5 amazing uses of Black Pepper

Whole Black Pepper is a small round black pearl shaped dried seed and is also known as a ‘medicinal spice’. Loaded with an array of health benefits, coarsely ground pepper is used as a culinary spice in the cuisines of the world. Originally from Kerala in India, today it is grown in several tropical countries around the world. Black Pepper has a distinctive flavor from the presence of piperine and is sprinkled with relish on salads, soups and pastas. Used in a variety of preparations in India listed below are 5 amazing uses of Black Pepper which will make you reach out for your pepper mill more often.

1. Use black pepper to reduce symptoms of cold and cough

Rich in vitamin C, black pepper is also an antibiotic. Here are some ways to use black pepper to mitigate and give yourself relief from a running nose and a painful throat –

a. Add whole black pepper to a cupful of water, along with Tulsi leaves, ginger and turmeric. Boil and reduce it to half and consume 2 – 3 times a day.

b. Crush whole black peppercorns and mix with honey. Slurp away to a healthy and happy throat.

c. Make piping hot rasam with tomatoes, curry leaves and whole black pepper to get relief from chest congestion.

d. Add crushed pepper corns to boiling hot water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil and inhale the steam to­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ clear your sinuses.

2. Use black pepper to reduce obesity

Full of phytonutrients, black pepper is effective in aiding digestion. Here are a few pointers on how you can use black pepper to achieve weight loss:

a. Whole of crushed black pepper boosts metabolism so that food is digested quickly

b. Phytonutrients present in the outermost layer of black pepper help in breaking down the fat cells thus reducing belly fat

c. It reduces unwanted calories leading to weight loss

d. Leads to better absorption of nutrients

e. It is a diuretic and gets rid of excess water thus reducing puffiness and inflammation.

Use whole black pepper in pongal, rasam, payasam etc. or sprinkle freshly crushed black pepper over salads and soups or mix into butter milk to get the most of its anti-obesity benefits.

3. Use black pepper to get a glowing ageless skin

Whole black pepper and freshly crushed pepper restrains unhealthy free radical reactions thus doing wonders for your skin. A potent spice, it can give a beautiful glow to your skin making it seem smooth and ageless. Read on more about pepper the effective spice

a. It is full of antioxidants thus keeping wrinkles at bay

b. Enables blood circulation providing oxygen to the outermost layers of the skin thus preventing formation of fine lines and dark spots

c. A natural exfoliator, use it with egg whites, curds or honey directly on the skin to rejuvenate tired skin

d. Helps in production of melanin this helping people suffering with vitiligo.

e. Eat fresh pepper which leads to sweating. This helps to eliminate toxins giving you a fresh younger looking skin

f. Has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties so say goodbye to acne

4. Use black pepper to prevent cancer

Whole black pepper had vitamins A & C, flavonoids and carotenes apart from other useful properties and can prevent the formation of cancerous tumors in the body.

a. Combine it with turmeric and milk and drink at night to wage a war against cancer.

b. Has antioxidants which eliminate free radicals thus protecting the body from cancer.

c. Curbs skin cancer which can be can be caused by harmful ultraviolet radiation

d. Inhibits growth of cancer cells in the digestive tract and prevents colon cancer

e. Purges toxins from the body getting rid of excess salts and uric acid thus preventing formation of tumors and stones in the kidneys

5. Use black pepper to reduce symptoms of gastro diseases

Increasing consumption of fast food leads to all types of digestive disorders. Here is why Black Pepper should become part of your diet.

a. The presence of piperine stimulates the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid leading to easy digestion of all foods including proteins

b. Cleanses intestines preventing gastrointestinal diseases

c. Acts as an antibiotic preventing infections in the digestive tract as well as excretory system, inhibiting growth of bacteria

d. Has purgative properties and acts as a laxative when consumed with milk at bedtime

e. Has essential oils which have carminative properties, this reducing flatulence

f. Regulates motions, curing symptoms of colic, constipation and diarrhea

Sprinkle freshly ground pepper on foods, a pinch at a time to keep your digestive system healthy.

Whole black pepper is a remarkable medicinal spice. Full of minerals and nutrients such as manganese, potassium and iron, it has vitamin C & K including dietary fiber. Whole black peppers can be stored indefinitely while powdered peppers lose their efficiency over time. Black peppers are best used when coarsely grounded fresh and best eaten uncooked. So keep a good pepper mill handy and fill it with good quality whole black pepper!

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