General considerations about the benefits of black pepper

The black pepper is a kind of oriental condiment widely used around the world. This spice, which, according to historical accounts, had its cultivation and consumption started inside the Indian subcontinent more than 3 thousand years ago, has three types - green, black and white - and matches with dishes from all kinds of culinary traditions around the world.

Here in Brazil, for example, chili peppers are widely used and in many different ways. From the "solitary" consumption of the peppercorns, to some types of powder made with the spice, this type of pepper is appreciated in many different ways all over the country.

However, chili peppers are not only about their distinct flavor. It's been proven that this special spice can bring several benefits to the body. However, if consumed in excess, chili peppers can be harmful to the body.

Follow this article to the end to learn about both the benefits and possible harms of this one of the most acclaimed spices on the planet!

The nutritional profile of black pepper

To start the conversation, nothing better than knowing about the main elements that compose the black pepper and, consequently, give to this natural product all its "powers". See below six topics about the nutritional profile of black pepper!

Oleoresins and alkaloids

Two of the most abundant active ingredients in black pepper are oleoresins and alkaloids.

Oleoresins, also called balsam, are substances that can originate from residual natural resins or essential oils from some types of natural elements such as peppers. Their main effect on the body is to combat oxidative stress in cells.

Alkaloids, on the other hand, are basic substances found in many plants and vegetables. Good examples of known alkaloids are caffeine, nicotine and ephedrine. In black pepper, piperine and chavicine are found, which act as bactericides, antifungals and natural antiseptics, among other functions.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants do, as their name indicates, the work of directly combating oxidative stress in cells. These substances act to restore cells damaged by the so-called free radicals. In addition, antioxidants also act by directly eliminating free radicals.

Black pepper has antioxidants such as niacin, riboflavin, carotenes and others that, in short, prevent the death of cells and their aging. The chain effect prolongs life and prevents the onset of various types of diseases that end the quality of life.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a type of polyphenol found in various types of plants and vegetables. In the plant they have a protective function, preventing pests from getting established and keeping predators away.

However, when humans or other animals consume natural products full of flavonoids, such as black pepper, they absorb a multitude of special benefits. Among them are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergic and many others.

Essential Oils

Popularly known by the name of the plant from which they are extracted, essential oils are true natural jewels for the health of people and animals. These substances are hydrophobic (do not mix with water), and are generally responsible for the aroma exhaled by plants.

In black pepper, essential oils play a key role, offering several different types of properties. Among the main ones are the fungicidal, bactericidal and cicatrizing actions, so much so that the spice is used for the manufacture of several topical products for application in wounds, mycoses and skin allergies, for example.

Vitamins

Vitamins are natural compounds essential to the functioning of the human body. They can be found in abundance in practically all types of fruits, vegetables and greens, a fact that is not different in the case of black pepper.

In the essential composition of Indian spice there are almost all the main types of vitamins, this includes vitamins A, B complex, E and K.

Among the attributions of these vitamins found in black pepper are the aid in metabolic improvement, blood pressure control, improvement in blood circulation, vision improvement and many others.

Minerals

Responsible for regulating bone growth and solidity, the functioning of some organs and even the production of some essential bodily secretions, minerals are among the main substances we can ingest through food.

To have an idea, the effects of dehydration, caused by the lack of fluids in the body, are immensely worsened because along with the water that is drained, some minerals and electrolytes are also being expelled from the body.

The black pepper is placed as a good source of minerals and can serve as a supplementation of these substances. Some of the main minerals found in the spice, are:

- Calcium;

- Copper;

- Chrome;

- Iron;

- Phosphorus;

- Manganese;

- Potassium;

- Selenium;

- Zinc.

The health benefits of black pepper

From helping you lose weight, to strengthening your hair, to preventing some types of cancer, black pepper has many benefits. Read on for a summary of the top 11 proven benefits of black pepper!

