Black pepper peas are obtained by drying the immature seeds of a perennial creeper from the tropics of India. So get one of the most popular spices in the world. It has been known since ancient times, and its universal taste goes well with many dishes. This spice is often used not only in culinary recipes, but also for other purposes. Consider what its benefits and possible harm from consumption, we learn folk recipes based on it.
Did you know? From black pepper, not only black peas are obtained, but also white ones, when released ripened seeds from pericarp. When drying fruits without preliminary heat treatment, green (from unripe seeds) and pink (from ripe seeds) peppers are obtained.
Chemical composition and calorie content
100 g of black pepper contains 255 kcal.
The nutritional value:
- proteins - 11 g;
- fats - 3.3 g;
- carbohydrates - 38.3 g;
- dietary fiber - 26.5 g;
- water - 10.51 g.
Rich in vitamins:
- Group B;
- ascorbic acid;
- K, E, PP, A;
- carotenoids.
It contains minerals such as:
- potassium;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- manganese;
- copper;
- zinc;
- selenium.
It contains phytosterols, edible resins and essential oils. Such a characteristic burning taste is due to the presence of piperine alkaloid.
Black Pepper Properties
This bioactive spice has a lot of useful properties, but, due to the presence of irritating substances, in some cases it is used to a limited extent and has contraindications.
Benefit and harm
Black pepper has a diaphoretic, diuretic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anthelmintic, expectorant effect. Among its beneficial properties is the ability to enhance immunity and improve digestion, and it is also a natural analgesic.
- The use of black pepper brings the following benefits to the human body:
- promotes the breakdown of fats;
- relieves constipation;
- activates the pancreas;
- inhibits pathogenic flora in the intestine;
- cleanses the liver;
- eliminates odor from the oral cavity;
- good effect on blood, lowers cholesterol;
- slows down aging;
- displays radionuclides;
- is cancer prevention;
- beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system;
- improves potency, which is important for men;
- normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
- will help with migraines, muscle pain, monthly ailments in women;
- promotes the discharge of sputum from the bronchi.
Then stop taking and resume with a small amount no earlier than 3 months after birth (with breastfeeding). In this case, one must carefully monitor the baby's reaction to the introduction of this seasoning.
Black pepper peas irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, therefore, for gastrointestinal diseases it is better to take it in ground form, and in some cases (with exacerbations) it is better to refuse it altogether. Ground peas can irritate the nasal mucosa and cause sneezing, which is not always acceptable (for example, after surgery). With excessive use, this spice can increase irritability and irritability.
Did you know? Essential oil is obtained from black pepper by steam distillation, the smell of which helps fight depression, hysteria, is an aphrodisiac. It is used for cosmetic purposes (for hair loss and against cellulite) and for the treatment of many ailments as an adjuvant.
Contraindications
- The use of black pepper is prohibited in the following cases:
- allergic reactions;
- kidney disease
- cystitis;
- cholelithiasis;
- an ulcer of the stomach and intestines;
- acute pancreatitis;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases.
Consumption rates
The recommended daily intake of this spice is 2 g. You can not take more than 5 g of black pepper per day, as this can negatively affect the health of any person.
For diabetics, the recommended dose per day should be reduced to 1 g, and the norm for people with gastritis is 2 g per week. Moreover, people with gastrointestinal diseases can use this seasoning in a ground form, having previously withstood about two hours with access of air so that black pepper is slightly exhausted from volatile substances irritating the mucous membrane.
Application features
Black pepper appears in many recipes of traditional medicine, it is used for weight loss and in home cosmetics. Inside it can be taken if there are no contraindications, and if applied externally, make sure that there is no allergy.
Important! When buying black pepper, it is recommended to take it in the form of peas, and grind yourself in a coffee grinder or a special mill. The composition of the ground store product often includes trash, and the crushed spice is stored less than whole, losing its aroma and taste.
In folk medicine
Due to its healing properties, black pepper has long been a part of many folk recipes to eliminate some diseases.
For heartburn
In order to get rid of heartburn, you can cook a special decoction with spices.
For its preparation, you will need such spices in ground form:
- 10 g of ginger;
- 7 g of black pepper;
- 450 ml of water.
The manufacturing process is as follows:
- The water is brought to a boil and spices are added.
- Allow to boil over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Cool the broth.
They drink this drink 3 times a day 15 minutes before meals for 3 days in a row.
Did you know? In the Middle Ages, black pepper was so expensive that it was used as money.
