Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices across the world in different cuisines. But it has uses beyond the conventional cooking related applications as well.
But before we get to that let’s get to know it better.
What is Black Pepper?
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the Piperaceae family that originated in modern-day South India. It is grown for its fruit, which is known as a peppercorn. It is often dried and used as a flavouring spice.
The fruit is dark crimson when fresh and completely developed, and it contains a solitary seed. Peppercorns, often known as pulverised pepper or a pepper, but most notably as black pepper, are roasted and dried unripe fruit. Green pepper is dried unripe fruit, and white pepper is mature fruit seed.
Black pepper is widely planted in tropical areas. Vietnam is the world’s greatest pepper exporter.
Black pepper is the most traded spice in the world. It is a prominent traditional remedy and one of the most often used spices in practically all cuisines worldwide. Piperine is the chemical responsible for black pepper’s distinct spiciness.
Black pepper is a popular condiment in modern cuisine. It’s often served with salt in restaurants. Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s move on. Let’s get to the point and talk about some of the lesser-known uses for black pepper.
6 Black Pepper Uses That You Didn’t Know
1 Helps Quit Smoking:
We all have friends who are chain smokers and wish to quit but are finding it difficult to do so. You might suggest that they use black pepper oil to puff on a vapour gadget. People’s cravings for cigarettes are reduced as a result of this.
2 Improves Swallowing in Children:
In children with neurological problems who have been fed through a feeding tube, applying black pepper oil to the nasal cavity/nostrils for one minute before meals help swallowing. The black pepper oil, however, does not eliminate the necessity for the feeding tube.
3 Improves Skin:
One of the greatest exfoliators is crushed pepper mixed with honey, curd, or fresh cream. Gently massage it into your skin. It increases the amount of oxygen available to the skin while also allowing blood circulation. Black pepper in meals aids in the removal of unwanted skin wrinkles. Black pepper has been shown to aid in the treatment of vitiligo. Vitiligo is a disorder in which the skin’s colour fades, resulting in white spots.
4 Helps Fight Cancer:
Piperine, the chemical responsible for spiciness, has also been linked to cancer protection. When coupled with turmeric, it becomes twice as powerful. The Indian spice also includes vitamin C, vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other antioxidants that aid in the removal of damaging free radicals and the prevention of cancer.
5 Improves Metabolism and Promotes Weight Loss:
The outermost layer of black pepper includes phytonutrients that aid in the breakdown of fat cells. When combined with green tea twice or three times a day, black pepper boosts metabolism and aids in weight reduction.
6 Detoxification:
Adding a sprinkle of black pepper to your diet can aid in the removal of toxins and extra water. One of the finest ways to utilise black pepper is in a nutritious cuisine, such as salads, grilled vegetables, light snacks, and so on.