It is effective in preventing some types of cancer

Cancer is the abnormal growth of diseased cells that in turn causes the appearance of a mass called a malignant tumor. As we know, this serious problem can appear anywhere in the body and in many cases can mean the death of a person.

One of the elements that can help cancer develop in a certain part of the body are the infamous free radicals, which destroy cells, weakening tissues.

The black pepper, in turn, has a wide range of antioxidants and other substances that prevent the agglomeration of free radicals and thus hinder the appearance of certain types of cancer, especially some that affect the digestive tract.

Assists in reducing blood sugar levels

It has been proven that piperine and other alkaloids present in chili peppers are able to increase the metabolic rates of the human body. With this, all substances are assimilated and, in some cases, eliminated more quickly from the bloodstream.

This logic also applies to glucose, which is a type of sugar. When not properly processed, this substance ends up accumulating in the bloodstream and causing the so-called hyperglycemia, or diabetes. Therefore, it is possible to say that yes, when properly consumed, black pepper can help to control diabetes.

Helps in weight loss

Some nutrition professionals recommend the inclusion of black pepper in weight loss diets. The reason for this is that this natural product has a proven thermogenic effect, speeding up the metabolism and thus causing fat loss.

The phytonutrients present in this spice of oriental origin can also be added to other natural products, increasing its power of weight loss. The black pepper can be included in meals like lunch and dinner, for example, or added to teas taken before exercise sessions.

Acts in reducing cholesterol levels

All the components present in black pepper, especially the alkaloids and antioxidants, act in the control of the formation of structures that are harmful to the health of the vascular system of the human body. And, besides, these natural compounds help the digestive system to absorb other phytonutrients and dietary elements present in other medicinal plants.

One of the results of this highly beneficial synergy is the fight against the formation of fatty plaques in veins and arteries, which can be caused by excess of the so-called LDL cholesterol, also called bad cholesterol.

Prevents premature aging

The aging of the human body happens mainly when cell renewal begins to slow down and when there is an increase in oxidative stress, which mainly consumes the cells of the skin and of muscular, bone and nerve structures of the body.

For these and other reasons, older people have flaccid and wrinkled skin, and problems in bones, muscles and tendons, which ends up hindering mobility.

As already mentioned, black pepper has substances that fight free radicals and prevent the oxidative stress advance, keeping the body structures intact for a longer period of time, avoiding the appearance of old age.

Strengthens the immune system

The immune system of the human body is composed of cells specialized in searching and fighting infectious agents that eventually invade the human body, such as fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Therefore, in order to be functioning well, the immune system needs to have a production of these cells, such as the so-called white blood cells, which must also be of sufficient quality to endorse the body's defenses.

Black pepper has several types of compounds that can help the body to produce mainly more white blood cells. This is the case of some vitamins, minerals and alkaloids, for example.

Benefits intestinal transit and prevents constipation

Constipation is one of the main problems related to the digestive tract and the worst of all is that this condition can be caused by several factors. Those who suffer from intestinal constipation have in the black pepper an ally of the first hour.

It has been proven, both by scientific sampling and by popular wisdom, that the spice helps to "loosen" the intestine, regulating its transit and avoiding more serious problems. However, it is worth remembering that excessive consumption of black pepper can have the opposite effect, increasing too much evacuation and unbalancing the intestinal flora.

It has anti-inflammatory properties

The inflammatory processes that can occur in the body are one of the main causes of several types of diseases, including some chronic and serious such as cardiovascular, respiratory and even some specific types of cancer.

The black pepper can be used to combat these reactions because it has in abundance many natural anti-inflammatory, among them the piperine, which is one of the most "aggressive" anti-inflammatory existing in nature. This substance is capable, in sufficient quantity, end less severe inflammations in a few hours.

Strengthens hair

The nutrients present in black pepper, especially the black pepper, are also able to act positively on the skin of the scalp, stimulating the birth of new strands and strengthening the old ones.

