Spicy Shocker! Black Pepper is Good for You!

reviewed by Truman Perkins

Grab that pepper shaker or grinder and kick up that dish with the spicy pick-me-up of black pepper. This common seasoning just got better. Black pepper is good for you, so sprinkle away!

More than just a favorite flavor-enhancing ingredient, this king of spices has many fantastic health benefits. That is why it is called “black gold” in many cultures due to its enormous value.

For years I have looked at my husband’s heavy hand with the pepper shaker as an insult. He covers everything on his plate in black dust. His health check-ups for a man that takes very little extra care of himself are always pristine.

Besides, for a heavy eater, his weight is annoyingly very balanced. I am always baffled. His secret is out!

Let’s uncover the benefits of this spice sitting in your home right now!

A Case of Mistaken Pepper Identity

A Case of Mistaken Pepper Identity
A Case of Mistaken Pepper Identity

This little spice is very misunderstood and completely misidentified. This is neither your typical herb nor spice, but a fruit! The tiny Peppers formed on the vine of the flowering Drupe plant are fruits.

The tiny fruit grows to about 5 mm in size and contains a singular seed. They are then harvested and dried. They are becoming peppercorns.

Different colored peppercorns are based on the maturity and ripeness of the fruit. Black pepper is a cooked and dried unripe fruit. Green peppercorns are these uncooked, unripe versions dried. At the same time, white peppercorns result from fully matured dried fruit that has been skinned.

Once they have gone through this process, they become what we recognize as our common household spice.

Learn More here on Wikipedia.

Article Preview: Black Pepper is Good for Your Health!

A Case of Mistaken Pepper Identity
A Case of Mistaken Pepper Identity

A glance at all the fantastic things to come in this article through this video sneak peek!

What is in Pepper that Gives it that Beneficial Punch?

What is in Pepper that Gives it that Beneficial Punch?
What is in Pepper that Gives it that Beneficial Punch?

Black pepper is used as a spice and not as a food source. Keep that in mind when reviewing this. No going out and having a whopping big bowl of peppercorns! Moderation is key.

Let’s look at the essential nutrients that black pepper can provide based on percentages of daily values.

In 1 Tbsp of Black Pepper (6 Grams)

  • 18% Manganese
  • 13% Vitamin K
  • 4% Copper
  • 9% Fiber
  • 10% Iron
  • 3% Calcium
  • 3% Magnesium

Not to mention additional vitamins and minerals like phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin, Vitamin C, and B6.

Then there is a unique quality and secret weapon!

The Piperine!

The Piperine!
The Piperine!

The piperine in black pepper has many stand-alone benefits and health weapons. It is a natural antioxidant and antibacterial. Besides, it acts as an activating agent that helps to enhance and absorb other nutritional ingredients easily.

This activating power is commonly seen in combination with herbs such as turmeric to enable the body to absorb Curcumin. We will discuss this combo power in a minute!

The fruit of the Drupe plant. This is raw, unharvested pepper fruit!

Black Pepper is Good for You and Your Health

So how can black pepper help you? Let’s look at some of the benefits of pepper for specific internal health concerns. There are many, and I will detail some. I will try to keep it simple. I am not a doctor, so no need to sound like one!

→ Digestive Aid

→ Digestive Aid
→ Digestive Aid

Pepper increases your gastric acid production, thereby improving your ability to digest food properly. (OK, that was a bit technical) Simply this helps produce more of the good stuff that breaks down your food. This creates a chain of happy events through the entire digestive tract.

Proper digestion leads to minimal gas and bloating. Toxins and waste are shed from the food more accessible, increasing urination and natural cleansing.

→ Sinus & Respiratory Relief

→ Sinus & Respiratory Relief
→ Sinus & Respiratory Relief

I know I am not alone here when I ask how many have had a pepper sneeze? You know when you put a bit too much or too close to the nose. Yeah, you have had it happen too!

Based on this simple sneeze idea, you can see how stimulating pepper can be to your sinuses. It is a natural irritant that helps to loosen and eliminate that gunk that gets all clogged up there. Not asking you to snort pepper; please DON’T!

Mixed with honey, in teas, or other methods, pepper can make an internal impact that aids congestion relief!

→ Brain Health Booster

→ Brain Health Booster
→ Brain Health Booster

In several studies on different mental health and brain disorders, pepper had some pretty outstanding results. Who knew a little spice could make your brain healthy and more robust and for longer?

