From prevention and treatment of stomach ulcers, cancer, arthritis, depression, diarrhoea, toothaches, infertility to being a good source of iron, zinc, copper, calcium and dietary fiber, pepper has multiple health benefits and a pinch of it should be added to the daily meals, says Pioneer Health

Pepper aka mirch, is an ingredient commonly found in all  kitchens to enhance taste. Besides adding taste to a dish, black, white and green peppers are also used as a preservative, medicinal agent and in perfumery. It is a potent spice that can help you in the prevention and treatment of various stomach ulcer, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, depression, diarrhea, toothaches, infertility etc.

It is an excellent source of Vitamin K and manganese. Studies have found that it is also a good source of iron, zinc, copper, chromium, calcium and dietary fiber. Piperine, an active compound of black pepper is responsible for the strong, sharp and spicy characteristic of it.

Besides this, pepper contains various health promoting compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, tannins and alkaloids. Pepper is a potent antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and keeps free radicals at bay.

Widely cultivated in tropical regions such as India, Brazil and Indonesia, the green pepper is made by freeze-drying the freshly harvested unripe green fruits, whereas black pepper is made by sun-drying it and the white pepper is made by removing the red skin of the ripe fruits and sun-dried.

Here are some health benefits of adding black or white pepper to your daily meal.

Fights Stomach Ulcer

Black pepper reduces the level of inflammation and inhibits the secretion of gastric acid that corrodes the inner lining of the stomach. This acts like the drugs used in the treatment of ulcers. and helps in relieving pain associated with stomach ulcers.

Tip: Patients suffering from stomach ulcer should take bland diet and add a pinch of black pepper for relieving pain and stomach ulcers.

Relieve Arthritis Pain

The piperine contains anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties and improves joint pain by increasing the blood circulation. White pepper has capsaicin that is effective in soothing arthritis pain too. Capsaicin contains anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, white pepper is also used to treat muscle pain and swelling.

Tip: If you have joint pain, muscle swelling and arthritis, add a pinch of white pepper in your diet. 

Controls high Blood Pressure

Black pepper helps in lowering high blood pressure. Piperine prevents calcium from entering the blood vessels and ensures smooth blood flow in the entire body. It is beneficial for people with hypertension.

Tip: Reduce your salt intake by using pinch of black pepper.

Relieves Toothache

The anti-bacterial agent of black pepper kills the bacteria which is responsible for dental caries and prevents the destruction of mineralised tissue of the teeth. It helps in the treatment of tooth decay, tooth ache and oral abscess.

Tip: Mix equal parts of salt and black pepper with water to form a paste. Apply this paste on the affected teeth and leave it for 10-15 minutes.

Fights Cancer

Due to the presence of alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols in piperine, black pepper protects the healthy cells and inhibits the growth and formation of tumor by killing the cancer-causing cells.

Improves Fertility

Rich in magnesium and zinc, black pepper  helps in improving fertility in males by increasing the level of testosterone. It improves the sperm count and concentration. Zinc a potent antioxidant reduces oxidative stress and improves fertility.

Boosts Digestion

Black pepper activates the digestive enzymes present in pancreas and intestine and with the help of piperine present in it, black pepper stimulates the liver to secrete bile, which helps in absorption of fat and digestion.

Tip: Add white or black pepper to your daily diet.

Anti-Diarrheal Effect

The piperine prevent the loss of water and electrolytes from the body resulting in reduction in the loose stools by reducing the accumulation of fluid.

Tip: Add pinch of black or white pepper powder in khichdi or curd-rice.

Fights Against Depression

The piperine increases the release of happy hormones that prevents from depression. It reduces the level of oxidative stress and protects the brain cells against damage by reducing the high levels of oxidative stress in the brain that develops anxiety. It enhances brain activity and improves communication and transmission of message.

It is as effective as anti-depressant drug and comes without any side-effects unlike drugs.

lowers High Cholesterol levels:

Black pepper brings down the level of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (lDl) that leads to low risk of heart disease. Its intake lowers the accumulation of fat and enhances the removal of fat.

The piperine binds to bile acids which is vital for digestion of fat and prevents their re-absorption. Cholesterol is used to produce bile that has been lost. Thus, more cholesterol is used and less is present in the blood.

Tip: Add a pinch of black pepper powder to your low-fat meals to enhance lowering of bad cholesterol.  

Good to Know

• Pepper is very effective in fighting against bacteria. Consumption of black pepper protects the body against the negative effect of bacteria. It also prevents food spoilage as well.
• It is an effective home remedy for chest congestion, cough and cold and boost immune system with its rich source of Vitamin C. Comsume black pepper powerd by mixing it with a teaspoon of honey.
• Pepper also helps in improving your skin and hair. It exfoliate dead skin cells and blackheads logged in your skin pores. One should not apply it directly to the skin as it can cause skin allergy and irritation. It is recommended mixing black pepper with a little bit of honey or curd. It can help prevent the appearance of unwanted wrinkles.