BLACK PEPPER -THE KING OF SPICES
Have you ever thought of the secret of black pepper known as the King of Spices? Do you know pepper is a fruit?
Food is the life source and spices add flavor to it. Black pepper is a key spice in any kitchen which is one of the most widely used spices in the world.
The naturally grown black pepper is strong, aromatic and black in colour is a perfect component to make your food spicy in a more enhanced way. Black pepper contains antioxidant, anti inflammatory effects and cancer-fighting properties.
HISTORY
ORIGINATED IN MALABAR COAST OF INDIA
Black pepper is native to the Malabar Coast of India and was of great value as a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, featuring in ancient medicinal documents Susrutha Samhita.
PEPPER IS CONSIDERED AS A FRUIT
Pepper is the climbing plant which belongs to Piperaceae family. It is grown for their fruit which gives spice – pepper. Botanist says that every plant that has seeds is a fruit, hence the pepper is considered a fruit. It is processed in different ways to yield different varieties of peppers.
CALLED AS BLACK GOLD IN ANCIENT TIMES
Over 2000 years ago, the Romans liked the black pepper and bought it from Southern India. The Roman empire was one of the most powerful empire in the world, so they paid for it in gold, that is the reason the spice was called Black Gold. Later, it became essential in the spice trade all over the world.
DO YOU KNOW INDIANS DID NOT USE CHILLI BEFORE 15TH CENTURY?
Black pepper was predominantly used to give strong flavor to the Indian food for prior to the arrival of chillies. Chillies came to India only in 15th century by the Portuguese who brought it from South America.
In India two types of pepper existed before the arrival of chillies – Black pepper and Pippali (long pepper).
BENEFITS OF BLACK PEPPER
PREVENTS CANCER
-The peperine in black pepper can prevent the cancer. It also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, carotenes and other anti-oxidants that removes harmful free radicals and protect the body from cancer.
CURE COLD AND COUGH
-Black pepper is rich in Vitamin C which works as a antibiotic helps to cure cold and cough.
USED AS MEDICINE IN AYURVEDA
-It is been used in ayurvedic medicines for the treatment of toothache, constipation and insomnia.
ANTI TUMOR PROPERTY
-Some researches says that it has antitumor properties.
AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS
-It affects the breakdown of fat cells in the body which is useful in losing weights.
FOR BETTER DIGESTION
-A pinch of pepper makes the food more delicious better digestion and reduces bad breath.
IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION
-It stimulates the function of the brain to be more active and reduces the depression.
NATURAL EXFOLIATORS FOR SKIN
-It is the best natural exfoliators when added with honey, curd or fresh cream . It provides the skin with more oxygen and enables blood circulation.
STRENGTHEN THE PITTA DOSHA
-Pepper is used to strengthen the pitta dosha and decreases the levels of Vata and Kapha doshas. The pitta dosha controls digestion, metabolism and energy production.
HOW MUCH OF PEPPER TO BE TAKEN IN A DAY
Make sure not to have more than 1-2 teaspoon of black pepper every day otherwise it can lead to gastric problem and stomach upset. If you take in moderation in your diet, there is no harm.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Black pepper enhances the absorption and function of certain nutrients. Research also shows that black pepper improves the absorption of beta-carotene, a compound your body converts to Vitamin A.
Black pepper is one of the spices which are high on pranic energy. The energy of a particular food and how it affects your life force is the basic principle behind pranic foods. Since it is rich in pranic energy, do remember to take them in moderate levels.
