Black Pepper is The King of Spices and it is Good to Be the King!

Black Pepper and Black Peppercorns are wonderful ways to improve your quality of life and add a touch of flavor to your favorite meals. I know this may sound like grand statement but Black Pepper helps with digestion, the prevention of gas (what would one of my articles be like if I didn’t mention at least one disgusting topic), improve circulation, heal minor cuts, act as a diuretic and an effective antibacterial. That’s quite an impressive list and is probably why Black Pepper today is still considered the “King of Spices.”

Black Pepper and Digestion

Once Black Pepper hits the upper surface of the tongue, your taste buds become stimulated and they send a rather rapid message to your stomach to get busy by preparing the body for some serious food intake. The stomach heeds the message and starts lubricating the lumen by producing gastric acid which is composed of hydrochloric acid and potassium chloride.  The increased levels of hydrochloric acid allow the body to more efficiently break down proteins which results in more efficient digestion.

Black Pepper and the Prevention of Intestinal Gas

Now that your body is efficiently breaking down proteins it no longer needs to struggle with elimination of all the food you have eaten. Less struggle results in less gas, bloating, stuffiness and constipation which tend to happen when bacteria laden food items are left to percolate within the bowel’s confides. After using Black Pepper on a regular basis you will notice less Acid Reflux probably won’t have to unbutton your pants after dinner nor will you have to blame your dog for some of those strange smells which tend to occur around desert time.

Black Pepper and Improved Circulation

Black Pepper is a stimulant which actively increases the body’s energy levels.  When the body is producing more energy it triggers the heart to pump more blood and other bodily fluids throughout the entire capillary and respiratory systems. Too much pepper and you will find yourself breathing noticeably faster and sweating. These are all indications of how powerful Black Pepper can be when introduced into your body.  Now that the body is active and fluids are flowing you will also notice a cleansing process has started. Sweating, sneezing, breathing faster are all ways for your body to get rid of the stagnant accumulation of muck which tends to form within an inactive body.  This is why Black Pepper is used as a diuretic, anti arthritic, lung cleanser and phlegm buster.

Black Pepper as an Antibiotic Healer

Black Pepper is not only helpful when consumed but can also be applied topically to stop bleeding and heal minor cuts. The constancy of ground pepper aids in the natural coagulation of blood and its antibiotic properties help in the healing process. You will often hear stories of people who were in unique circumstances, such as camping, using ground black pepper as a substitute for a bandage. Ground Pepper not only stops the bleeding but the wound often heals without scarring.  Many chefs and restaurant workers know of this tidbit and often topically use ground pepper when they cut themselves. If you know any restaurateurs make sure to ask them about the unique powers of Black Pepper.

Your Black Pepper Might Come From A Farm Just Like This...

Stay Away from Pink Peppercorns

Just like salt, peppercorns come in many varieties and can become slightly expensive when dealing with gourmet varieties.  About 20 years ago pink peppercorns became all the rage because they were more colorful than the traditional black peppercorn. The pink aspect of the peppercorn added a dash of excitement to traditional dishes and even some chocolates. However, people didn’t realize that pink peppercorn is not pepper at all but actually a berry from a shrub more closely associated with Poison Ivey!  Some people who consumed pink peppercorn actually experienced the opposite effects of regular Black Peppercorn. Stomach cramps, skin rashes and vomiting were not uncommon among certain individuals.  Pink Peppercorn is still sold today and for some people it does not cause any uncomfortable symptoms. However, why take chances? ...Especially when you know Black Pepper is real pepper and it has so many healing properties.

Spice up your life and make The King of Spices a part your daily eating habits!

Black Pepper originates from India and its significance has altered the course of history. Alexander the great invaded India (the source of Black Pepper) in 327 BC and introduced Black Pepper to the rest of world. Once people around the globe discovered pepper’s ability to improve the taste of food and its natural healing properties the hunt to secure its availability became increasingly more desperate. Much like oil today, wars were fought over pepper and explorers took huge risks to find faster and more efficient routes to exotic India. 

Attila the Hun held Rome ransom for 3,000 pounds of Pepper, Soldiers were paid in pepper and Columbus discovered America while trying to discover a more direct way to India and the land of spices.  People even name their children after Pepper (Think of Pepper Potts from Iron Man)! Why all this passion for Pepper? ...Because it works on so many different levels and it can be really fun in a culinary way.

Afterall, who doesn’t like to eat?  So add a little pepper to your life. It’s easy to use, your meals will taste better and your health just might improve at the same time.

Namaste,

San Dan Yi