For diarrhea
With diarrhea, this spice is consumed in its entirety. For this, an adult needs only 5–10 peas, which, without chewing, are washed down with a glass of warm water. The procedure should be repeated after 6 hours. An intestinal upset can be forgotten over time. In order to speed up the process, peas can be bitten, and then washed down with water and swallowed.
From worms
This spice does not kill worms, but removes them from the human body. But the constant intake of it is an excellent prevention of the appearance of such parasites. In the case when worms are detected, after each meal, swallow 3 peas. A decoction made on milk also helps.
To prepare it you will need:
- 5 g ground black pepper;
- 100 ml of baked milk.
Manufacturing process:
- Boil milk and pour spice into it.
- Simmer on low heat for 3 minutes.
- Let it brew for 2–2.5 hours.
Did you know? Considering that the habitat of black pepper is the tropics, in Russia it became known only in the 16th century.
From a runny nose and cough
With a cold, it helps to take 1 g of this spice in a ground form 3 times a day before meals. This folk remedy of good also helps in the absence of appetite, poor digestion of food, during critical days in women, as well as from worms. Tea with the use of this spice is good for colds and colds.
To prepare it you will need:
- 250 ml of water;
- 3 peas of black pepper;
- 1 bay leaf;
- 10 g of honey;
- a handful of dried linden;
- 5 g of extra virgin olive oil.
Manufacturing process:
- The water is brought to a boil.
- Then turn off the fire, add dried linden blossom, bay leaf and insist for 7-10 minutes.
- Throw peas of black pepper into the infusion and boil for 2 minutes.
- Allow to cool to + 50 ° C, and then filter through a strainer or gauze.
Such a decoction is drunk every 4 hours until the condition improves.
Did you know? Due to the identical size and weight of peppercorns, black pepper was used in antiquity as a measure of weight. 1000 peas of this spice had a weight of about 460 g. Therefore, they were used to weigh precious metals and pharmaceuticals.
Against diarrhea
Black pepper is an excellent remedy for diarrhea in adults and children. It perfectly removes toxins from the body. To do this, a whole product (for adults 5–10 peas) must be eaten with water. It is also useful to drink tea according to the above recipe. You can use the essential oil from this spice as follows - 2 drops per 250 ml of water. It should be drunk 3 times during the day.
For weight loss
The ability of black pepper to burn fat is used in the fight against extra pounds. After all, this spice improves the process of digestion of food and accelerates metabolic processes in the body, activates the production of enzymes. It is recommended to add it to your favorite dishes, but not more than 4 g per day.
In order to lose weight, it is recommended to use the following recipe - take 200 ml of kefir and mix with 1/4 tsp. black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Such a drink is recommended to drink before bedtime.
In cosmetology
This spice has found wide application in cosmetology, as it actively restores blood circulation in the skin, tones and cleanses it. It is used in face and body skin care products and is used against hair loss.
Important! If with external use there is a strong burning sensation and inflammation is going on, then the product used should be washed off immediately. Black pepper can be allergic - it is an irritating component and is also undesirable for rosacea.
Mask for the face
For the face, you can make the following cleansing mask - mix ground black pepper with cottage cheese in a 1: 1 ratio. The resulting mass is applied to the skin of the face, bypassing the eyes and lips. After 10-15 minutes, the mask is washed off with cool water. This procedure has a cleansing effect, improves blood circulation.
Hair Growth Mask
Cooking with black pepper masks to strengthen and grow hair will also be useful.
To do this, take in equal parts and mix thoroughly:
- salt;
- black pepper;
- onion juice.
This mass is applied to the hair, especially in the area of the hair roots. After half an hour, the mask is washed off with warm water and shampoos. This mask improves the flow of blood to the roots of the hair, which contributes to their growth, and also helps against their loss.
Compresses from edema under the eyes
The ability of this spice to remove water from the body is used in compresses and eye masks against edema and bruising.
To do this, mix:
- 0.5 hours ground coffee;
- 0.5 teaspoon coconut oil;
- a small pinch of ground black pepper peas.
Important! Components such as coffee and pepper should not be overexposed to the skin. They are very active and begin to act quickly. In no case should the mixture get into the eyes, as this will cause them severe irritation.
The mixture is distributed over the lower eyelids and incubated for 5-10 minutes. When you feel that the applied product has begun to dry, then it is carefully removed with a cotton swab moistened with warm water.
Spice as widespread as black pepper can be used for medical and cosmetic purposes. However, caution should be exercised when using and using it, as there are contraindications for this bioactive irritant.
