Wonder spice: Amazing unknown benefits of black pepper and why you should add it to delicacies

The next time you you push black pepper to the back of your shelf, think twice. This humble spice holds more benefits than you would ever  imagine.

The cooked and dried unripe fruit is black pepper, whereas the green pepper is from the dried and unripe fruit, while white pepper are the seeds from the ripened fruit of the plant.

Black pepper used in cooking and garnishing cuisines across the world over, comes with loaded health benefits. Here are reasons why you need to sprinkle some more.

To prevent cancer: Black pepper contans piperine and it can be credited with the prevention of cancer which becomes twice as potent when combined with turmeric. The spice contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenes and other antioxidants that help remove harmful free radicals and protect the body from cancers and diseases. The best way to harness maximum benefits is to eat freshly ground pepper, and not cook it along with food.

Stimulates digestion: Again, the piperine in black pepper aides digestion and stimulates the stomach to secretes more hydrochloric acid which helps in digesting proteins in food. So, a bit of pepper in food will actually help you to digest it faster.

Relieves cold and cough: Black pepper has antibacterial properties, and therefore it helps to cure cold and cough. A teaspoon of honey with freshly crushed pepper can do wonders. It also helps to alleviate chest congestion, often caused due to pollution, flu, or a viral infection. You can add it to hot water and eucalyptus oil and take steam. And given that black pepper is rich in Vitamin C, it also works as a good antibiotic.

Aids weight loss: Did you know black pepper is brilliant when it comes to extracting nutrients from food. The outermost layer contains phytonutrients, which helps to break down fat cells, and also increases metabolism. If you eat fresh pepper, and begin to perspire, that's the pepper helping your body to get rid of excess water and toxins. But you need to control consumption - a pinch with your food (one meal) is enough.

Improves skin: We are sure you didn't know that crushed pepper is one of the best exfoliators nature has provided us. But don't use it directly though; add a bit of honey, curd, or fresh cream to it. This simple spice enables blood circulation and provides more oxygen to the skin to breathe. Adding it to your food can also help you say goodbye to unwarranted skin wrinkles. It also helps cure Vitiligo, a condition where the skin loses pigmentation, and creates white patches.

Addresses depression: It's said that the piperine in black pepper helps to deal with depression. It stimulates the brain and helps it to function properly by making it more active.

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