High in antioxidant
Black pepper is ranked #24 in the ORAC for antioxidant value among all foods. The piperine largely contributes to the pepper antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals, the unstable molecules that can damage your cell. Excess free radicals can lead to major health problems.
Has anti-inflammatory properties
Studies have shown piperine can block the expression of a gene responsible for arthritis and also reduced pain perception and inflammation. Thus, piperine is a natural painkiller.
Moreover, black pepper also contains other anti-inflammatory compounds such as limonene and beta-caryophyllene.
Chronic inflammation may cause other underlying health conditions.
Improve brain functions
The piperine antioxidant properties protect the brain from free radical damage.
Besides, the piperine can also inhibit the enzyme that disrupts the production of dopamine, the feel-good hormone. Dopamine is usually deficient in patients with Parkinson’s.
Also, the piperine can decrease the formation of amyloid plaques, which are dense clumps of damaging protein fragments in the brain that have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, the piperine can help with depression by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down serotonin. This enzyme also degrades melatonin – which regulates the sleep/wake cycle.
Research has also shown that inhalation of black pepper oil improves the swallowing of poststroke patients by stimulating the brain.
Improve blood sugar control
Black pepper inhibits the enzymes that break down starch into glucose. Thus, it reduces fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant properties of piperine also help with blood sugar control.
Also, piperine helps the up-regulation of the metabolic rate of resting muscle, which in turn can mitigate obesity and diabetes, making it effective in combating both the diseases.
Moreover, piperine can also be used to improve the absorption of metformin (a diabetes medication).
Has cancer-fighting properties
The piperine is identified as a potent anti-tumor compound.
Test-tube studies found that piperine slowed the replication of breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells and induced cancer cell death.
Piperine regulates the Cyclin B1 protein, which activates the division of the normal and cancer cells.
Moreover, piperine has the ability to create free radicals to attack the cancer cells despite being a powerful antioxidant.
Boosts absorption of nutrients
Piperine also was found to enhance the absorption and function of certain nutrients and beneficial compounds.
Curcumin has a low bioavailability, as it’s rapidly broken down in the liver and intestinal wall, before getting a chance to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Piperine improves the absorption of curcumin by a whopping 2,000%.
Besides, piperine also improves the absorption of beta-carotene — a compound found in vegetables and fruits that your body converts to vitamin A.
Fight infections
As per studies, piperine has shown to exhibits larvicidal effects.
Black pepper also have antibactiral properties. A study showed that black pepper can inhibit the growths of E.coli and S. aureus bacteria by destroying bacterial respiratory metabolism.
Promote digestion
Black pepper has long been recognized as a carminative (a substance that helps prevent the formation of intestinal gas).
The piperine stimulates the release of enzymes in your pancreas and intestines that help digest fat and carbs.
Animal studies show that black pepper may also prevent diarrhea by inhibiting muscle spasms in your digestive tract by preventing spontaneous intestinal contractions.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Black pepper contains a lot of nutritional content, is far more diverse than you can think. It has a generous amount of vitamin A and rich in vitamin C and K. And other vitamins and mineral include:
- Thiamin
- Pyridoxine
- Riboflavin
- Folic acid
- Choline
- Copper
- Iron
- Calcium
- magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorous
- Zinc
- potassium
- Fiber
Promotes Weight Loss
The piperine fights the formation of fat cells by inhibiting fat cell formation sets off a chain reaction.
Also, the pericarp of the pepper contains phytonutrients, which helps to break down fat cells and also increases metabolism.
Furthermore, piperine thermogenic, which helps to speed up the metabolic process and burn calories more quickly.
Lower bad cholesterol
Researcher has shown piperine can reduce cholesterol uptake by enhancing translocation the cholesterol transporter proteins.
Helps Quit Smoking
Studies have shown that inhaling black pepper oil can reduce cigarette cravings. Because it stimulates the respiratory system in a way that mimics cigarette smoke.
Benefits the skin
The antioxidants properties of piperine that protect your skin against anti-aging and prevent fine lines.
The piperine also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help reduce acne.
While the granules of coarse black pepper are great as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells while leaving your skin supple and radiant.
Surprisingly, researchers found out that piperine cause cure vitiligo by stimulating the skin to produce pigment.
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