Ceylon Black Pepper

For many years, Ceylon black pepper, or the king of spices, started dominating the world spice market. Although most of the pepper species originate in south India, there are native species that belong to Sri Lanka. So the native pepper species to Sri Lanka are referred to as Ceylon pepper. Pepper belongs to a climbing tree called piper nigrum. And there are pepper shrubs that grow around 10meters in height. There are spikedshaped flowers that specify the identity of pepper plants. There are berryshaped fruits that form peppercorns, containing a single seed.

History of pepper

The king of the spice world was initially found within the Indian subcontinent. Today, pepper has become the number one spice that is used all over the world. This spice was initially introduced to western countries. Black pepper was considered precious and was used to pay taxes and dowries. So the pepper was considered gold in ancient times and used as an exchange tool. Since ancient times, pepper was used within Rome and symbolized the European cookery’s taste.

Why are they called black pepper?

Pepper plants belong to a plant family called Piperaceae; Piperine is an alkaloid present within the black pepper spices. Piperine is the ingredient responsible for its pungency. Therefore, Ceylon black pepper occupies a premium price in the global market. The chief usage of black pepper is to use it as a seasoning agent and as a hot cooking spice. Ceylon black pepper gives rich aromatic and citrus notes, and at the same time, they maintain strong pungency. The extracted pepper oils and Piperine is used widely as flavoring agents. Other than that, different dosage forms are used in the pharmaceutical industry to prepare different medicines.

What are the Health Benefits of Ceylon Black pepper?

Black pepper is a widely used spice all over the world. Pepper can match with any of the dishes, and it gives a spicy flavor. Other than the use as a spice, pepper has been used within Ayurvedic medicine for many years.

Protect the body from oxidative stress

During the day-to-day activities, there will be an accumulation of free radicals in our body when we are exposed to sunlight, exposed to pollution, and the chemical reactions within the body course to accumulate free radicals. These free radicals will lead to oxidative stress within the body. As a result, the aging process gets speed up and increases the risk of many chronic diseases. So we all know that consuming the required dose of antioxidants will help prevent the body from experiencing oxidative stress.

Accumulation of free radicals for a certain period can stimulate premature inflammation and affect cardiac health. Black pepper is rich in Piperine which is considered a potent antioxidant. So the consumption of black pepper with the meal will help to protect the body from oxidative damage. This method will help us prevent certain processes that damage internal cell physiology.

Reduce body inflammation

Inflammation for a longer duration can trigger the occurrence of many chronic diseases. With the advancement of age, there is a greater risk for developing chronic disease. The ant oxidative properties of Piperine can alleviate body inflammation.

Black pepper may help patients with chronic diseases to reduce inflammation. So it is recommended to use black pepper when you have arthritis, asthma attacks, etc.

Improve brain health

Piperine is found to help maintain brain health. The long-term consumption of black pepper as a habit can reduce the risk of degenerative brain diseases. Black pepper can prevent the formation of plaques and protein clusters within the nervous system and help to keep the brain function intact for a more extended period.

Regulation of blood glucose level.

The research studies have suggested that black pepper can improve insulin sensitivity. So the body becomes capable of removing the glucose from the bloodstream and regulating the blood glucose level to the optimal level.

Control cholesterol level

High cholesterol levels have become the leading course of heart diseases worldwide. High blood cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Heart attacks have become the dominating Couse of death all over the world.

Other than that, Piperine in the pepper can lower the blood cholesterol level by potentiating the effect of turmeric and red rice. So when we consume all these together, we can have good results with time.

Protect against cancer

According to the research studies, they have proven that Piperine can fight against cancer cell development. Consumption of black pepper can slow down the replication of certain cancer cells. They can induce specific processes to stimulate the death of cancer cells.

Piperine can improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments. When black pepper is consumed with cancer treatments, it can elevate the efficacy of the cancer treatments.

Improves nutritious uptake

Pepper can improve the absorption of certain nutritious from the gut. Essential minerals such as Calcium and selenium will absorb quickly when consumed with black pepper.

Help in building favorable gut flora

Pepper is a warm spice for gut microbes. Consuming pepper may help the gut improve the good bacteria within the intestine.

What are the mental health benefits of Ceylon black pepper?

Act as a natural antidepressant

Oxidative stress within the brain can lead to anxiety disorders. Piperine contained within black pepper can alleviate oxidative stress-relieving anxiety. Oxidative stress inside the brain can cause damage to the brain cells. Therefore consuming pepper can help prevent brain-cell damage and improve the release of serotonin and dopamine.

Elevate the brain health

The release of an efficient amount of serotonin and dopamine will help in reducing the risk of getting degenerative brain disorders. The antioxidant properties of Piperine may protect the nerves by preventing plaque formation. Plaque formation can lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. So pepper consumption help in preventing many disorders associated with brain health.

Prevent the occurrence of certain seizures

Piperine can balance the calcium iron release within the synaptic cleft. So it helps in preventing seizures due to the imbalance of nerve signaling.

What are the medicinal benefits of Ceylon black pepper?

This is a spice that is widely used within Ayurvedic medicine. They believe that the pepper has warming properties. Other than that, pepper is commonly used to treat diarrhea and constipation. As Piperine within the pepper can elevate certain minerals’ bioavailability, pepper is often used with other spices. The nasal blockages due to decongestion can also be relive with the frequent use of black pepper. As pepper is a warming spice, it is used with other herbs to treat cold and flu symptoms.

What are the cosmetic benefits of Ceylon black pepper?

Ceylon black pepper is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential in preventing premature aging and help in maintaining skin health. Accumulation of free radicals may result in oxidative damage. Therefore pepper may help in keeping the skin healthy and prevent premature aging.

Ceylon black pepper at the kitchen.

Black pepper is commonly used within Sri Lankan dishes to improve the taste and aroma. Ceylon black pepper contains a floral flavor. So the grinded pepper is used to enhance the flavor of dishes.

The appearance of black pepper

Black pepper is present inside a peppercorn known pericarp. It is darker in color, and the outer skin is wrinkled to provide its unique appearance. The inside of the pericorn is the pepper seed, and it is lighter in color. So this is the main reason for the pepper powder to appear more delicate than the whole pepper.