Black Pepper

Today is Wednesday. Weather is humid and ridiculously hot outside. As usual I got up did my daily routine and came down.  I had my oatmeal pesto bread and my fennel and cardamom tea. Then went outside to see my organic vegetable patch and my grape vines. I sowed some herb seeds gave the water to my plants on the deck. Went to throw my vegetable peels in my compost bin. Came back and am now working on my next blog on another incredible spice black pepper.  Its origin is an Indian state, Kerala. Pepper is practically used worldwide as a spice in food. In ancient times Greeks and Romans used this spice. Pepper was spread through middle eastern traders worldwide to Europe and other countries between India and West. Now a days Vietnam is biggest pepper producer and exporter to different parts of world.  Its scientific name is Piper nigrum and family is Piperaceae. Its a flowering vine and cultivated for its fruit called peppercorn. It has many phenolic amides; piperine, alkamides, piptigrine, dipiperamideD and dipiperamideE, wisanine etc.. Its essential oil is extracted from aerial parts of its stem and leaves. It has tremendous medicinal value. I am listing some of its benefits below.

• Because of its anti-inflammatory properties it is used to relieve symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis and rheumatism.

• Its essential oil improves pain tolerance.

• Black pepper oil also has antidiarrheal and antispasmodic effects because of piperine it helps in gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

• Regular use of black pepper help balances the brain signaling and serotonin metabolism.

• Black pepper essential oil improves cholesterol levels by reducing the triglycerides.

• It has anti-viral properties targets bacterial infections.

• Regular use of black pepper lowers the risk of hypertension.

• It has warming effect on body helps to reduce cold and flu symptoms.

• Its compounds show anti-cancer properties.

• Consuming black pepper helps to detoxify the body.

• It helps to increase saliva production that helps to increase digestion.

Overall, as a spice it enhances the flavor of the food making it more palatable to eat and digest. I will see you in next blog.