Check out the Benefits of Pepper that is Too Bad to Miss

Pepper or pepper is one of the most widely used spices in cooking, especially Indonesian cuisine. There are two types of pepper known to the public, namely black pepper and white pepper. However, did you know besides being used as a spice in the kitchen, it turns out that the benefits of pepper in the health sector are a pity to miss. Pepper itself is a raw fruit produced from the Piper Nigrum plant. History records that in the 18th century, a Portuguese explorer named Vasco de Gama, had led an expedition on a mission to find the presence of pepper to be traded. Aside from being the most traded commodity in the entire world, it turns out that pepper has also long been used in traditional medicine in India. Until now, there are those who consider the benefits of pepper to cure certain conditions, such as stomach pain, bronchitis, malaria and cholera, although this theory still needs further proof.

Various Benefits of Pepper for Health

Pepper is a type of spice that contains a variety of nutrients that are good for health. One teaspoon of pepper contains 6 calories, 0.2 gram of protein, 1.4 gram of carbohydrate, and 0.6 gram of fiber. Not only that, pepper also contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and vitamin K, although in small amounts. With these nutrients, do not be surprised if pepper can provide health benefits for the body. Here are some of the health benefits of pepper, namely:

• Relieve nasal congestion

If you experience nasal congestion, you can use pepper to help relieve the condition. Pepper is known to contain natural decongestants which can thin the buildup of mucus in the respiratory tract. You can also get the benefits of this pepper by mixing a little pepper in some soup dishes, for example chicken soup.

• Prevents cell damage

Free radicals are one of the causes of damage to cells in the body. To prevent this damage, you need to get enough antioxidant intake. Antioxidants can be obtained from a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, you can also get antioxidants from pepper. Pepper is known to have a fairly high antioxidant content. Not only that, pepper is also known to have anti-inflammatory effects that can prevent cell damage.

• Inhibiting bacterial growth

According to a laboratory study, pepper extract can inhibit the growth of bacteria, such as E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. This is because pepper has natural antibacterial properties that can prevent these bacteria from developing in food.

• Help treat gastric ailments

The benefits of pepper so far are known to help people who have difficulty swallowing, especially in the elderly. The further benefits of pepper are also known to help prevent stomach disorders. Black pepper extract which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, is effective in inhibiting the growth of H. pylori bacteria which can cause stomach ulcers.

• Able to relieve arthritis

Besides having antibacterial properties, it turns out that the content of piperine in pepper also has anti-inflammatory properties which are thought to reduce inflammation and pain in arthritis sufferers. A study even revealed, piperin in pepper is useful for inhibiting the hormone prostaglandin and interleukin substances that can trigger inflammation in the joints. However, this research is still limited to animal trials.

• Control blood sugar levels

Pepper oil is thought to be able to prevent type 2 diabetes. A study even revealed, the content of piperin in pepper can reduce glucose levels in the blood. Meanwhile, other studies say piperin is useful for inhibiting the enzyme amylase in breaking down starch into glucose. Nevertheless, both of these studies are still limited to animal trials, and there are no studies that confirm the benefits of pepper as a diabetes drug in humans.

Although there are various potential benefits for the health of pepper, but you still need to be wise in consuming pepper. Pregnant women are also advised not to consume excessive pepper, to reduce the risk of miscarriage. In addition, also avoid the use of pepper on the skin, because it can cause burning and redness, especially if you have sensitive skin. Consult your doctor first before you decide to try the various benefits of the pepper, especially if you have certain health conditions.