Know How Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) stimulates Weight loss process?
Piper nigrum is a plant whose fruits are commonly used in the form of peppercorns. And we are not just talking about black peppercorns here. Piper Nigrum also bears white and green peppercorns. Black pepper, however, is a common spice that’s used in whole as well powdered form. Apart from being one of the earliest known spices, black pepper also happens to be one of the most widely used kitchen staples. And it is perhaps the most frequently used tabletop condiment, after salt. This hot and pungent spice, apart from acting as an appetiser, also adds a bold and distinct flavour to various dishes, both snacks and main course. And ironically, this versatile spice goes with almost all cuisines. For a variety of reasons that we shall read below, it is also used in the preparation of various traditional medications.
Black Pepper for Health
According to various traditional systems of medication, especially Ayurveda, black pepper holds some promising therapeutic properties. This spice happens to be a powerhouse of various vitamins and minerals. Besides, it is also loaded with healthy fats as well as dietary fibre, something which makes it a popular, all natural weight loss supplement.
Amazing Health Benefits
But first, let us look at some of the common health benefits offered by black pepper. It is an excellent spice for maintaining our digestive health. It has been used since centuries altogether to cure stomach issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, colic, acidity, flatulence and dyspepsia, etc. Besides, it also
- Improves appetite
- Treats colic and acidity
- Cures cough and cold
- Offers relief from piles
- Bring down anaemic symptoms
- Addresses breathing issues
- Promotes heart health
- Comforts sore throat and hoarseness
- Reduces toothaches
- Addresses throat inflammation
- Treats boils
- Treats hair loss
- Benefits our brain
- Promotes nutrient absorption
- Regulates blood glucose
- Lowers cholesterol levels and increases the good cholesterol levels
And if you thought these were all, you are mistaken. There is an exhaustive range of benefits offered by black pepper, when consumed or applied in combination with other herbs or extracts. The list almost never ends, but it is also advised to consult your physician before you use black pepper for any therapeutic purpose whatsoever.
Properties that make Black Pepper Popular
Piper nigrum contains compounds called alkaloids, with piperine being the most active of them all. This particular alkaloid renders black pepper most of its healing and health promoting properties. Some of the former ones include anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti fungal, analgesic, anti pyretic and insecticidal properties. All these properties are science backed, which perhaps explains why piperine is making appearance in modern medications as well.
Weight loss with Piper nigrum
As with any spicy food, some food item that contains black pepper tends to boost our metabolism. The active compounds found in piper nigrum, especially piperine, works at the molecular level in reducing our weight and making us slimmer and better. Thanks to this hot and spicy ingredient, our body undergoes and increased dietary induced thermogenesis (DIT). This speeds up the metabolism, that is, the rate at which our body burns calories and converts food into energy. In fact, piperine goes a long way in not only burning fat, but also beating obesity, fighting that nasty fat off our body, and helping us achieve and maintain that dream figure. Perhaps that explains why, according to one of the studies, people consuming pepper with every meal experienced reduced cravings and felt full for longer duration.
Adipogenesis and Black Pepper, its Natural Antidote
Adipogenesis refers to the process wherein the adipocytes, also called the fat cells, come together and forms what we call adipose tissue. This mass of adipose tissues can appear at one or several different locations in our body, and is precisely what contributes towards weight gain and obesity.
Black pepper is known to exhibit some excellent anti-adipogenic properties. The presence of piperine in the black pepper extract inhibits the process of adipocyte differentiation, thus preventing the multiplication and accumulation of fat cells in the first place. Piperine also paves way for a better absorption of nutrients in our body. Also, the presence of various phytonutrients allows black pepper to break down fat cells, extract nutrients and energy, and increase metabolism in the process. Piperine, at the same time, also paves way for a smooth and speedy digestion of proteins by releasing hydrochloric acid.
How to Use Pepper for Weight Loss?
You can chew few black peppercorns in the morning, or make yourself a nice and hot cup of black pepper tea. Just put in a couple of other herbs such as tulsi, turmeric, ginger etc. to make it more healing and healthy, and to boost the weight loss process, have it on an empty stomach in the morning. Alternatively, you could add crushed black pepper to your health salads and juices.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
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