Description
Black pepper is considered the King of Spices and is the most widely used spice in the world. Mature berries (fruit), harvested and dried, are the black pepper of commerce. Ripe berries are harvested and decorticated for production of white pepper. It is valued for its characteristic pungency and flavor, the former due mainly to the alkaloid piperine and the later due to a volatile oil. Black pepper has multiple uses in the processed food industry, the kitchen, in perfumery, traditional medicines and in beauty care.
The genus Piper comprises around 1200 species, approximately 60% of which occur in Central and Northern South America. The Malabar Coast of South West India is the traditional home of black pepper, grown from almost sea level to approximately 1500 m. Black pepper was the first oriental spice to be introduced into the western world.
11 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Black Pepper
Black pepper is rich in a potent antioxidant called piperine, which may help prevent free radical damage to your cells.
Black pepper contains an active compound that has been shown to decrease inflammation in animals. Still, it’s unclear whether it has the same effects in humans.
Black pepper extract has improved symptoms of degenerative brain diseases in animal studies, but studies in humans are needed to verify these results.
Black pepper extract may improve blood sugar control, but more research is needed.
Black pepper has demonstrated cholesterol-lowering effects in rodent studies and is believed to boost the absorption of potential cholesterol-lowering supplements.
May have cancer-fighting properties
Boosts absorption of nutrients, May promote gut health, May offer pain relief, May reduce appetite.
Black pepper has a subtle heat and a bold flavor that makes it a tasty addition to almost any dish.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.