Black pepper, also known as peppercorn, is considered a spice used in cooking and also as a medicine. However, not everyone knows what the benefits of eating black pepper are and what precautions to take when using it.
1. Characteristics of peppercorns
Black pepper is a popular spice with a spicy, warming nature that adds aroma and spiciness to dishes. Furthermore, black pepper is considered a traditional medicine with effects such as dispelling cold and treating stomach pain and chills.
Pepper is a perennial climbing plant. Its stem twines around other plants or erected supports. The leaves resemble betel leaves, but are longer and more slender. The pepper fruit is small and spherical, with 20 to 30 fruits per cluster. Each fruit contains a single seed. The fruits are harvested when mature, but the outer skin is still green, or when yellow spots appear inside the cluster. They are then dried directly in strong sunlight or in a drying machine until the skin shrinks and turns black.
2. What are the benefits of eating pepper?
Pepper contains several substances such asvitamin C, fats, essential oils, alkaloids… Some of the effects of pepper are mentioned as follows:
- Effects on the digestive system: Helps improve appetite, reduces loss of appetite, and enhances the absorption of nutrients from food. Stimulates the stomach to promote digestion, helping to reduce indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort.
- Antibacterial effect: Black pepper has strong antibacterial properties that fight infections.respiratory tract, dental problems such as cavities, gingivitis…
- Abovenervous systemIt helps improve mood and reduce stress and fatigue because it contains a substance that increases serotonin production in the body.
- Helps with weight loss and maintaining a slim figure: The substances in peppercorn shells help the body eliminate excess calories, increase sweat excretion, and remove excess water through the urinary tract. Therefore, consuming a small amount of peppercorn shells before starting exercise will increase the effectiveness of eliminating excess fat.
- According to traditional medicine, peppercorns have a spicy taste and a very warm nature, with effects such as dispelling cold, fighting bacteria, relieving pain, and eliminating phlegm. Therefore, they are used to treat abdominal pain caused by cold, diarrhea, cold hands and feet, vomiting, cough due to cold, etc.
3. Is it good to eat a lot of pepper?
Black pepper is a commonly used spice, and when used in small doses, it has therapeutic or health benefits. However, using too much black pepper can lead to some undesirable side effects such as:
- Digestive disorders Excessive use of pepper can lead to gastrointestinal problems and may even trigger stomach ailments. Because pepper is very warming and spicy, excessive consumption irritates the mucous membrane, increasing gastric acid secretion and leading to stomach pain.
- Burning sensation in the stomach: Using too much black pepper can also lead to an unpleasant burning sensation in the stomach. Therefore, this spice should only be used in moderation.
- Respiratory problems: Excessive consumption of pepper can cause throat irritation, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
- Cause dry skin. According to several studies, using too much pepper regularly can cause dry and flaky skin. If you have dry skin, you should avoid using a lot of pepper as it can worsen the dryness.
- Effects on pregnant and breastfeeding women: Because pepper is very hot in nature, pregnant women should avoid it as it can lead to many unpleasant side effects in the first months of pregnancy. Furthermore, according to traditional medicine, consuming spicy foods during pregnancy increases the risk of illness. miscarriage If consumed in large quantities. Many breastfeeding women wonder if eating pepper will reduce their milk supply. For those who are breastfeeding, consuming pepper can alter the taste of breast milk, potentially reduce milk production, and cause digestive problems in infants.
- If children consume large amounts, it can lead to respiratory arrest. It should be kept out of reach of children and kept out of their access.
- Consuming too much pepper can also contribute to other problems such as acne and increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
- Furthermore, according to traditional medicine, spicy and hot herbs should not be used by people with a hot constitution. Those with internal heat or yin deficiency should avoid using pepper.
When used in small and appropriate amounts, pepper enhances the flavor of food and can treat certain conditions. However, excessive use of pepper should be avoided as it can cause many undesirable effects. Therefore, you should consider carefully when using pepper to achieve optimal results and avoid side effects, especially pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using it, particularly in large quantities.