Black Peppercorn

Black pepper has several health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as copper, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, Vitamin C, B2, and B6. It also has substantial quantities of fibre, which is essential for good digestion. Here are the top six health-pros of organic black pepper:

Enhances digestion
Black pepper promotes the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is important for digestion. Owing to its carminative nature, it helps ease flatulence. Black pepper helps to eliminate toxins from the body through increased urination and sweating. It also cleans out impurities stuck in pores, uric acid, urea, fat and excess water. So the next time your stomach feels off, don’t pop a pill – do the peppercorn grind!

Aids weight loss
Black pepper seeds break down fat cells into easily digestible components which are then used for other bodily functions and reactions, preventing them from settling down in an unhealthy manner. Imagine a small, round, homeo-pill-sized black thing putting those slimming centres out of business!

Remedy for cold and cough
Black pepper is used to provide relief from sinusitis and nasal congestion. It breaks down certain depositions in the respiratory tract and then throws them out of the body by causing irritation. These properties make it an important ingredient in Ayurvedic cough and cold tonics.

Treats ulcers
Black pepper has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that cure stomach ulcers (or peptic ulcers, as they are also called). It also fights problems arising due to stomach mucosal damage.

Maintains skin health
The benefits of black pepper go skin-deep! A condition called vitiligo, in which some areas of the skin turn white after losing the normal pigmentation, can be treated using a substance called piperine found in black pepper, combined with ultraviolet light therapy. It also reduces the risk of skin cancer due to exposure to harmful sunlight. It helps to maintain a smooth, glowing complexion.

Absorption of nutrients
When consumed with other nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, black pepper increases the body’s ability to absorb maximum nutrition. It increases the bio-availability and accessibility of nutrients by sharing their benefits with different parts of the body.

Other health benefits of black pepper include prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer and liver problems. It appears to stimulate regions in the brain that could possibly benefit cognitive function and thereby help patients of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive malfunctions. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities. Research suggests that piperine – the same substance that is used to treat vitiligo – also helps fight depression, improves memory, and ameliorates brain functions.