Black pepper: benefits and harms

Hot peppers in black peas or in powder form are a spice found in many everyday dishes. What are the benefits and harms of black pepper, and how else can this spice be used?

How black pepper is obtained

A useful product is obtained from the fruits of the pepper vines Piper Nigrum, which can reach 15 m in length. Liana is covered with ears, each of which contains about 30 peppercorns. The product sold in stores is processed unripe peas. According to the technology, they are boiled, then dried, after which the peas turn black and shrivel.

The product can be sold both in peas and in ground form - in the latter case, the peas are peeled and crushed.

Chemical composition and calorie content of black pepper

The seasoning is quite nutritious, the calorie content of black pepper per 100 g is up to 250 calories. However, it should be borne in mind that spicy spices should be consumed in minimal quantities - accordingly, nutritional value can be almost ignored, it will not bring harm.

The product not only gives an exquisite taste to culinary dishes - it contains great benefits for the body. Namely, it contains:

  • beta carotene;
  • riboflavin;
  • choline;
  • phosphorus and sodium;
  • vitamins that are most valuable for the body — E, B, K and C;
  • tocopherol;
  • calcium;
  • thiamine;
  • zinc, copper and iron;
  • important acids - folic and pantothenic;
  • niacin;
  • magnesium, potassium;
  • selenium, manganese, fluorine.

The composition includes fiber, natural ash. Most of all carbohydrates in the product - about 38 g, proteins are present - about 10 g, and very little fat - 3 g.

Recommended reading:  Chili pepper: benefits and harms, properties, how to eat

Useful properties of black pepper

The benefits for the body of black peppercorns with reasonable use are expressed in the fact that they:

  • stimulates immunity;
  • serves as a good diaphoretic and diuretic;
  • activates the metabolic process and promotes fat burning;
  • thins the blood;
  • increases appetite and has a positive effect on brain activity;
  • has antioxidant properties and cleanses the body of toxins;
  • serves as an expectorant for coughing;
  • protects against cancer;
  • has a good effect on the nervous system and hormones;
  • has a beneficial effect on the skin, improving the complexion.

Why is black pepper useful for men

The useful product is of particular value for men. It is often used as a natural potency enhancer as it disperses blood and increases sexual strength.The benefits of black pepper for men are also expressed in the fact that it reduces muscle pain after exercise.

Recommended reading:  Why is bell pepper useful, properties

At what age can a child be given black pepper

A useful product, despite its positive properties, can be dangerous for the fragile stomach and intestines of the child. You can give a spice to a baby, even in minimal doses, only after 5 years.

Important! Before introducing the product into the diet, a consultation with a pediatrician is mandatory - in some conditions, pepper is strictly prohibited for use and can cause harm.

Is black pepper possible during pregnancy and breastfeeding

During the carrying of a baby, a useful product is not prohibited for use. But so that it does not harm, you need to follow some rules - add to your usual dishes in small quantities, do not abuse. You cannot use the spice in food with an exacerbation of gastritis or an ulcer - then it will harm the woman's health, which means it will negatively affect the fetus.

But during lactation, it is better to abstain from the spice altogether. The baby's body is still too sensitive, and colic can occur from a spicy product.

What diseases does black pepper help

With good health, a healthy product will only improve the taste of dishes and saturate the body with valuable substances. But with a number of ailments, the seasoning can also be used for medicinal purposes. For example, the benefits of black pepper for the human body are clearly manifested when:

  • appetite disorders;
  • for joint diseases - arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism;
  • with colds;
  • with constipation and diarrhea;
  • with sluggish bowel syndrome;
  • with skin irritation;
  • with headaches and dizziness;
  • with a tendency to be overweight;
  • with problems with potency, decreased libido in women and men.

Is black pepper good for diabetes

People with diabetes mellitus are prone to thrombosis, and the spicy seasoning thins the blood, so the benefits will be great. The product speeds up metabolism, the glycemic index is very low - only 15 units, there will be no harm from it. But of course, you need to know when to stop - the maximum dose is only 1 g per day.

Slimming black pepper

The product has fat burning properties and at the same time prevents new fat deposits. Therefore, peppercorns are dietary benefits, as well as ground. The special value lies in the fact that even with a lack of physical activity, the product still effectively helps to lose excess weight. Additionally, it enhances peristalsis and helps cleanse from toxins - this also has a good effect on body weight.

The use of black pepper in traditional medicine

A useful product is actively used in home recipes for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. It helps with some ailments especially effectively.

Black pepper for cough

The properties of the product facilitate the process of coughing up - pepper dilutes phlegm. To prepare the medicine, you need to take 2 small pinches of ground pepper (on the tip of a knife), mix thoroughly with 4 tablespoons of honey, and add a few drops of lemon juice. You need to take such a remedy three times a day.

Black pepper tincture for diarrhea and constipation

Healthy pepper works equally well for diarrhea and constipation. Problems with bowel movement occur most often due to too slow digestion of food or sluggish bowel movements. A hot spice added to food stimulates the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, helps to get rid of the problem of constipation.

The following healthy drink helps with diarrhea:

  • half a teaspoon of powdered pepper is mixed with a pinch of cinnamon;
  • the mixture is diluted in a glass of boiling water;
  • insist for half an hour;
  • then drink 1 sip at intervals of an hour.

Soon, the intestinal spasms subside and the digestive process returns to normal.

