Black pepper is the oldest spice in the eastern lands. It is obtained by drying the fruits of the evergreen Piper nigrum L liana, common in India.
Mentions of small peas can be found in manuscripts of three thousand years ago. During the Middle Ages, it was not only a seasoning, it was calculated by making transactions, and acted as a dowry at weddings. The spice has also been used for medicinal purposes.
Black pepper - composition
The benefits and harms of black pepper are due to its chemical composition. 100 gr. black pepper contains:
Black pepper - 12 health benefits
Below are twelve useful properties of black pepper in peas, as well as ground.
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Benefits for Digestion Digestion
Pepper, enhancing the formation of hydrochloric acid secretion, facilitates the process of digestion, eliminates the manifestations of diarrhea, constipation and colic. Helps prevent excessive gas formation by inhibiting its accumulation in the intestines. The use of seasoning in the diet stimulates the processes of urination and sweating, thereby contributing to the removal of toxic substances from the body and, relieving swelling.
Adding spices to food will speed up the digestion process, helping better absorption of food and the overall proper functioning of the body.
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For weight loss
The outer shell of black pepper is able to break down fat cells into smaller components, which makes it possible for them to be involved in further enzymatic reactions of the body, and not be deposited in the form of extra pounds.
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Skin health
The seasoning has proven itself in the treatment of vitiligo, a disease associated with pigmentary changes in skin areas. Studies by London scientists have confirmed the ability of black pepper to stimulate the production of skin pigments. Combinations of ultraviolet therapy with the use of spices are a more gentle method in the treatment of vitiligo.
The high levels of antioxidants present in black peppercorns will protect the skin from aging. Beneficial features ground black pepper manifest themselves in the form of daily cream masks, thereby healing the skin.
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Help with respiratory diseases
In the practice of Ayurvedic research, peas were added to drink in order to get rid of coughs. Tinctures and decoctions tend to remove phlegm and mucus from the sinuses, freeing the respiratory passages.
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Antibacterial action
The antibacterial properties of pepper tinctures are used for painful sores after mosquito and other insect bites. They relieve skin irritation, reducing the sensation of itching.
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Antioxidant Properties
The antioxidant potential of black pepper is able to prevent damage caused by the presence of free radicals that attack healthy cells in the body. This feature of the spice prevents cancer, liver failure, heart problems, and also prevents the manifestation of premature signs of aging in the form of facial wrinkles, age spots and degenerative changes in the macula.
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Property of a bioadditive
Black peppercorns help our body to transport useful substances obtained from various kinds food, while enhancing them useful qualities. Food with spices becomes not only tasty, but also contributes to the full replenishment of the body with vitamins and minerals.
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Benefits for Cognitive and Neurological Impairments
One of the main components of black pepper is piperine. Most studies confirm the effect of this component on the ability to improve memory properties and cognitive abilities, which is especially important for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
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Help with peptic ulcer
Scientists note the positive effect of the chemical composition of black pepper on damage to the intestinal mucosa. This property is due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action of the spice. Biochemists, conducting additional research in this area, are convinced of positive influence spices on the condition of the gastric mucosa.
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The evergreen liana (Piper nigrum L.) grows in the tropics of India. Dried unripe fruits of it - this is the well-known spice "black pepper". Most best pepper- hard, dark, heavy. Black peppercorns have a very long shelf life. But ground pepper can be stored for no more than three months (the aroma is lost), so it is better to grind it yourself as the need arises.
In addition to culinary benefits, black pepper has medicinal properties. Chemical composition black pepper is still poorly understood. Burning taste pepper determines the glycoside piperine. Also found in it are vitamins E, C, starch, essential oil.
For which organs is the benefit of black pepper undeniable?
- First, for the digestive system. Pepper helps the stomach to digest food, as it promotes the release of hydrochloric acid. Improves bowel function, helps to get rid of toxins and intestinal gases. It is an antimicrobial agent, cleanses the body of worms. Black pepper accelerates the absorption of nutrients from food and medicines. Piperine enhances the penetration of amino acids through the intestinal walls into the blood, increasing the digestibility of food during its passage through the intestines. Ayurveda recommends taking three peas of black pepper a day after meals for two to three weeks every year to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract. For those who dream of losing weight, information that black pepper has a destructive effect on fat cells will be interesting.
