Health And Hair Benefits Of Black Pepper

by Dr Shailendra BAMS February 25, 2021

When you are arranging the spices in your shelf according to their needs, think twice before relegate black pepper. You can't imagine how beneficial this black pepper is! Coming from the family of Piperaceae, farmers use different ways to grow pepper and you use it for different purposes.

Pepper originally yields in South India but other tropical countries too yield pepper. Pepper has been considered a vital spice from ancient times.

You must be using black pepper too, if you do not, then start today. Because Black Pepper not only enhances the taste of food but also has many health benefits. By including black pepper in your diet, you can avoid many types of diseases. If you use black pepper everyday in your meal, you can get rid of many diseases. If you think that black pepper is used only to enhance the taste, then you may be wrong. Black pepper has many medicinal properties which are considered very beneficial for health. Black pepper is considered beneficial in eliminating bacteria and viruses from the body.

What Is Black Pepper?

The word Black pepper has its origin from the Sanskrit word pippali. In ancient times, it was popular as black gold. It was popular because of its ability to add flavors to foods. It is also used as a preservative. It enhances not only taste but is filled with medicinal properties.

Black pepper hails from the tropical forests of the Malabar Coast. The regions of Karnataka, Goa, and Kerala grow this spice and the stage of harvesting decides the coloration of the fruit of the plant. You need to pick ripe peppercorns and wait for them to turn black. It will turn black when it gets completely dried.

In ancient Greece and Rome, the spice was very popular and highly used by people. It also got famous during the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. In the total production of black pepper, India and Brazil share 10 percent, Indonesia shares 15 percent, and Vietnam shares 39 percent.

Black pepper is a flowering vine. Scientifically, it is known as Piper nigrum. The fruit of the plant is grown and left to dry to use for various purposes.

The fruit of Black pepper plant after being dried is called peppercorn. Green pepper after being dried turns into Black pepper. Ripe fruit seeds of black pepper are called white pepper. It is famous for being seasoned with salt.

What Are Other Names Of Black Pepper ?

Black Peppercorn, Extrait de Poivre, Grain de Poivre, Kosho, Marich, Maricha, Miris, Peber, Peper, Pepe, Peppar, Pepper, Pepper Extract, Peppercorn, Pfeffer, Pimenta, Pimienta, Pimienta Negra, Pipar, Piper, Piperine, Pippuri, Poivre, Poivre Noir, Poivrier, Schwarzer Pfeffer, Vellaja, Hu Jiao.

In Hindi, it is called Kali Mirch

In Science, it is called Piper nigrum.

Types Of Black Pepper

Kali Mirch are of three types:

Black
White
Red

Black type of peppercorns are mostly used in cooking and can be found in every Indian household. Black peppers without skin are called White Pepper. White peppers are not as popular as black peppers. But it is used in soups and salads. When berries of the plant are left for a longer period, it turns into Red Peppers. It is the strongest form of peppercorn.

Are Black Peppers Good For Health?

You can use Black Pepper not only to enhance the taste of your food but can use it as a home remedy for different medical conditions. Cough, pains, digestive problems, and colds can be treated by using black pepper. Black pepper contains Vitamin C and Vitamin A. These nutrients are able to treat many infections and strengthen your immune system.

Kali Mirch Nutrition:

You need to know how much nutritional value your 100 grams serving of black pepper has

Black Pepper per 100 grams:

Total Calories: 351
Total Fat: 3.3 gm
Carbohydrates: 64 gm
Potassium: 37 % DV
Dietary Fiber: 25 gm
Vitamin A: 10 %
Calcium: 44 %
Iron: 53 %
Vitamin B6: 15 %
Magnesium: 42 %

Benefits Of Black Peppers For Health

Black pepper is also known as the King of spices. It is one of the versatile and active ingredients that is used all over the world. It is the dried fruit of the plant Piper Nigrum. In cooking, the black pepper is used in both ways as whole and ground form as per requirements. This adds extra flavors to the food, making it more nourishing. But this does not come to an end. Black pepper has a lot of advantages including most of the health benefits. Although black paper is spice it has many medicinal benefits as it contains vitamin C, vitamin K and minerals like potassium magnesium, and iron.

In this article, we will try to highlight the benefits of black paper for health.

Rich In Antioxidants

Our body tends to produce free radicals when exposed to harmful sun rays, pollution, cigarette smoking, naturally during exercising, and digestion of food. These free radicals are not good for health as their molecules can damage our body cells. Black pepper contains compound piperine that is rich in antioxidant properties to prevent the damaging of cells. Thus, a diet rich in black pepper that is antioxidants can overcome certain diseases like inflammation, heart diseases, and many types of cancers.

Helps In Fighting Inflammation

The person dealing with diseases like arthritis, diabetes, heart problems have a high sign of inflammation. With the constant use of black pepper in one’s diet, it is helpful to overcome these problems. Black paper with its hyperactive ingredient piperine helps to overcome the problem of inflammation.