Pepper plaster for joint pain

The warming properties of the product are beneficial for arthritis and rheumatism. A joint patch is done like this:

  • mix ground seasoning, honey and flour in equal parts - a teaspoon each;
  • apply ointment to the sore spot;
  • the top is covered with gauze and fixed with a plaster.

It helps to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

Black pepper for kidney stones

The following product-based remedy will help dissolve and remove calculi in the kidneys from the body:

  • a small amount of raisins are pitted;
  • instead, black peppercorns are put inside.
Recommended reading:  Why raisins are useful: properties and contraindications

You need to take the medicine once a day before lunch for at least 2 weeks in a row.

Black pepper to enhance potency

This healthy product is considered one of the best natural aphrodisiacs.

  1. A teaspoon of black powdered pepper is mixed with sugar in equal amounts.
  2. Then the mixture is diluted with warm milk - 1 cup.

The properties of the product help after the first use, but if the effect is insufficient, you can repeat the procedure every other day.

Black pepper ointment to treat lichen

Homemade ointment helps with lichen and other fungal and bacterial skin ailments. For its preparation, black pepper powder is mixed with the same amount of henna and applied to the affected areas once a day.

Black pepper in cosmetology

Pepper is often used in homemade personal care recipes. The use of ground black pepper is that it improves skin tone, evens out its color, and promotes faster cell renewal. The properties of the seasoning, in combination with other ingredients, also have a positive effect on the hair - they strengthen their hair follicles, awaken dormant follicles, making the strands thicker and stronger.

Face mask for acne and acne

A useful product helps to get rid of toxins, therefore it is a good means for cleansing the skin of the face. Outwardly, it is applied as follows:

  • an equal amount of black pepper powder and cottage cheese are mixed together;
  • bring to a homogeneous consistency;
  • apply a scrubbing mask to the face with massage movements;
  • after 15 minutes, wash off with cool water.

With regular use, this gentle scrub will even out the skin and cleanse it of inflammation.

Hair Growth Firming Mask

To stop hair loss, you can apply the following mask.

  1. Salt, pepper powder and onion juice are mixed together in equal proportions.
  2. The mixture is applied to the hair for 40 - 45 minutes, spreading over the entire length.
  3. Then the mask is washed off with a natural shampoo.

The effect will become noticeable with regular application of the mask every 3 to 4 days.

Compresses for puffiness under the eyes

Many women suffer from dark bruises and bags under the eyes - in fact, the latter are ordinary edema. A spicy seasoning, or rather, a mask based on it, will help to cope with the problem.

  1. Half a teaspoon of ground coffee is mixed with the same amount of coconut oil.
  2. Then add a pinch of pepper powder to this mixture.
  3. To give the desired consistency, the mask is diluted with a few drops of water.
  4. The mixture is applied to the area under the eyes, while not touching the eyes themselves, so as not to harm them.

When the mixture dries - after about 10 minutes - it will need to be carefully removed with a damp cotton pad and washed with cool water. The properties of the pepper and other ingredients will eliminate swelling and, in general, improve the condition of the skin under the lower eyelids.

How black pepper is used in cooking

Talking about the merits of the product, one cannot remain silent about the culinary use. Condiment, ground or pea, used in a wide variety of dishes. So, you can find it:

  • in soups;
  • in the second courses;
  • in sausages and sausages;
  • in cheeses;
  • in a variety of spicy mixtures used in the kitchen;
  • in confectionery - in a minimum amount;
  • in salads and pates;
  • in cereals and mushrooms;
  • in marinades and sauces.
Advice! The seasoning can even be added to drinks such as tea, coffee or alcoholic cocktails. It will give them an unusual taste and have a tonic effect.

Harm of black pepper and contraindications

There is no doubt about the health benefits of black pepper - but it remains one of the hottest condiments in existence. Accordingly, if used carelessly, the properties of the product can be harmful. Namely, you cannot add it to food when:

  • hypertension;
  • acute gastritis;
  • stomach ulcer;
  • serious ailments of the kidneys and bladder;
  • with mental disorders.
Attention! The greatest danger to healthy people is an overdose of seasoning - the harm lies in the fact that you can seriously burn the stomach or esophagus. The recommended amount per day is no more than 5 g of the product.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of black pepper depend on whether there are strict contraindications for use. In moderate quantities, the product will help get rid of the symptoms of many diseases, and generally strengthen the body.

Reviews

Tosolov Dmitry Konstantinovich, 42 years old, Vladimir
I often suffer from indigestion, I take black peppercorns for diarrhea. One of the best remedies is that it cope with diarrhea much faster and more efficiently than pharmaceutical drugs. At the same time, it serves as the prevention of constipation - in general, it normalizes the entire bowel function.
Antonova Anna Petrovna, 37 years old, Kazan
With age, it becomes more difficult to follow the figure - there is no longer enough time and energy for regular fitness. I use black pepper for weight loss - fortunately, it helps even with a sedentary lifestyle. I add it to salads, soups, side dishes - both tasty and useful for getting rid of extra pounds.
Vasilyeva Olga Dmitrievna, 24 years old, Sochi
About 2 years ago, mysterious white spots appeared on the skin of the face, the doctor diagnosed vitiligo. I was already thinking of saying goodbye to summer sunburn, but then I read about the treatment of vitiligo with black pepper. I made masks for a couple of months - the spots were not completely gone, but they became noticeably fewer, the properties of the pepper really helped.

Link to main post

Health

the beauty

Food