- Secondly, for of cardio-vascular system. The benefits of black pepper in reducing the risk of heart disease have long been known. Black pepper promotes blood thinning, cleanses blood vessels, including those of the brain. The load on the heart decreases, which means that the likelihood of a heart attack and stroke decreases.
- Thirdly, it cleans the respiratory organs very well, reduces the formation of mucus and removes it. Together with honey, it is used as an expectorant.
Pepper antioxidants help prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease.
The ancients said that black pepper enhances the digestive properties of the stomach, increases energy nervous system helps to strengthen muscles.
As you can see, the benefits of black pepper are great. Using pepper in cooking, we strengthen our health.
But harm of black pepper for the body, too, can not be discounted. The thing is that one-sided knowledge about the use of black pepper can lead to its use in large quantities, and in this case, the harm to health is obvious to those who like to understand everything to the end, learning about all known aspects.
Black pepper is a hot seasoning and in any case serves as an irritant for the gastric mucosa. Even with absolutely healthy person there may be discomfort in the digestive tract after eating this seasoning.
The harm of black pepper for those who have gastritis or an ulcer can even be critical. The fact is that with the use of pepper and subsequent irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and stomach, there is a high probability of bleeding, and the consequences of such a reaction can be difficult to predict.
The harm of black pepper is a topic about which very, very little has been said, however, it is known that this seasoning in some cases can have negative effects on the reproductive system, which, you see, is extremely unpleasant. The most unpleasant thing in this situation is that it is sometimes very difficult to find the cause, and until a person finds out that it is black pepper that is the culprit of the "malfunctions", a lot of time passes, and the use of black pepper in food continues. This, of course, cannot but aggravate the already existing poor health.
In order to minimize the harm from eating black pepper, it is necessary to adhere to the rule of measure. This seasoning should not be used excessive amounts. It is by no means possible to talk about the benefits of black pepper and not to mention its negative properties. Since many people may draw the wrong conclusions and come to the conclusion that the use of black pepper is absolutely safe and you can pour it into your pan in any quantity. I would like to hope that, nevertheless, the majority will study the issue thoroughly and decide for themselves whether or not it is worth adding black pepper to food.
Ground black pepper is a bitter-burning spice with a pronounced aroma. It is used for cooking, spice production, and also in the treatment of various diseases. In any form (ground or peas), black pepper benefits the body, but its consumption can also be harmful. More about this.
Nutritional value and calories
100 g of ground black pepper contains:
- 10.39 g proteins;
- 3.26 g fat;
- 63.95 g of carbohydrates.
Compound
The composition of black pepper includes:
- essential oil;
- fatty oil;
- starch;
- piperine;
- vitamins of groups A, B, C, E and K;
- minerals: F (fluorine), Se (selenium), Mn (manganese), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc), Fe (iron), P (phosphorus), K (potassium), Na (sodium), Mg ( magnesium), Ca (calcium).
The constituent elements of the product confirm the presence of useful properties in it. But why is black pepper so useful?
Beneficial features
This seasoning helps to improve digestion and blood circulation, cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of toxins, and normalize metabolism. In addition, the spice is able to activate the consumption and burning of calories. 
Its regular use provokes a decrease in the likelihood of developing diseases of the heart and blood vessels, prevents the formation of blood clots. During grinding, most of the oils evaporate, so black pepper in peas is more useful than ground.
Application
The spice is very popular. It is used during cooking. various dishes, for weight loss and treatment.
Treatment
The spice has often been used as an anti-inflammatory and cleanser. Piperine, which is part of the composition, contributes to the production more nutrients from the food you eat. In addition, with its help, the hormones serotonin and endorphin are produced more actively.
A tincture made from the spice is used to treat skin diseases. Black peppercorns are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. It helps to cope with heaviness in the stomach, flatulence and indigestion. 