Improves Brain Activity

For brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's, black pepper is found to be the most effective. The piperine compound present in black pepper helps in improving memory loss by healing the nerves. The antioxidants present in black pepper improve brain function and prevent the damage of brain cells. Thus, it is crucial to use black pepper in a daily routine to overcome health issues.

Used As An Antidepressant

Black pepper has certain antioxidant qualities that regulate the proper functioning of the nervous system. With its proper usages, it helps to provide good and sound sleep while keeping the mind calm and stable. Highly recommended for those who are always stressed and anxious to reduce the problem of depression.

Controls Blood Pressure

Black pepper with its active compound called Piperine helps to lower down the blood pressure level. It is essential to take the required amount of black pepper as a medicine for hypertension people to protect the heart and other vital organs for proper functioning. This is one of the health benefits of black pepper.

Increase Metabolic Activities

With the regular intake of black pepper in a diet, it helps to improve the metabolism of a body. Our body will easily digest food at a fast pace which will also help to burn more calories and lose body fat. This is because black pepper is rich in a compound called capsaicin which not only helps to increase the blood circulation of a body but also increases the metabolism rate.

Beneficial For Diabetic Patients

Black pepper contains enzymes that help to regulate the blood sugar level in the human body. The antioxidants present in the black pepper helps to balance the blood sugar level effectively. The piperine compound present in black pepper helps in the active metabolic activity of insulin in blood sugar.

Lowers the Cholesterol Level

The main reason behind heart disease is high cholesterol in the blood. Many studies have proven a diet rich in black pepper helps to lower cholesterol levels. Black pepper and its piperine compound increase the absorption of various dietary nutrients that helps in reducing the cholesterol level.

Fights Cancer

Black Pepper is best to be consumed

with turmeric when mixed in the milk. To stay fit and healthy, one should add this drink to their diet. This drink helps to overcome the problem of severe cold and also it contains antioxidants and Vitamin A that helps in fighting cancer cells and other deadly diseases.

Boost Up The Immune System.

For a healthy body, It is essential to have a good immune system. The daily usage of black pepper in the diet helps to repair the white blood cells in the body that fight the bacteria and viruses entering the body causing illness. Black pepper with its good properties helps to build a good immune system.

Uses Of Black Pepper For Hair

After spending a huge amount of money at her spas and salons, it’s now high time to switch on natural and organic products like black pepper. There are numerous benefits to black paper for hair as it contains vitamin B, vitamin C, and minerals like potassium which not only restore the natural look of the hair but also solve many problems related to hair fall, dandruff, and many more. This article can be beneficial to all those who are worried about their hair and always wonders to maintain a healthy bouncing hair with the use of black pepper in the routine hair regime.

Solves The Problem Of Dandruff

One of the common problems of hair is dandruff. In simple terms, dandruff is the shedding of the skin of the scalp. But this can place you in an embarrassing situation and sometimes it is impossible to remove. The reason could be many like unwashed hair, oily scalp, itching on the scalp, dry skin, and many more. But research has proved that with the use of black pepper one can cure the problem. Black pepper enriched with vitamin C when mixed with the Virgin olive oil works like a miracle. It is simple to use, just apply the mixture of both on the scalp basically on the roots of the hair and end up with the tip. Leave your hair when you have applied fully for an hour and then rinse it with cold water.

Reduces Hair Fall

When there is dandruff on the head, the problem of hair fall comes side by side. Excessive itching and scratching on the scalp due to dandruff can lead to hair loss. Sometimes, the cause of itchy scalp might be due to fungal infection or blisters, this can also result in the fall of hair in clumps. For all these issues, Black pepper works as an antioxidant with its extraordinary qualities to heal the red itchy scalp. For its effective use, mix a few pinch amounts of black pepper with the coconut oil and directly apply to the scalp. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it out with mild shampoo. With its frequent usage, it helps to strengthen your hair and also prevent further hair fall. Traya Shampoo can also be used to reduce hair fall.

Prevents Hair Greying

Premature hair greying can badly affect the self-confidence of a person. Dark black hair plays an important role in the dashing physical appearance of a person. Grey hair is regarded as a starting of old age. Black pepper has amazing antibacterial and natural properties that help in slowing down greying here with its regular usage. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, black pepper helps in overcoming the problem of hair greying. Make a paste of tablespoon 5 tablespoons of curd with two tablespoons of pepper and massage it gently on the roots of the hair and all around the scalp. Keep it for 30 minutes and then gently wash it out with the shampoo. This will not only provide moisture to the scalp but also prevents the early sign of hair greying.

Promotes Healthy Hair Growth

Black pepper and olive oil are enriched with superior properties and when paired together works on hair like magic. Black pepper is loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C which helps to cure infection on the scalp, Olive Oil, on the other hand, repairs the hair follicles, and when both of these combine surely enables hair growth.

