Is Black Pepper Or Kali Mirchi Good For Health? 7 Hidden Benefits Explained

Black pepper, or kali mirchi, has its origins on the Malabar Coast of India, present-day Kerala. The rich history of black pepper in India also be credited to its ability to be a medicinal herb. Not only does black pepper have an active role in digestion, but it also affects how the body breaks down food into energy, and also in making gut health better. Black pepper has a long lineage of being used in Ayurvedic formulations like trikatu, which is prepared using black pepper, pippali, and dry ginger to treat various health issues for certain individuals. While the Ayurvedic uses of black pepper are many, the main compound in it, called piperine, is the reason behind its vast health benefits. In addition, black pepper also contains plenty of antioxidants that combat the extremely common oxidative stress, which causes cellular ageing. In addition, it also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that make it relevant for modern health issues. So, to judge whether it is good for overall health, you need to look at the mechanisms behind black pepper to understand.

Is Black Pepper or Kali Mirchi Good for Health?

Yes, black pepper is good for your health, but its quality, quantity, and how it is consumed make a vast difference in its impact. There are over 25 varieties of black pepper available in India, depending on where they are cultivated. To make the best choice, you need to look at the quality of the whole pepper and grind it yourself or make sure it is ground in front of you to avoid using possibly adulterated black pepper for the maximum health benefits.

Here is what a research journal says about the role that black pepper plays in overall metabolic health and immunity:

• According to the International Journal of Life Sciences, black pepper plays an active role in counteracting inflammation in the body and curtailing the spread of microbes.
• And even reducing the incidence of developing certain kinds of cancers, based on preliminary research findings.

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7 Hidden Health Benefits Of Black Pepper Or Kali Mirchi

There are numerous health benefits in the black pepper spice that you can reap the benefits of, but the right way to consume it matters a great deal. But the approach to natural remedies matters a great deal; solely consuming black pepper will not heal your body from its issues. You need to consume it in moderation, consistently for a long period of time, to strengthen your immunity. Here are the health benefits that black pepper can provide:

• Boost Digestion: As per the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, piperine helps in improving the release of digestive enzymes, thus boosting overall nutrient absorption. It is important to control the dose of black pepper in your food choices if you are seeking digestive benefits, as eating too much of it can have the opposite effect.
• High Dose of Antioxidants: According to Food Chemistry, black pepper has the ability to attach itself to the free radicals that cause damage to healthy body tissue. The molecules of black pepper act as scavengers that attach themselves to free radicals (unstable molecules) that are a root cause of various diseases.
• Cancer Research Potential: According to a study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, piperine suppresses tumour growth and enhances programmed cell death in cancer cells. While there is research on the breast cancer-reducing ability of black pepper, solely relying on the spice for treatment is dangerous.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Piperine slows cognitive decline and has shown promise in Alzheimer's disease models, as mentioned in Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology. And India continues to face a growing burden of neurological conditions, as the Lancet Global Health report showed, which has made making dietary changes necessary for long-term health and well-being.
• Metabolic Health Booster: Black pepper boosts overall health as it helps in dealing with insulin sensitivity and improves the process of fat breakdown that affects energy levels. This function has been mentioned in the Biochemical Pharmacology journal.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Piperine has the ability to lower the presence of inflammatory markers in the body (cytokines), as documented in the European Journal of Pharmacology.
• Antimicrobial Properties: According to the Journal of Medicinal Food, black pepper extracts reduce bacterial and fungal growth, leading to shortened recovery periods from infections.

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Practical Uses Of Black Pepper

You can easily make black pepper a part of your daily diet in the form of the following:

• Whole black pepper can be used in recipes like soups as a flavour enhancer and as a health benefit, providing spice.
• Freshly ground black pepper needs to be stored in an airtight container to avoid oxidation of the spice.
• The exact dose of black pepper varies, but making it a part of everyday cooking can make sure you are consuming it daily in small amounts.

Risks And Precautions To Take With Black Pepper

Black pepper is considered generally safe for daily consumption. But there are certain risks and precautions that you need to take to avoid the side effects associated with it. These are as follows:

• If you eat too much black pepper in a single sitting, then you suffer from digestive tract irritation.
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it is advisable to consult a medical professional who can determine the right dose for you.
• Black pepper is a health booster and a flavour enhancer, but consuming it in moderation matters.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.