To do this, use a special mixture of a pinch of spices and baked milk (1 tablespoon).
Seasoning is recommended to use for the preparation of medicines for colds. In its composition, in addition to 1 tsp. spices, included (1 tbsp.) And turmeric (1 tsp.). Rubbing is also prepared from this seasoning for the treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Treat disease with black pepper genitourinary system, as well as impotence (on initial stage). It is also effective in the fight against hair loss.
The fact that this spice increases appetite and immunity, strengthening health is known. 
weight loss
The use of such a spice stimulates the appetite and prevents overeating. The best way get rid of excess weight- reduce the consumption of fats and carbohydrates, as well as increase physical activity.
Black pepper oil - effective remedy for weight loss. It is used to reduce the volume of the waist and buttocks. The course of weight loss with this tool is 10-15 days. Compliance with the consumption of such seasoning is a mandatory precaution to preserve your health.Important! Before starting to lose weight with black pepper, visit a doctor for a consultation.
cooking
Seasoning in ground form is also used in cooking, in particular, for cooking fish and meat dishes. Peas are often used for marinade or soups. It is more pungent than ground, so it is necessary to lay it in the dish long before it is ready. 
spice improves taste qualities any dish, and using it for cooking various blanks helps to extend their shelf life. Sometimes it is added to desserts (for example, Russian gingerbread, Baltic cookies) and drinks (various cocktails, tea, etc.).
Self-chopping of peas helps to obtain a more aromatic, rich-tasting product (unlike a store-bought one).
Harm and contraindications
In addition to the benefits of black pepper, both in the form of peas and ground, there are facts that prove its harm. It is highly undesirable to use spice during exacerbations of diseases of the genitourinary system.
People with anemia, gastrointestinal ulcers and allergies to seasoning should not use it either. 
The spice will not be useful during the course of acute inflammatory processes in the body. Its use by pregnant and lactating women is undesirable.
Many of the spices known to man have a rich composition of active substances, and this allows us to use them even in medicinal purposes. Folk and traditional medicine has been studying the spices of the peoples of the world for decades and the beneficial properties of black peppercorns are well known to her. In this article, we have collected the most important information about the composition and methods of using a hot spice in order to effectively include it in your health care.
We get the well-known seasoning thanks to a plant from the pepper family. Originally growing in India, it proved to be so productive and easily renewable in a tropical climate that the whole area of the country began to be called "the land of pepper."
Today, this plant is grown in many areas with a tropical climate - in huge quantities because it is popular in most countries of the world.
spice king
It is black pepper that proudly marches around the world under the name "king of spices". And the multi-colored varieties obtained from the same plant are significantly inferior to the culinary popularity and benefits of the black counterpart.
Curiously, black pepper is obtained from the fruits of an immature plant. Dried up in a special way fruits are black peppercorns. Grinded into dust, they make up that friable seasoning, which equally coexists on our tables next to salt.
Black pepper has earned its place in cooking thanks to its universal pungency. As long as possible, he keeps it in the form of peas. And in the ground form, the aroma, useful properties and taste of pepper will significantly weaken by the third month of storage.
Black pepper has long become synonymous with the spiciness of the dish: "salt and pepper - to taste" - isn't this message present in almost every recipe for first and second courses?! Salads, soups, sauces. Sausages, all kinds of meat, fish and game. And, of course, a variety of marinades - everywhere we find appetizing uses for the king of spices.
What are the benefits of black pepper? His unique composition which deserves a detailed description.
The unique composition of black pepper
100 g of black pepper contains:
- 12.5 g of water,
- 25.3 g fiber
- 10.4 g of proteins,
- 38.6 g of carbohydrates,
- 3.3 g fat,
- 4.5 g of ash.
A wide range of vitamins: provitamin A, B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, choline, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid) and the main antioxidants - vitamins C and E.
An equally wide list of mineral salts: phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, fluorine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, iron.
The calorie content of black pepper is 250 kcal per 100 grams of ground product.
