7 Health Benefits Of Peppercorns

7 Health Benefits Of Peppercorns

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Dental Health
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Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBANov 11, 2021

Peppercorns (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae. Peppercorns are widely believed to the most commonly used culinary spice in the world. It has been used throughout history in herbal medicine and to preserve food.

Here are the 7 health benefits of peppercorns.

1.     Peppercorns may help fight cancer.

A study, published in Molecular Carcinogenesis, suggests that peppercorns may inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the colon. This does not mean that people should replace their cancer treatment with consuming peppercorns, but it could help in conjunction with the treatments prescribed by your doctor.

2.     Peppercorns may aid in digestion.

Peppercorns help the body secrete more hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for digesting proteins and other food components. Also, peppercorns possess a considerable amount of fiber. Fiber stimulates peristaltic motion and increased secretion of gastric juices, which eases digestion, prevents conditions like constipation, and protects the body from more serious conditions like colorectal cancer.

3.     Peppercorns can assist in energy production.

Peppercorns possess a good amount of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in some enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. For example, some enzymes disarm free radicals produced within the mitochondria (the energy production factories within our cells), which require manganese.

4.     Peppercorns may improve dental health.

Peppercorns fight tooth decay and provide quick relief from a toothache.

5.     Peppercorns may help skin conditions.

The piperine in peppercorns has shown to be effective against vitiligo, a skin disease that causes areas of the skin to lose their pigmentation.

6.     Peppercorns may help with weight loss.

Research, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, suggests that piperine in peppercorns battles fat by blocking the formation of new fat cells.

7.     Peppercorns are helpful for improving bone health.

Peppercorns contain minerals, such as manganese, copper, and magnesium, which are essential for healthy bone development and strength, particularly as people begin to age, and their bones gradually weaken. 

Peppercorns are also a good source of vitamin K, which functions in retaining calcium in the bone matrix. Sufficient vitamin K consumption may also reduce urinary excretion of calcium. One tablespoon of peppercorn contains 13 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin K.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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