Black peppercorns are one of the most common cooking spices, but the many health benefits of black peppercorns may not be common knowledge. Most people think of black peppercorns as an added flavor to the meal they are preparing. Since ancient times, though, black peppercorns have been used for their medicinal properties. It was widely known that this spice had an anti-flatulent property.

Peppercorns prevent diseases and promote health

Go ahead and grind more of those black peppercorns onto your salad or entree. Every grind will benefit your body in some way, as peppercorns are known to prevent disease and promote health. A rich variety of phytochemical compounds boost the body’s immune system, helping prevent everything from the common cold to infectious diseases. Did you know chewing on a black peppercorn will ease sinus congestion?

Peppercorns aid the digestive process

Spicing up your dishes with black peppercorns not only improves taste but also stimulates your taste buds to enhance the secretion of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. This can improve digestive function. This simple trick can prevent or treat indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. It also helps prevent the formation of intestinal gas and acts as a diuretic to increase urination.

Peppercorns have antibacterial properties

Antibacterials aren’t just cleaning agents for the home. A grinder full of peppercorns can clean out your body. Simply grind peppercorns on your meals to alleviate coughs, colds, and flu. The antibacterial properties are strong enough to break through sinus and chest congestion, and even help soothe sinusitis.

Peppercorns can help keep your teeth healthy

Since peppercorns stimulate the taste buds to kickstart the stomach acids in your body, they also likely trigger the saliva in your mouth, which helps protect the enamel on your teeth and prevent tooth decay. However, this does not mean you should skip brushing your teeth. Peppercorns also have a soothing effect on toothaches, but if tooth pain is present for more than a day, you should see your dentist.

Peppercorns are full of antioxidants

Every time you consume peppercorns, you may be reducing your risk for cancer and other diseases. Peppercorns are full of flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants, including carotenes, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin. This help removes harmful free radicals and protects the body. However, keep in mind that a serving of peppercorns generally consumed is too small to be effective on its own; it is simply another tool in your health arsenal.

Peppercorns are rich in vitamins

Dusting your salad with a fresh grind of peppercorns adds even more vitamins to the plate of vegetables in front of you. You’ll stock up on vitamin B complex, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, and vitamins C and A.

Peppercorns are rich in potassium

Potassium is an essential component of cells and body fluids. It assists in controlling blood pressure and heart rate, and peppercorns are rich in this important nutrient. Peppercorns cancel out the negative effects salt has on your blood pressure; perhaps this is why the two are often found together. While a serving of ground peppercorn on your food is not equivalent to what you’ll get from other potassium-rich sources like bananas, every bit counts. If you cannot get the suggested amount of potassium in your daily diet, consider taking a potassium supplement.

Peppercorns can help you lose weight

Peppercorns contain piperine, a substance that can help your body burn fat and reduce lipids. Studies show eating more peppercorns can help you lose weight. There are skeptics who dispute these findings, but if nothing else, the flavor peppercorns impart can help you cut back on fatty added sauces.

Peppercorns can treat skin conditions

Peppercorns contain Pepperdine, which can help treat the symptoms of vitiligo. It can also reduce the risk of skin cancer caused by UV radiation. Like the other benefits mentioned above, though, the amount of this nutrient you get from peppercorns isn’t enough on its own. Unfortunately, you can’t bypass a healthy, balanced diet in general just by increasing your peppercorn intake!

Peppercorns are a good source of dietary fiber

While you are grinding peppercorns into your soup or stew, you are likely thinking about the flavor it will add. However, you may be surprised to know you are also adding dietary fiber. You won’t get your daily recommended intake of fiber this way, but it is a good start.