This natural product is present in some cosmetics for hair use, such as shampoos and conditioners. However, for centuries people have used black pepper-based pastes for direct applications on the scalp.

If you choose to use black pepper on the hair in the traditional way, the user must be careful and follow the recommendations of professionals. The wrong use of the substance can cause burns on the skin of the head and even increase alopecia in those who already have the disease.

It is effective in reducing pain in joints

Generally the pains in the joints are caused by natural wear and tear, wear and tear caused by high-impact or repetitive physical activities, and also by inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, arthrosis and bursitis.

Because it contains several types of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, chili peppers can be used in the prevention and even in the treatment of inflammations that affect the joints and articulations of the human body.

It's versatile

The versatility of chili peppers is, for sure, one of its main positive points. As we've seen so far, this Indian condiment can be used in many different kinds of dishes, in absolutely every culinary tradition in the world.

From its use as an accompaniment in common dishes, to its use in the preparation of recipes and its inclusion in infusions or medicinal preparations, chili peppers can be present in a person's life in many different ways.

How to use black pepper and contraindications

To close this compilation with a golden key, here are some tips about the general use of black pepper. See how to consume the condiment correctly and what are the possible contraindications related to this oriental spice!

Whole grains

One of the most used ways to consume chili peppers is to leave the beans in the form of whole marbles. This method is preferable in cases of keeping the condiment preserved or using it on the preparation of soups, broths and sauces.

Besides, experts on the benefits of the spice and chefs agree that buying chili peppers in dried beans is the best option. In case the individual doesn't want to consume the product in whole beans, he can grind it at home, avoiding to buy the adulterated product.

Ground

In its ground form, chili peppers are commonly used as a finishing touch to dishes and side dishes. Here in Brazil, for example, it's common to find in some restaurants and homes chili pepper applicators, which are basically manual grinders where the chili grains are placed to be ground.

When applied in powder form, chili peppers "stick" better to the food, increasing its flavor potential. This form is often used in the preparation of meats and as an accompaniment to salads.

As mentioned on the topic above, grinding the pepper at the time of consumption is the most sensible way to consume the product. Thus, the user guarantees that all the benefits of the spice will remain and there will be no adulterations with the mixture of the pepper powder with other elements.

Black pepper tea

One of the best ways to absorb all the benefits present in black pepper is consuming its tea. The infusion between the natural substance and boiling water preserves all the properties of the plant and increases the possibility of absorption by the body. See how to make black pepper tea:

Ingredients:

- 1 teaspoon black pepper;

- 250 ml of water;

- Sweetener to taste.

Directions:

Place the water to boil in a pot. When the water is bubbling, add the chili pepper, wait two minutes and then turn off the heat. Cover the pot and wait 10 minutes for the infusion to take place. After this period, strain the chili pepper tea and start consuming it slowly.

Do not drink the black pepper tea more than twice during the day and for only 15 days in a row. Also, do not overdo the sweetener, especially if it is refined sugar.

Contraindications

In general, the moderate consumption of black pepper does not cause any harm to human health. However, the unregulated use of the substance can cause disorders in the digestive tract and vital organs such as liver and kidneys.

Also, people who have chronic intestinal problems or diseases such as ulcers and gastritis need to consult a doctor before starting to consume the condiment.

The properties of chili peppers can irritate the intestines even more, causing symptoms such as heartburn, poor digestion, constipation, gas, pain and the intensification of discomforts also caused by hemorrhoids, for example.

Add the spice in your diet and enjoy all the benefits of black pepper!

This article has made it clear that chili pepper is one of the most powerful condiments in existence, both in terms of its culinary benefits and its medicinal properties.

Thus, the inclusion of the seasoning in the daily diet is more than indicated for those who want to absorb the benefits that we exemplified here.

However, people who are sensitive to the side effects of the consumption of any type of chili pepper should be careful when eating it. Also, even healthy people need to be aware and not to overeat the spice.