Black pepper is one of the most prized and widely used spices across the globe for its indispensable health benefiting properties. It is a flowering vine that goes with the scientific name Piper nigrum, which is cultivated for its fruit. The fruits are dried and used as a spice that has a sharp and bold flavour. A dash of black pepper added to any dish works as a great flavour enhancer. It is more than a staple kitchen ingredient; black pepper has been famed as the “king of spices” and used extensively in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for ages owing to its remarkable concentration of strong bioactive plant compounds.

Both black pepper and white pepper come from the same plant and belongs to the Piperaceae family. But they are processed differently, black pepper is obtained by cooking the dried unripe fruit, while white pepper is made by cooking and drying the ripe seeds.

Also Read: Believe In The Health Benefits Of Black Pepper

Black pepper has been used since times immemorial for treating several ailments including arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, bacterial infection, sinus infection gastrointestinal disorders, weight loss and cancer. When applied topically black pepper assists in healing skin scars, itchiness caused due to scabies and ease nerve pain.

Black pepper heaped with a chemical compound called piperine exhibits strong medicinal and therapeutic properties. Piperine, bestowed with numerous beneficial traits including antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities are well-known to enhance optimal health. Right from regulating diabetes, boosting metabolism, enhancing brain and skin health, the benefits of this humble spice are many.

Ways To Add Black Pepper Into The Diet

• Sprinkle them on salads, soups and stir-fries to spice up the dish.
• Add some black pepper powder while making any egg delicacies.
• Add them to grilled veggies and fruits for that extra zest.
• A dash of black pepper powder can be used as a healthy alternative for salt.
• Ground black pepper serves as an appetizing seasoning for cooked vegetables, lean meat, fish, pasta and many more.
• Add them liberally to make immune-boosting concoctions.
• It blends well with other healthy seasonings including turmeric, cardamom, cumin, garlic, jeera and lemon.

Add this powerful spice to your regular diet and reap its wellness incentives.

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