How healthy is black pepper and what is it good for?
Black pepper: an everyday spice found in almost every kitchen. After all, it adds flavour to all kinds of dishes. But did you know that the spice has many other health benefits? In this blog, we take a closer look at the questions: what is black pepper good for and is it healthy? We also tell you what exactly it is.
What is black pepper
Black pepper, also known as Piper nigrum, is a climbing plant native to India. The plant includes dried berries, from which peppercorns are extracted. The grains are incredibly appreciated worldwide for their spicy, sharp flavour. Many dishes become incredibly flavourful and bold thanks to this spice.
How healthy is black pepper?
As we pointed out, the herb is a great seasoning, but it also offers numerous health benefits. One of the best-known benefits is that it promotes digestion. The production of stomach acid is stimulated, which can help you have better digestion. As a result, you are less likely to feel bloated and nutrients are better absorbed.
Is black pepper healthy? It seems to be. There has been research on it, but it needs more extensive study. According to this article, it seems, among other things, that black pepper has antioxidant effects but also anti-inflammatory properties. It could also possibly improve brain function, contribute to weight loss and stimulate fat burning. In addition, black pepper is said to stabilise blood sugar levels and improve nutrient absorption in the intestines. Unfortunately, we cannot say with 100% certainty, but for now it definitely seems that black pepper is healthy and people experience many benefits thanks to the spice.
The action of piperine
Piperine is an essential ingredient in the herb. This substance is known to have many positive effects on the body. Piperine has antioxidant properties and can reduce inflammation. It also stimulates digestion and improves the absorption of nutrients in the body.
Piperine as a slimming agent
Piperine has many benefits and one of the most popular is that it can contribute to weight loss. It has thermogenic properties, causing the body to produce more heat to burn calories. In addition, piperine can potentially:
- improve metabolism;
- absorb nutrients better;
- inhibit fat formation;
- improve absorption of other nutrients and/or supplements.
Piperine is used in some slimming supplements. A popular slimming supplement with piperine from Slimminglabs, for example, is Piperinox. Note that supplements are not miracle drugs, proper diet and plenty of exercise are essential.
Disadvantages of black pepper
Black pepper is healthy and has lots of benefits. But what are the disadvantages of black pepper? A well-known disadvantage is that the spice does not go down well with everyone. In some people, for instance, it can cause stomach irritation. If you don't want to experience the disadvantages of black pepper, be careful not to take too much. Especially if you cannot stand (sharp) spices very well.
Conclusion
We can conclude by now that black pepper is healthy and not just a seasoning. The spice offers an awful lot of benefits and the disadvantages of black pepper are actually negligible.