Black pepper is known in the Sanskrit language as Black Gold (Culbertson, 2021). It is a spice used to add heat and flavor to our food, but it is not just limited to providing a good gastronomical experience. As studies show, black pepper has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine to alleviate various issues of health such as alleviating pain, treating ear, nose, and throat disorders and menstrual disorders (Akers, 2021), treating digestive issues, and strengthening the immune system.
Because it contains high levels of potent important health-promoting compounds that is why it has been used for thousands of years in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. It is quite versatile in nature as well, you can add it to almost anything to enhance the flavor, be it savory items or sprinkle it on top of fruits or vegetables and you get that extra kick in the flavor.
Apart from enhancing the flavor, studies show that piperine, which is the active compound in black pepper, can enhance the bioavailability of several vitamins, minerals, and drugs as well so that their concentration in the plasma increases for a longer time via bypassing getting removed from the body through metabolism. Numerous clinical studies prove this particular property of black pepper.
Black Pepper As Nutrient Bioavailability Enhancer
Studies conducted with black pepper to see its role as a nutrient enhancer showed that piperine supplementation significantly increased the bioavailability of Vitamins C, A, K, D, E, B6, and B12, and increased the bioavailability of minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, calcium (Diego Fernández-Lázaro, 2020). It also increased the bioavailability of curcumin from turmeric.
Adding black pepper is a sure way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable. As discussed, the unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine is a major bioactive component present in black pepper and that is what makes it a super healthy spice. Some reports that black pepper significantly boosts turmeric’s bioavailability – by as much as 2,000%. Remember also that black pepper, is derived from black peppercorns, has its own set of health benefits to offer. Black pepper has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties just like turmeric. This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper could enhance digestion, brings out the anti-cancer properties, boosts metabolism, and helps to control obesity.
Black Pepper Interacts With Certain Medications
However, it is advisable to consume black pepper as a supplement only after consulting with your health care provider first if you take medications containing compounds such as lithium, rifampin, dilantin, and tegretol, this is because black paper increases the absorption rate of these medications in the body and increases their side effects while inhibiting the body from excreting these drugs from the body (BLACK PEPPER, 2021).
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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