Worthy of special attention essential oils black pepper and a special alkaloid - piperine. It is this alkaloid that allows nutritionists to give a confident positive answer to the question “is black pepper healthy?”
Piperine is an alkaloid with multiple effects
Piperine has long been studied by medicine for its use in the manufacture of medicines for several diseases. This is due to its diverse effects on the human body:
- High potency as a natural antioxidant
- The ability to regulate the production of a range of enzymes that are essential for proper metabolism
- Strengthening the processes of anesthesia at the stage of central nervous regulation, i.e. directly in the brain
- Stimulating the production of endorphins - "hormones of joy"
- Stimulation of the production of serotonin - the "hormone of appeasement"
- Harmonization of the contractility of the gastrointestinal tract
- Stimulation of the production of digestive enzymes (trypsin, amylase, chymotrypsin, lipase)
- Increased production of melatonin pigment
- Reducing asthma symptoms by dilating the bronchi
In research in the field of cosmetology, piperine has proven its special "transporting ability". It increases the bioavailability of most base ingredients from classic cosmetic formulations.
Thanks to piperine, black pepper is ideal for a warming and relaxing massage. It can be successfully used in masks and creams for hair loss by attracting blood to the hair follicles.
And in small quantities it is able to increase the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs in mixed formulations for the treatment of skin rashes.
Nutritionists share the aspirations of culinary experts to include black pepper in the daily menu. However, there is no need to talk about the perfect safety of black pepper. Benefit and harm are two sides of the same coin. Usually, the more powerful the possibilities of active substances, the clearer contraindications to the use of the product.
The use of black pepper in food or in medicinal mixtures is contraindicated in the following pathologies:
- Acute and chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis and urethritis
- Chronic hepatitis
- Acute inflammatory diseases of the stomach and pancreas
- Acute colitis and UC
- Conditions after any operations on the gastrointestinal tract
When applying to the skin products that include black pepper or its extract, you should be extremely attentive to the sensations. If there is a burning sensation, rinse the skin with plenty of clean water at room temperature.
Peas or ground, black pepper always gives us its beneficial properties in various areas of recovery.
To reduce fever in colds
Pour 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper into 0.5 cups of unflavored vodka, preheated to 50 degrees. We send vodka to infuse for at least 3 hours in a place inaccessible to light.
Ready strained vodka is useful for reducing high body temperature during a cold. When the temperature rises above 38 degrees, take 1-2 teaspoons at a time.
For dry cough (when there is little or no sputum)
Method 1. Add half a teaspoon of ground pepper to warm milk, shake and drink. We do this up to 3 times a day.
Method 2. The benefits of ground black pepper with an unproductive cough will be maximized if you combine it with honey.
- In 1 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of ground pepper and cinnamon.
- Mix thoroughly and take up to 2 teaspoons of the mixture at a time after the main meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner.
To cleanse the body (Ayurvedic practice)
Used black peppercorns. Take 3 peas after each meal. At the same time, observe a vegetarian moderate diet, consisting of 3 meals a day - breakfast, lunch, dinner.
The course of taking peas is 3 weeks. The benefit of the course is detoxification and getting rid of congestion in tissues.
To increase potency (Ayurvedic practice)
According to Ayurveda, any plant capable of "warming up the blood" increases the overall tone of the body. Black pepper is one of those plants. Therefore, to increase potency, an effective weekly course is offered with a drink of milk, ground pepper and sugar.
And the greatest optimism is caused by statements that the effect of the drug can be noticeable literally after 1-2 doses!
- How to prepare a healing drink: for 1 glass of milk, add half a teaspoon of ground black pepper and sugar.
- We accept regardless of food, closer to meeting with the woman you love.
The use of black pepper oil
Outdoor use
- To speed up the resolution of bruises
- As a warming rub for muscle fatigue, muscle and joint pain
- On the chest area inflammatory diseases in the broncho-pulmonary system
For weight loss
Outwardly: on the area " orange peel» on the skin, during massage after physical education.
Inside: 1 glass of water - 3 drops of oil. Take after each of the three main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Promotes the excretion of end products of metabolism, enhances salivation and secretion of gastric juice, stimulates the entire digestive system.
