Unlock the health benefits of black pepper

The health benefits of black pepper are more than one can imagine. This tiny spice found in almost every household can be added to anything from salads to healthy drinks. Studies indicate that black pepper benefits are higher when mixed with other herbs and spices. It helps reduce headaches, nausea, indigestion, inflammation etc. Especially mixing it with the golden spice turmeric is highly beneficial in order to get the maximum health benefit out of turmeric’s key component curcumin which has the potential to fight infections and prevent deadly diseases. Just like turmeric, black pepper is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties. The main active ingredient in pepper – Piperine helps the body absorb curcumin better. A study published in Planta Medica (one of the leading international journals on natural food) found that pairing 20 milligrams of piperine with 2 grams of curcumin increased the amount of curcumin that could be absorbed by the body by 2000 per cent.

Pepper is obtained from vines that grow to a height of 10m or more

Black pepper is obtained from the climbing vine Piper Nigrum which is indigenous to tropical forests of Western Ghats of Southern India. The humid climate along with rich soil make it ideal for pepper growth in this region. The plant can grow to a height of 10 m or more. The vines start flowering in the months of May and June. It takes around 6 to 8 months for flowers to ripen. Harvesting happens between November to March. Berries are separated from the spikes and dried in the sun for 10 days till the outer skin becomes black and wrinkled in appearance. When the skin is removed, it is white pepper. In order to get uniform colour, berries are collected in a bamboo basket and dipped in boiling water and later drained. These treated berries are sun dried on a clean mat or floor.

Multiple health benefits of black pepper

In Ayurveda, black pepper in combination with ghee is used as appetite stimulant and also an effective cough therapy. Since black pepper releases hydrochloric acid in the stomach, it aids digestion. Pepper is also high in Vitamin A, C and K.

Differentiating between fake and real pepper

While buying black pepper, one must ensure it is pure with its essential oils intact to derive maximum health benefits of black pepper. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has laid guidelines to be followed while buying spices. Crush a pepper pod to see if it leaves oil. FSSAI suggests not to buy spices that are shiny in appearance and unpleasant odours. Ground black pepper tends to be more adulterated than whole. Crush a pepper pod to see if it leaves oil. If it does, it is genuine spice. Incorporate the dynamic combination of turmeric and pepper in your diet to get maximum health benefits. Here are some interesting recipes and health drinks that you can try.

Using black pepper with its essential oils intact gets you real results Health is a priority and you must ensure you buy the right spice. Choose organic food stores like Nature’s Box that brings pure black pepper with its essential oils intact. Grown in tropical forests of Kerala, these natural whole peppers add a dash of healthy taste to your food.