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Black pepper is the world’s most traded spice.

Black pepper is a spice that is made from the dried unripe berries of the Piper nigrum plant. It is native to India. Black pepper is the world’s most traded spice, and it is used in a variety of cuisines.

Black pepper has a strong, pungent flavor that comes from the compound piperine. Piperine is also responsible for the heat of black pepper. Black pepper can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes, including meats, vegetables, and sauces. It can also be used to make pickles, chutneys, and other condiments.

In addition to its flavor, black pepper also has a number of health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage. Black pepper has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Black pepper is generally safe to consume, but it can cause some side effects in some people, such as heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. It is also important to note that black pepper can interact with certain medications, so it is always best to talk to your doctor before taking it.

Here are some tips for using black pepper:

• Use whole peppercorns instead of ground pepper whenever possible. This will give you a fresher, more flavorful pepper.
• Grind the peppercorns just before using them to release the most flavor.
• Add black pepper to dishes at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different amounts of black pepper. There is no right or wrong amount, so find what you like best.

Benefits of eating black pepper

1. Improves digestion.

2. Breaks down fat and improves weight loss.

3. Helps curing vitiligo.

4. Helps in respiratory relief.

5. Has antibacterial quality.

6. Rich in antioxidants, that fights free radical damage.

7. Enhances bio availability.

8. Improves cognitive impairment and neurological health

9. Relieves asthma and whooping cough.

10. Helps in treating ear aches, gangrene, hernia, hoarseness, insect bites, tooth ache and vision problems. Source: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-black-pepper.html

Interactions of black pepper

1. Pepper can increase the bio availability of theophylline.

2. Pepper can increase the risk of bleeding.

3. Can lower blood glucose levels and hence interact with anti-diabetic medications.

4. Can interact with benzodiazepines, Phenobarbitals and anti-depressants.

5. Can interact with anticancer medications.

6. Can interact with immune system modulating drugs.

7. Can interact with cholinergic agonists.

8. Can interact with drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzyme`s system.

9. Can interact with cyclosporine and digoxin.

10. Can interact with drugs taken by mouth.

11. Can interact with anti-epileptics.

12. Can interact with non – selective beta-blockers.

13. Can interact with rifampicin.

14. Can interact with diclofenac and other NSAIDs.

15. Can interact with anti – retroviral medications.

16. Can interact with anti – fungals, anti –lipemics, anti –parasitics and opioid antagonists.

17. May interact with P-glycoprotein substrates.

18. Can interact with polyphenols in green tea. Source: http://www.livingnaturally.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?StoreID=A0DD6E45F03A4BD78C10790DCF9FC1A7&DocID=bottomline-blackpepper

19. Can interact with lithium. Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-800-black%20pepper%20and%20white%20pepper.aspx?activeingredientid=800&activeingredientname=black%20pepper%20and%20white%20pepper

20. Piperine in black pepper can act as bio-availability enhancer. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21434835

21. Can interact with carbamazipine. Source: http://www.rxlist.com/black_pepper_and_white_pepper-page3/supplements.htm#Interactions

22. Can interact with allegra. Source: http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/121610p26.shtml

Health conditions to avoid black pepper

1. People who have undergone abdominal surgery should avoid pepper.

2. People showing allergic reactions to pepper must avoid it. Source: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-black-pepper.html

3. Must be avoided by people with bleeding disorders.

4. Must be avoided by people having gastro intestinal disorders.

5. Must be avoided by people trying to get pregnant, as pepper can affect fertility.

6. Must be avoided by people with auto –immune disorders.

7. Must be used with caution by people having thyroid disorders.

8. Must be avoided by people on blood pressure lowering medications.

9. Must be used with caution by people taking anti – diabetic medications.

10. Must be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Source: http://www.livingnaturally.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?StoreID=A0DD6E45F03A4BD78C10790DCF9FC1A7&DocID=bottomline-blackpepper

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/various-types-of-spices-for-healthy-food-food-preparation-4199145/

NOTE: The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please consult a doctor. We do not endorse any specific products or treatments, and we do not claim to cure or treat any medical conditions. The information on this website is based on our own research and experience, and we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. View the full disclaimer here