The most common culinary seasoning after salt - black pepper. Whether it is peas, or already ground, its useful properties are diverse, and the ways of application are numerous.
We've covered home remedies, though the benefits of using black pepper are everywhere, from the drug store pepper patch for sciatica to Hollywood star metabolism tips - "Want to lose weight? More spicy food!
All this can be adopted if you wish to expand the scope of the popular product. It only remains for us to remind you of contraindications and caution and wish you successful experiments for the benefit of beauty and health!
Black pepper is one of the most common spices, which is sure to be found in the house of every housewife.
Description
Black pepper is a shrub plant from the Pepper family. The plant is native to the Malabar Islands in India, which is why it is often called the "Malabar berry".
The fruits of the tree are green peas that darken during processing. Depending on the time of collection and production technology, red, green and white peppers are also obtained. All varieties of pepper are used in cooking, but black pepper is the most popular.
In nature, the shrub climbs up, wrapping around the trees. Since pepper began to be cultivated, special poles have been installed for it on plantations, limiting the growth of the plant to 4-5 meters. In general, the height of the shrub can reach 15 meters. The leaves are up to 10 centimeters long. After flowering, the plant bears round fruits, which initially have green color, and then turn yellow or red.
The length of the brush is up to 14 centimeters, which can contain 20-30 drupes. To get black pepper, the fruits are harvested unripe, and already during drying under the sun they turn black and wrinkle. The ripe fruits of the plant are soaked in water, the soft pericarp is removed and white pepper is obtained, which is not as hot as black, but more aromatic and also a success in cooking.
In India, black pepper has been grown since ancient times, it was well known in ancient Egypt, China, Rome and Greece. In the Middle Ages, pepper was highly valued and widely used in European cuisine, despite its high cost. In those days, the supply monopoly belonged to merchants from Venice and Genoa. After that, the Portuguese, and even later, the Dutch, appropriated the right to supply pepper to Europe.
To date, the largest producer of pepper is India, Brazil and Indonesia. These countries grow more than 40 thousand tons of pepper annually. In addition, black pepper is grown in Sumatra, Sri Lanka, Java, Kalimantan and other tropical countries.
The use of black pepper in cooking
Of all the spices, black pepper is the most widely known. In cooking, it is used in ground form, whole peppercorns, and also as part of various spicy mixtures. The properties of ground black pepper include a more intense aroma, but it quickly exhales if it is not stored in an airtight container.
Pepper is added to almost all dishes - soups, gravies, sauces, minced meats, salads, marinades, sausages, legumes and vegetable dishes. It is also traditionally used in the preparation of all types of meat, game and fish, in cooking.
The composition and calorie content of black pepper
100 g of black pepper contains 12.5 g of water, 25.3 g of fiber, 10.4 g of protein, 38.6 g of carbohydrates, 3.3 g of fat, 4.5 g of ash, vitamins: beta-carotene (A) , thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (PP), choline (B4), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), ascorbic acid (C), tocopherol (E), phylloquinone (TO); macronutrients: phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium; trace elements: fluorine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, iron.
The calorie content of black pepper is 250 kcal per 100 g of product.
The benefits of black pepper
The beneficial properties of black pepper were highly valued in ancient times. For example, ancient Indian healers used it to treat coughs, sore throats, flu, asthma, and as a pain reliever. And the ancient Greek doctors Hippocrates, Democritus and Pliny the Elder described the benefits of black pepper in their writings.
Black pepper has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, bactericidal, anthelmintic, expectorant and diuretic effects. It increases stress resistance and improves the work of the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine and respiratory systems.
The composition of pepper includes an alkaloid called capsaicin, which gives it a characteristic burning taste, and also stimulates metabolism, stimulates appetite, restores the pancreas and stomach, thins the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots, lowers blood pressure.
Harm of black pepper
It is not recommended to use this product in case of individual intolerance. Black pepper can also cause harm in stomach and duodenal ulcers, acute inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, anemia, after operations on the intestines and stomach.
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