Some Positive Brain Influences from Black Pepper

  • Alzheimer’s: As a free radical preventer, pepper can help prevent, prolong and heal some of the memory impairments in some Alzheimer’s cases. More in-depth research needs to be conducted, but a positive step towards a debilitating disease.
  • Depression: that amazing little piperine in pepper blocks enzymes that inhibit dopamine production. That is that “feel good” hormone your brain produces. It also blocks another enzyme that affects serotonin, the calming hormone. With the balance-enhancing power of pepper, feeling good can be so much easier!
  • Parkinson’s Disease: Like above for depression. These same enzymes, especially dopamine, impact this brain disease. Also, pepper acts as an anti-inflammatory which can slow the anti-apoptotic breakdown of cells in the brain of Parkinson’s patients.

→ Promotes Weight Loss

My husband’s weight secret is revealed!

Black Pepper is good for you and your fight against the battle of the bulge too! Research has shown that some of the compounds in pepper can be preventing the formation of fat cells. As well as increasing the body’s ability to break down existing fat cells.

The spicy piperine can also boost your metabolism as you work with a healthy diet plan. No matter your diet plan, stepping it up with some pepper could give it the boost it needs!

→ Some Additional Benefits to Explore

  • Cancer Prevention
  • Diabetes Stabilization
  • Treat High Blood Pressure
  • Increases Circulation
  • Helps Stop Smoking
  • Detox

You do not have to Eat it!   Black Pepper is Good for you in Other Ways too!

Beneficial Topical Applications: Black Pepper Essential Oil Another Way to Win with Pepper

Topical uses of black pepper in mixed essential oil blends work wonders for many aches, pains, and strains. Arthritis and joint pain is a common issue for me personally. My combination of pain rub includes black pepper essential oil.

That kicked-up heat and circulation boost gets me feeling comfortable on those bad days!

Are you looking for ways to ease the pains of arthritis and joint pain naturally? Check out this article on site Essential Oils for Arthritis and Joint Pain Relief. It includes some great recipes and ideas that can help you get pain-free today.

Check out this Great Video: Black Pepper Essential Oil Benefits & Uses

Dr. Axe is always loaded with great info. Give it as subscribe!

⇒ Looking for Organic Black Pepper Essential Oil? Information can be found on-site here.

The Pepper Enhancement – Bioavailability


I briefly touched on this earlier in the article when talking about the nutritional make-up of black pepper. It is essential to look at this fantastic way that black pepper is good for you all on its own.

Bioavailability. It is a big word with a simple meaning. It is the rate and ability of your body to absorb nutrients or drugs effectively.

Why is this such a big deal? The truth. Our bodies like to filter. Sometimes they even filter out the good stuff. Often it is because it does not see it as good, or it takes too long for it to digest.

This is where the black pepper and its piperine kick it up a notch. It does two important things.

  1. It prevents our filter (the liver) from metabolizing the substance and removing it before absorption.
  2. Improves digestibility by shortening the amount of time it takes a nutrient to get absorbed in the digestive tract.

Benefactors of Peppers Piperine Enhancements

Benefactors of Peppers Piperine Enhancements
Benefactors of Peppers Piperine Enhancements

If you are taking or plan to take any of these supplements, they can be boosted and better absorbed by adding pepper or piperine to the mix. Many of these sold as over-the-counter vitamins and supplements likely already have them included.

  • Turmeric Curcumin
  • Vitamin C
  • Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
  • Vitamin B6
  • Selenium

Don’t Sneeze- Warnings and Side Effects

  • Be smart! You can not consume large amounts of spice at one time without some side effects! Irritation of the mouth, sinuses, lungs, stomach and respiratory system can result!
  • If using topically, check small areas for potential irritation or reaction.
  • Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin with carrier oils.
  • It may cause burning or redness if it gets into the eyes.
  • Pepper is considered food safe for most people if using medicinally to consult a physician.

⇒Disclaimer: The information presented here by Inside Herb Gardens and Its Authors is intended for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated these statements and is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary. Before using any herbs, supplements, or other natural treatments, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or medical professional.

Are You Ready to Kick up The Pepper?

Are You Ready to Kick up The Pepper?
Are You Ready to Kick up The Pepper?

Black pepper is good for you, and better yet, you likely already have a supply! This may be the most accessible spice or herb I have mentioned yet to use in your diet. I have used it a lot in cooking prep, but I was not a big “grab the shaker” kind of girl.

That is until NOW! Black pepper has a great taste, and if a few extra sprinkles for good health is all it takes. That is the least I can do.

Maybe the old phrase about the apple needs changing? Maybe “Some Pepper a Day keeps the Doctor away”?

Are you ready to grab that grinder and shaker? Maybe an essential oil would best fit into your lifestyle too! I would love your thoughts on black pepper. Could you drop a comment below, and let’s talk?

About Truman Perkins

Truman Perkins is a Detroit-based SEO consultant who's been in the business for over a decade. He got his start helping friends and clients get their websites off the ground, and he continues to do so today. In his free time, Truman enjoys learning and writing about gardening - something he believes is a natural stress reliever. He lives with his wife, Jenny, and their twins in Detroit.


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