lastly, it promotes sweating and urination, which remove toxins from the body.

Enhance digestion naturally, click here to know more

7. Weight Loss

The outer layer of peppercorn is known to assist in the breakdown of fat cells. Therefore, food rich in pepper are a good way to shed weight naturally.

Manage weight loss naturally, click here to know more

8. Promotes Skin Health

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of pepper help keep the skin safe from infections. Also piperine content of pepper stimulates the skin to produce pigment thus helps to cure diseases when the skin looses its natural pigment such as in Vitiligo.

Indulge in pepper’s antibacterial property a part of your cleansing routine, click here to know more

9. Prevents Arthritis

Due to piperine’s anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, it is highly beneficial for treating arthritis. Additionally, it improves circulation, thereby preventing or reducing joint pain caused by poor circulation.

Massage oils help to relieve muscle pains and relax the body. Know more here

1. Prevents Cancer

Piperine also plays a key role in preventing cancer. It is found that when combined with turmeric its anticancer properties are extremely heightened.

Walnuts are known to destroy cancer cells, click here to know more

1. Enhances Bioavailability

Pepper increases the absorption of selenium, B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, as well as other nutrients from the food. Thus it not just makes the food taste delicious, but also helps our system to access the nutrients effectively.

Sprinkle your food with fresh ground pepper as often as possible to avail its multiple benefits, learn more here

Pepper is the world's most popular spice, and is added to almost every type of recipe imaginable. Apart from improving taste, it helps to maintain overall good health, which makes it an indispensable spice of life.