benefits of black pepper

Pepper is a good treatment for respiratory conditions like due to its properties as an expectorant, as well as its strong antiinflammatory properties. Preparing grounded pepper powder at home is better than buying readymade pepper powder.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, black pepper also helps to prevent earaches and gangrene. It is also good for conditions of hernia, hoarseness and insect bites. It is also commonly used to treat conditions of tooth decay and toothache. In ancient times, pepper was also administered to treat vision problems.

Pepper may cause sneezing. Patients who have undergone abdominal surgery should not add excessive pepper to their diet because it can have an irritating effect on the intestines. It is also not good for people with ulcers. Black pepper should not be taken in high concentrations, and if you show signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue its use and consult a doctor!

Black pepper was found to prevent the development of breast cancer tumors. They found that the piperine content of black pepper plays a key role in preventing cancers. It further stated that when combined with turmeric its anticancer properties are heightened. Apart from the piperine, black pepper also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenes and other antioxidants that help remove harmful free radicals and protect the body from cancers and diseases.

The piperine content of black pepper makes it a great digestive. It stimulates the taste buds to signal the stomach toproducemorehydrochloric acid. This acid is essential to digest proteins and other foods in the stomach, which when left undigestedcauseflatulence, indigestion,diarrhoea,constipationandacidity. The excess hydrochloric acid secreted helps in preventing these conditions.

Known for its carminative properties (a substance that prevents the formation of gas) black pepper is great to relieve discomfort caused due to flatulence and colicky pain. Adding pepper to your meals instead ofchili powder will help relieve flatulence.

Apart from a great way to help you sweat and release all the toxins from your skin, it acts a great exfoliant. Pepper when crushed and added to a face scrub, helps slough off dead skin, stimulates circulation and helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. The antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties help keep the skin safe from infections like acne.

Black pepper is the best treatment. Add a teaspoonful of crushed pepper to a bowl of curd and apply it on your scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes or so. Wash off with water. Do not use shampoo. If you want, you can shampoo the next day, as this will give the mixture ample time to work on the dandruff. Remember not to overdo the pepper as excess will make your scalp burn, causing extreme discomfort.

Due to its antibacterial properties, black pepper is a very effective natural remedy to cure colds and coughs. Its warm, spicy flavour also helps loosen phlegm and relieve a stuffy nose. Try sprinkling freshly ground pepper on hot soup or rasam. It will immediatelyloosen up the phlegm and help you breathe easier. (Also read: Healthy recipe for black pepper and garlic rasam)

Black pepper is known to improve digestion and stimulate the taste buds. Because of this property, it is a great natural remedy for people with anorexia (a condition where the person does not eat) by helping them regain their appetite. Adding a little pepper to their food, will go a long way in resolving anorexia.