Why Does Your Grandmother Feed You Black Pepper?

Black pepper. One of the most versatile of spices. You probably have many memories from your childhood of your grandmother feeding you hot water with honey and pepper, or more popularly, milk with turmeric and pepper. You may have wondered why. The answer is that black pepper has a myriad of health benefits. Whether it is used in its whole form like in a typical Khada masala or powdered down into fine grains, black pepper does wonders for your health and immunity.

The Black Pepper Sensation

A Digestive Wonder: Black pepper helps stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The increase in the amount of this substance aids in the process of digestion. It also prevents constipation and heartburn, and keeps your body feeling young and healthy. It has the added benefit of reducing the amount of intestinal gas in the stomach, leading to the lesser likelihood of a certain embarrassing side effect.

It’s Bloody Good!: Black pepper also does wonders for your blood due to the high level of potassium it contains. It effectively controls your heart rate, and keeps your blood pressure in check.  Full of the strength of iron, they help by stimulating the production of healthy blood cells.

A Medical Marvel: Pepper is often used to treat coughs and colds. You would remember the concoction of hot water, honey, and Black Pepper powder that your grandmother fed you when you were sick as a young child. In order to treat coughs, black pepper is usually used with other ingredients like honey or lemon, and is made into concoctions or teas that soothe your throat.

An Extremely Essential Oil: As an essential oil mix with other carrier oils such as jojoba, pepper can be used to soothe tired and sore muscles. The warming effect that the pepper oil has works wonders on arthritic pain, a cramps, muscle pulls, and sprains. It is also an ideal treatment for skin issues of all kinds, from acne and breakouts, to fine lines and wrinkles. It also increases circulation, and helps to reduce cellulite.

A Cure for Cancer?: Though the jury is still out on this one, the health benefits of pepper are thought to include cancer fighting properties. Peppercorns are chock full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants like carotenes, which have been noted for their ability to help the body fight diseases like cancer. They also contain piperine, a chemical which interferes with the mechanism by which cancer cells work leading to the growth of tumours.

Risks to Note

While we take this moment to marvel at all the health uses that black pepper has, we must also acknowledge some risks. While pepper helps improve digestion, it can in some cases cause a loss of potassium in the body which could lead to gastric bleeding. Piperine, which is studied as a way to treat cancer, has been seen to have negative effects on the reproduction process. Large amounts of black pepper consumed during pregnancy also could lead to miscarriages. Certain medications, like those containing lithium, should not be mixed with pepper, as it could lead to a wide variety of side effects.

All in all, while there are risks, the benefits of pepper cannot be denied. It is something to look forward to the next time your mother makes that peppery Fish Fry masala that clears out your sinuses.