Benefits and side effects of black pepper

Black pepper is only safe when used in moderate amounts. When used in large quantities, black pepper can cause some side effects on your body.

Black pepper has long been used to add flavour to food. Besides making food more delicious, pepper is also used to treat severaldiarrhoea diseases such as diarrhea or a variety of other disorders. However, black pepper is only safe when used in moderate amounts. When used in large quantities, black pepper can cause some side effects on your body.

Black pepper is only safe when used in moderate amounts.

• Helps prevent cancer: According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan Cancer Center, black pepper has been found to prevent the growth of breast cancer tumours. They found that the piperine compound found in black pepper is a substance that plays an important role in preventing cancer. The study also added that when combined with turmeric, the anti-cancer properties of black pepper are enhanced. In addition to piperine, black pepper also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenes and other antioxidants that help eliminate harmful free radicals and protect the body from cancer and disease.

• Good for digestion: The piperine compound in black pepper helps stimulate taste buds, signalling the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid. This type of acid is needed to digest proteins and other foods in the stomach. If the stomach has trouble secreting this acid, it will hinder digestion, causing bloating, indigestion, diarrhoea, and constipation…

• Aids in weight loss: Black pepper is great in supporting proper assimilation (extraction of all nutrients) of food. Furthermore, the outer shell of black pepper contains phytonutrients that stimulate the breakdown of fat cells. It also promotes sweating and regular urination to reduce excess water and toxins from the body. All these activities will help in losing weight.

• Reduces nasal congestion and relieves coughs: Due to its antibacterial properties, black pepper is a very effective natural remedy to cure colds and coughs. The spicy flavour and warming properties of black pepper also help loosen phlegm and reduce nasal congestion. Sprinkle freshly ground pepper into hot soup and it will immediately loosen phlegm and help you breathe easier.

• Helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively: Black pepper is known to have properties that help enhance bioavailability. This means that it helps in the proper transport and absorption of nutrients from food into the body in a better way.

As a natural anti-depressant: The journal Food and Chemical Toxicology reports that the compound piperine in black pepper increases the brain’s cognitive function and helps beat depression. Research has also found that eating black pepper regularly will help the brain function properly.