Black Pepper — Piper Nigrum : Ingredient Spotlight
This aromatic spice is rich in oleoresins, volatile oils, and alkaloids, and it is grown in countries with a tropical environment. Piperine is an active constituent of black pepper.
Some of the notable properties of black pepper are as follows:
Black pepper will decrease the clotting in the blood and thereby increase bleeding risk when used with anti-platelet agents or blood thinners.
Black pepper also plays a role in blood sugar regulation and in Diabetic control ; we may need to note that with other blood-sugar-lowering medications it may have an additive effect.
Black pepper has natural analgesic properties and inherit anti-bacterial effects. It is important to note that it must be viewed as culinary spice and not a substitute for traditional medication.
It is surprising to note that Black pepper also has anti-depressant actions .
Black pepper, with its natural free radical scavenging ability, has inherit anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is lipid per-oxidation? This is a process that can happen in meats to create agents that are harmful to our body — it is important to note that addition of Black pepper can help decrease Lipid per-oxidation in the meats when added to the meat before the cooking process.
Lastly Black pepper along with other herbs and spices could have a positive effect on gut micro-biome populations.
Our discussion showcases that spices like Black pepper can be very good for taste and aroma, but they also enhance the nutritional profile of the food we eat. As always, I want my audience to be well informed and live long and strong!
