We’re all striving to live a healthier life. Most of us pursue better health through more sleep, more exercise, healthy eating, and taking supplements, but did you know a health powerhouse is sitting in your cupboard?  Read on to learn about black peppercorn and all the health benefits it offers.

What is black peppercorn?

Black pepper is cultivated for its fruit, known as a peppercorn, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. Peppercorns are the fruits of a flowering vine in the Piperaceae family. The green, wide-leafed vines grow long tendrils where cylindrical clusters of the berries ripen. The fruits are small, containing a thin skin, very little actual fruit, and a single large seed. The fruits are picked at varying degrees of ripeness depending on the strength and type of pepper desired and then processed accordingly.

Nutritional information about black pepper

Black pepper contains minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, as well as vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. Other nutrients include vitamin E, folate, and vitamin K. Black pepper also has dietary fiber and a moderate amount of carbohydrate and protein.

Health benefits of black peppercorn

There are a surprising number of health benefits that may be derived from black pepper, including:

  • High in antioxidants
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Benefits your brain
  • May improve blood sugar control
  • May lower cholesterol levels
  • Cancer-fighting properties
  • Boosts the absorption of nutrients
  • May promote gut health
  • May provide pain relief
  • Appetite-suppressant

Research has linked black pepper marinades to the elimination of heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, which are the cancer-causing chemicals that form when meat is charred or cooked at high temperatures.

How to benefit from black pepper if you don’t like the taste

There are some impressive benefits of black pepper, but some people simply don’t like the taste or use it so sparingly that any benefits derived from consumption would be minimal. Luckily, there are supplements on the market that contain black pepper, so you can enjoy the benefits and skip the pungent taste. Future Pharm’s Black4Health Liposome Complex is plant-based food with naturally occurring black pigments including black radish root, black cumin seed, black garlic, and black peppercorn, containing high levels of body ready healing botanicals. It is a delicious tasting supplement with Liposome Complex for optimal absorption and utilization. Black 4 Health supports liver function, body detoxification, clear skin, cholesterol, blood pressure regulation, weight management, circulation, and the immune system.

Adding this health powerhouse to your diet, whether by using peppercorns in your day to day meals or by taking a high-quality supplement with black peppercorn, is a great idea to help improve your overall health.