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BLACK PEPPER |
It’s a
severely underused spice in our country. Apart from enhancing the flavour of
our food, black pepper has some amazing healing properties that can cure
vitiligo, aid digestion and even lessen joint pain.
Black
pepper is only used in food preparations and is native to the Westen Ghats of
Kerala. Piperine, a chemical present in it, gives it its nutritional punch and
spicy bite.
Why
use black pepper in cooking?
It is an
anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, and its nutritive value is
preserved even after the cooking process is complete. It not only enhances the
flavour of our food, it also aids in the absorption of nutrients in the blood.
It is best used whole, instead of in powder form. However, it should not be
used in large quantities, because it may cause irritation of the gut. Excess
pepper may also cause sneezing.
What
does it contain?
Black
pepper is a good source of Vitamins C and K, potassium, dietary fibre, iron and manganese. The good news is
that all of it is useful, even the outer skin of the peppercorn. It is known to have a ‘scavenging’ quality once
ingested, which accounts for its purifying and healing properties; this has
implications for several medical disorders, especially those that see a rise in
free radicals (such as injuries and diseases like cancer).
Digestion
woes: Zap them with black pepper. Piperine increases the secretion
of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which in turn, contributes to a smoother
digestive process. Black pepper also reduces intestinal bloat and gas, and
flatulence after meals. Since it causes sweating, it aids in the removal of toxins
through sweat.
Vitiligo
cure: Do you suffer from vitiligo or leukoderma? Does your skin have the tendency to develop light patches, owing to a loss
or deficiency of pigment of skin? Black pepper has been used in Ayurvedic for years to treat specific conditions. It is used in Ayurvedic oils and ointments as an external applicator to induce the increased
production of melanin. It is also used in Allopathy, where an ointment or paste
containing black pepper is first applied over the affected area of the skin before it is given UV light treatment.
Vitamin
C power: Its Vitamin C content makes black
pepper a potent force in treating a cough, cold, sinusitis and congestion. It
is also a good anti-bacterial and helps treat constipation and diarrhoea. When
boiled with a neutral oil as a base, or simply crushed and used over a painful
tooth, it is known to alleviate the pain associated with dental problems. Additionally,
it provides localized relief from insect bites. When used as an oil massage, it
is known to lessen joint pain.
Excellent
antioxidant: Black pepper shows tremendous
promise in fighting free radicals in the body. It seeks out free radicals and
minimises the damage caused by them. This has huge implications in the
treatment of such diseases such as cancer, particularly skin cancer.
Fat
loss: Black pepper assists in the faster breakdown of fat cells.
This helps the body respond faster to exercise and a controlled diet, thus
resulting in weight loss.
Additionally, it boosts metabolism and attacks belly fat. Naturopaths insist on black pepper being added to
the diet of obese patients. Apart from providing these benefits, black pepper
also causes sweating and urination, for the removal of toxins. It is also good
for the heart, as it helps in the clean-up of arteries and to purify the blood.
Alleviates
depression: Piperine is known to act on the
central nervous system. The stimulation it provides acts like an
anti-depressant. In turn, this improves cognitive capacity and function.
OOO
