Natural Medicine Chest: Health Benefits of Black pepper

What follows are ten of the top health benefits of black pepper. This list is by no means exhaustive. As further research is conducted, more medicinal uses for black pepper are likely to be revealed.

• Black pepper aids digestion - Pepper's natural antibiotic properties make it an effective remedy for intestinal diseases caused by bacteria. Pepper causes an increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, improving overall digestion by reducing gas, diarrhea, constipation and colic.
• Black pepper helps relieve cough and colds - Pepper's antibacterial properties also make it an effective remedy for respiratory conditions including colds, coughs and flu. Pepper's spiciness clears congestion and helps clear up sinusitis.
• Black pepper helps fight cancer - Research has revealed that pepper exerts a free-radical scavenging activity, and thus may assist in preventing some cancers and slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Black pepper may help in weight loss - The outer layer of the peppercorn contains substances that boost fat metabolism. Adding black pepper to foods may help in the treatment of obesity.
• Black pepper helps treat skin conditions - Research conducted in Great Britain has indicated that the active chemical ingredient in pepper, piperine, is an effective treatment for vitiligo, a skin disease that causes areas of the skin to lose their pigment. Pepper is also believed to decrease susceptibility to skin cancers caused by excess ultraviolet radiation.
• Black pepper improves bioavailability - Eating black pepper promotes the absorption of nutrients to all the tissues of the body, improving overall health.
• Black pepper improves dental health - Pepper helps fight tooth decay and provides relief from toothache.
• Black pepper is a natural antidepressant - Black pepper has been the investigated for its antidepressant properties. Animal studies showed that treatment with black pepper improved cognitive function and stimulated the central nervous system.
• Black pepper is a powerful antioxidant - Pepper has a rich natural content of phenols, organic chemicals that have strong antioxidant properties.
• Black pepper reduces inflammation - Animal research has revealed that pepper's active ingredient, piperine, has natural anti-inflammatory effects.

Read more at Suite101: The Top Ten Health Benefits of Black Pepper: How Adding a Little Pepper Can Improve Digestion and Heart Health | Suite101.com http://suite101.com/article/the-top-ten-health-benefits-of-black-pepper-a193900#ixzz1zckrz4xZ