In our increasingly health conscious world, people are searching for more natural, holistic remedies for various health concerns.
English poet, William Coupen once penned the famous line, “Variety’s the very spice of life…”. If that is to be believed, we may also believe that the variety of spices found in our cupboards may very well be the key to our life’s health. Research continues to grow and support the linkage between the foods we eat and their healing effects on our health.
More so than flavor, texture, calories and nutrition, experts agree, food can be viewed as medicine. Studies support that what we put into our bodies has an effect on our health.
From the common cold to chronic ailments, even weight-loss studies show foods, particularly herbs and spices contain valuable components that may hold the key to better health.
Scientifically known as Piper Nigrum, black peppercorns are the dried fruit from the pepper plant. Black pepper is known and widely used in culinary all over the world. In ancient times Black pepper was highly treasured, regarded to be as valuable as gold is today and often used as currency.
Black pepper is known to be a source of manganese, iron, potassium and vitamins C and K and dietary fiber. It is also believed to be a very good anti-inflammatory agent. Some of the health benefits linked to black pepper according to studies, www.livestrong.com are;
- Good for stomach-increases hydrochloric acid secretion and thus, helps in digestion
- Weight-loss- the outer layer of peppercorns assists in the breakdown of fat cells
- Good for skin- black pepper helps to cure Vitiligo, a skin disease that causes areas of the skin to lose pigment
- Relief for cough and cold- pepper gives relief from sinusitis and nasal congestion
- Good antioxidant- can prevent or repair damage caused by free radicals associated with forms of cancer
- Enhances bioavailability-helps in transporting the benefits of other herbs to different parts of the body
Additional benefits according to Ayurveda,www.organicfacts.net, black pepper helps avoid ear-ache and gangrene, also is believed to be good for conditions of hernia, , and insect bites. Relieves joint pain and a good treatment for asthma, whooping cough, and tooth decay/toothache.
As studies continue, the medicinal powers of herbs and spices are increasingly made aware. The links and benefits to our health rise.
If the trends toward the more natural, and holistic approach are embraced. One may simply come to understand the healthy treasures a well-stocked spice rack may hold. Our quest for better health may begin in the common everyday request, ‘pass the pepper please’.