Why Black Pepper is Considered as The King of Spices?

Black Pepper is known as the "King of Spices" because of its strong aroma and is widely used in all major cuisines around the world. Black Pepper is cultivated for its fruit which is usually dried and then used as a spice or seasoning known as a peppercorn.

If one needs to use ground pepper, it should be freshly done since grounded or powered pepper tends to lose its flavor very fast. The medicinal properties of Black Pepper can be attributed to the presence of a chemical compound called piperine. It acts as a natural antioxidant and has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

Black Pepper is an excellent source of Vitamins A & K; of dietary fiber and is rich in minerals like iron and calcium. Besides this, it also helps in lowering body cholesterol.

Anti-Diarrheal Property: It has been found that piperine reduces oil-induced fluid secretion and hence peppers are added in traditional antidiarrheal formulations.

A Remedy for Cough and Sore Throat: Consumption of tea or soup laced with crushed black pepper cures cold and cough. It also clears chest congestion.

Helps in Weight Control: Helps in breaking down extra fat and improves metabolism. It also helps to get rid of intestinal gases and reduces bloating. 

Anti-Cancer Property: Black pepper is loaded with anti-oxidants and presence of vitamins like Vitamin A, flavonoids, and carotenes that help in combating cancer.

Pain Reliever: Black pepper is good for the prevention of arthritis and joint pains. It also reduces toothache and gum-related disease and its anti-microbial property prevent the spreading of the bacteria in the mouth.

Anti-aging Agent: Black pepper can be used as an exfoliator that prevents drying of the skin and gives a healthy complexion. It also prevents early greying of hair.

Other Benefits of Black Pepper are:

• Cleanses your intestines and stomach
• It consists of potassium that helps in regulating heart rate and high blood pressure
• Helps in producing red blood cells
• Rich in vitamin B and produces calcium
• Prevents constipation
• Prevents skin deformation & wrinkles
• Good for Your Hair
• Treats Depression
• Reduces Joint Pain
• Good for Your Brain 
• Improves Blood Sugar
• Consuming black pepper as part of your meals effectively increases the presence of good bacteria in your gut. 
• Can act naturally to alleviate pain
• Helps to promote better absorption of nutrients such as selenium and calcium.

Black Pepper is a spice that can naturally provide nutritional and medicinal properties. Though a spice that is consumed all around the world as a flavoring, it definitely has hidden values that add value to our diet every day.