People use black pepper as one of the world's most common culinary spices. Most dining tables include black pepper in a shaker. The black pepper vine produces small fruits called peppercorns when dried. Piperine is the primary active compound in black pepper. Manufacturers refine piperine into BioPerine for use in supplements.

Black Pepper As A Spice

People have traded and used black pepper as a culinary spice for centuries. It adds a slight spicy heat to dishes as well as its own characteristic pepper flavour. Because of this, those with stomach and intestinal ulcers, and others avoiding gut irritation should not use black pepper in their food, nor should they supplement with it.

What Are The Health Benefits of Black Pepper?

Traditional Eastern medicine uses black pepper to help relieve diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. Recent research in mice has supported its use in these conditions. People have traditionally applied black pepper to the skin to help reduce pain and inflammation. Animal studies suggest that piperine has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Ayurvedic medicine also uses black pepper to help relieve sore throats, congestion, coughs, and other lung conditions.

Black Pepper For Weight Loss

Research suggests that black pepper extract may help reduce circulating blood fat levels. This can be particularly beneficial to those with dyslipidemia and other risks for Arteriosclerosis. Piperine has also been shown to prevent the formation of new fat cells in mice. In humans, there is some controversy as to whether it acts as a thermogenic compound, which means that it may or may not accelerates energy metabolism in the body. Research suggests that piperine may increase serotonin and endorphin production. These brain chemcials help regulate mood and feelings of fullness. Thus, it may also help to reduce food cravings and hunger.

Increasing Absorption of Other Supplements

Piperine may enhance the absorption of several vitamins and nutrients. Research has shown this effect with Selenium, Vitamin B, Coenzyme Q10 and Beta-carotene. Piperine can also increase the bioavailability of Curcumin by 2000% in humans, thus making much smaller doses go a much longer way. Improved absorption may reduce the number of curcumin capsules needed.

Smoking Cessation

Black pepper essential oil has been found to help benefit during smoking cessation. Aromatherapy with the oil reduced cravings and alleviated withdrawal symptoms like anxiety in test subjects attempting to quit smoking.

Skin Benefits of Black Pepper

When black pepper is applied to the skin it can help to reduce inflammation, and can act as a counter irritant to reduce arthritis and joint pain. When pepper is applied to the skin and then the skin is exposed to sunlight, it can increase the production of melanin pigment, and thus increase tanning of the treated area. Be sure to limit sun exposure to a short time to avoid burns.

Black Pepper Supplement Varieties

Using black pepper in your food is an excellent way to gradually introduce it into your diet. Research on human supplementation of black pepper extract and piperidine is still in its infancy, and recommended dosages have not yet been established. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations particular to your specific case, or follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage listed on the label. Be sure to avoid supplementation if you are on any medications as piperine can alter their absorption, or if you have any gastrointestinal irritation, including ulcers.