Next time, if you plan to throw away the excess black pepper from your pantry, we suggest you give it a second thought. It is because this common spice has much more to it than you would have imagined. That's right! Black pepper holds a constant position on every spice rack. This tiny spice is used extensively in various recipes to add that strong aroma and flavour to your dish. But did you know it is loaded with several health benefits too? Black pepper, also referred to as kali mirch, has been a part of traditional medical practice for aeons. In fact, in the past, it was considered one of the richest spices available (due to the nutrients) and became pivotal in the spice trade across the world. Fascinating fact, isn't it? So, without further ado, let's find out what makes black pepper a preferred spice for all.
Also Read: How To Make Black Pepper Tea To Manage High Blood Pressure Or Hypertension
Black pepper is loaded with several health benefitting properties
Health Benefits Of Black Pepper: 5 Reasons To Add Kali Mirch To Your Diet:
1. Aids Weight Loss:
Black pepper is known to help extract nutrients from food. It further helps you make the most of your meal and breaks down the fat cells boosting metabolism. These factors are known to aid weight loss.
2. Boosts Detoxification:
Black pepper aid metabolism that further helps flush out toxins from the body. Besides, it is also rich in a potent antioxidant called piperine. This nutrient may help prevent free radical damage to your cells.
3. Promote Digestion:
The piperine in black pepper also helps stimulate the stomach, which further secretes more hydrochloric acid aiding digestion.
4. Boost Immunity:
Black pepper is antibacterial in nature works as an antibiotic and helps boost immunity. It is also known to cure common seasonal diseases including cough and cold.
5. Manage Blood Pressure:
According to a study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, piperine is a compound found in black pepper that can help in controlling high blood pressure. Black pepper is also a decent source of potassium that helps negate ill effects of sodium.
Here Are 5 Healthy Ways To Add Black Pepper To Your Diet:
Now that you are aware of the health benefits of black pepper, here are some quick and easy ways to add it to your daily diet. Take a look.
Add to the soup:
Sprinkle some black pepper on your healthy soup recipe to make it yet healthier. You can also make black pepper rasam (South Indian-style soup) with it. Click here for the pepper rasam recipe.
- Add to haldi doodh:
The goodness of haldi doodh needs no separate introduction. It is loaded with health benefitting properties that promote overall health. Sprinkling some black pepper into the concoction helps speed up the process. Click here for the masala haldi doodh recipe.
- Make detox water:
Making herbal tea with black pepper makes it a great detox drink to add to your morning ritual. It helps flush out toxins, promote weight loss and aid radiant skin. Click here for the black pepper tea recipe.
- Add to summer coolers:
Summer is here and so is the time to chug nimbu pani, aam panna and other such coolers. Adding a pinch of black pepper to the drinks makes them healthier and helps keep several seasonal diseases at bay. Click here for aam panna recipe.
- Add masala chai:
Likewise, during the winters, adding black pepper to your masala chai makes the drink perfect for the winters. It helps you keep warm and immuned from within. Click here for the masala chai recipe.
While there's no doubt about the benefits of adding black pepper to our diet, we suggest, having it in a moderate amount to make the most of it.
Eat healthy, stay fit!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.