For this, take 1 teaspoon black pepper with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, mix it thoroughly and keep it aside for two weeks. When the mixture is ready, massage it on the scalp in a circular motion gently and nicely. Do this for 30 minutes, so that it deeply penetrates the root hair. After that cover your hair with a hot towel and thoroughly wash it out.

Traya hair care products too help in enhancing hair growth.

Remove Dirt And Clean The Scalp

Our scalp holds a lot of dirt as it is left uncovered many times. This dirt when accumulated results in an unclean scalp giving an unhealthy hair look. Black pepper and lemon juice is a perfect mixture that cleans out all the dirt from hair without making it dull and frizzy. To make this mask, mix 1 tablespoon of black pepper with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and stir it completely. Gently massage the roots and tips of the hair so that it deeply goes into the hair. Apply thoroughly and check that all the hair is covered with it. Keep this mask on the hair for 20 minutes which helps to loosen all the dirt from the scalp and could be easily removed when washed with cold water. Apply this twice a week for great results.

Note: It is important to see what kind of black pepper you are using. It is advisable to use organic and natural black peppers which are free from harsh chemicals and pesticides for excellent results.

How To Use Black Pepper?

You use black pepper to enhance the flavour of your food and its uses are limitless. If you are making any South Indian delicacies, black pepper is the one thing you would definitely use. Whether it would be Pongal, Rasam or any South Indian dish, you will add black pepper to it.

Even the Chinese food like fried rice, noodles etc. are cooked using black pepper. You should use freshly crushed black pepper in meals such as salads and soups, pastas and buttermilk to make it more delicious. As per experts, peppers should not cook much. You should sprinkle it over the meal or you can keep it on the dining table to add as per the likes. A good crushed black pepper can increase the aura of your table.

You can use black pepper as an active ingredient in meals such as meats, fish, vegetables, salad dressings, soups, stir-fries, pasta, and many more.

You can also enhance the taste of scrambled eggs, fruit, avocado toast, and dipping with a dash of black pepper.

Marinade of black pepper should be in every household. For this, you will need one-fourth cup of olive oil, half teaspoon of black pepper, your favourite seasoning a little bit and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

You can keep black pepper safe for around two to three years. Keep it in a dry place.

Side Effects Of Using Black Pepper

Well, you have learnt the various health benefits and hair benefits of black pepper. It has many benefits but it has some side effects as well. You should know about it.

When you take directly by mouth:

Generally, black pepper is safe when you take it in food. It is not proved that it can be used as a medicine. On the other hand, large quantities of black pepper when taken by mouth can go directly to the lungs and result in death.

When you apply it to the skin:

People can be allergic to black pepper. So, it is advisable to test before using on skin. It can also cause irritation in the eyes.

When you inhale:

Organic black pepper is considered safe for inhaling. You can inhale it through your mouth or nose. However, it can cause coughing. Also, people allergic to it should avoid this.

When you are Pregnant:

Black pepper in adequate quantities in food does not harm you if you are pregnant also. However, during pregnancy you should not take it by mouth or inhale it. Also, applying it to the skin during pregnancy might not be safe.

When you are Breast-feeding:

It is safe to the amount commonly present in foods. But, it is not proved that you should take black pepper as a medicine during breastfeeding.

To give to children:

It is safe to the amount commonly present in foods. However, if you are giving it in large quantities to your children by mouth, it can not be safe. Consumption of a large amount can even cause the death of a kid.

If you have Bleeding conditions:

It is safe to the amount commonly present in foods. But when you are taking it in large amounts then a chemical present in black pepper named Piperine might slow blood clotting. It can double the risk of bleeding in those who have bleeding related medical issues.

If you have Diabetes:

The spice can affect blood sugar levels of the diabetic patients. Taking more than an adequate quantity of black pepper even in food creates discomfort to the patients of diabetes.

If you have undergone a Surgery:

The chemical Piperine is responsible to slow blood clotting and affect blood sugar levels as well in patients of these medical conditions. If you are going to have any kind of surgery, then you should stop taking it at least 2 weeks before undergoing surgery.

Common side effects of Black pepper:

Burning Sensation.
Nausea.
Stomach Disorders.
Ulcers.
Acidity.
Miscarriages in pregnant women.
Oesophageal Cancer.
Lowered blood pressure levels for hypertension patients.

Summing Up

Black Pepper is an ideal spice famous across the world especially in India and China. It comes with many health benefits and benefits for hair. The black gold may have potent properties of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

As per a few studies, Kali Mirch can help to improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and health of brain and gut. The spice has many promising advantages but studies are still needed for more proofs and understanding.

Keeping in mind the side effect of black pepper and its advisable quantity to use, you should add this spice to your daily cooking regime to enhance the taste of food and health as well..

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Dr. Shailendra Chaubey, BAMS

Ayurveda Practioner

A modern-day Vaidya with 11 years of experience. He is the founder of Dr. Shailendra Healing School that helps patients recover from chronic conditions through the Ayurvedic way of life.