Black pepper has been actively used in cooking and medicine since ancient times. It was used to prepare remedies for men that restored sexual power. No less in demand were different variants tinctures that had general strengthening properties. The seasoning was used to cope with cosmetic defects. Finally, it was used to enhance the taste familiar dishes and giving them an appetizing aroma. Immediately after the product hit Europe, it gained enormous popularity, which is still at its peak today.
Description and chemical composition of black pepper
Black peppercorns are the fruits of a plant of the same name from the Pepper family, which is native to Malabar, a province in India. They can be used whole or in ground form. The same fruits are a source of raw materials for the production of both black and white, pink, green types of seasoning. Long vines are harvested twice a year. The fruiting period of the green giant (it grows up to 15 m) is at least 20-30 years.
100 g of black pepper, regardless of its form, contains 250 kcal. This indicator does not play a special role, because it is added to food in minimal quantities. The nutritious seasoning contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates and plant fiber. Due to this, the use of the product, especially ground black pepper, significantly enriches the dishes.
Tip: Black peppercorns useful material last longer than their ground counterpart. Therefore, it is better to purchase the product in this form and grind it yourself as needed. True, it is better to use a coffee grinder for this, not a special mill. Otherwise, the particles will be too large and will cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach.
As for the medicinal and beneficial properties of the seasoning, they are provided by the presence of such substances in its composition:
- Vitamins of group B, A, C, E, K.
- Minerals sodium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper, calcium, phosphorus and zinc.
- Food resins.
- Fatty and essential oils.
- Natural flavors.
- The alkaloid underlying the pungency of the seasoning.
Studies have shown that the benefits and harms of pepper as a culinary ingredient do not particularly depend on its type (black, green, white or pink). But in the case of preparing medicines, it is better to take into account the specifics of the recipe and not replace one component with another.
Beneficial properties of black pepper
The medicinal properties of the composition of plant origin appear even when it is included in the diet in a minimal amount. The main thing is that its presence on the menu is systematic and not one-time.
The therapeutic benefits of black pepper for the body are manifested by the following consequences:
- Digestion is improved by increasing the secretion of gastric juice. Constipation and diarrhea go away, gases stop accumulating in the intestines. Toxins are removed from the body, all poisons and potentially harmful substances are neutralized.
- The active substances in black pepper promote a more active breakdown of fats, due to which fat deposits gradually disappear.
- The antioxidant properties of the product lead to inhibition of free radical activity. Studies have shown that introducing seasoning into the diet reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.
- Recipes that use black ground pepper or its analogue in the form of peas, allow you to obtain products with medicinal effects. They can be used to combat colds, coughs, dermatitis, bacterial infections and even stomach ulcers.
- In cooking, black pepper acts not only as a flavor and aroma enhancer, but also as an effective dietary supplement. It is indicated for active sports, during seasonal vitamin deficiencies, and for deficiency of mineral elements.
- Eating the spice stimulates mental activity. The technology for this action of the product has not yet been fully studied, but this property has not been questioned for a long time.
- The benefits of black pepper for women include the fact that it improves performance nervous system during periods of hormonal imbalances. Thanks to it, you don’t have to worry about mood swings due to PMS or menopause. Another useful property of the product is its activity in the fight against cellulite.
- The presence of black pepper in the diet has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails. The risk of developing caries and atherosclerosis is reduced.
Such consequences can be expected regardless of what type of product is introduced into the diet. The main thing to remember is that it is better to add the ground product to ready meals, and black peppercorns are ideal for products that will undergo heat treatment.
Harm of black pepper and contraindications
Increased activity of substances in black pepper can cause problems. In particular, the inclusion of seasoning in the diet is contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Acute diseases of the digestive system.
- Gallstones.
- Acute kidney and bladder diseases.
- Nervous and mental disorders.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the spice should be temporarily avoided.
It is important to remember that ground black pepper and peppercorns strongly irritate the nasal mucosa, so you should not use it during the recovery period after surgery. Fragrant product will provoke sneezing, which can cause the seams to come apart. It is strictly forbidden to eat dishes richly flavored with spices on an empty stomach; the product can cause irritation on the gastric mucosa and even a burn.
Black pepper in any form is best combined with fatty foods. Its pungency and lipids mutually neutralize each other, thereby reducing the harm of both components. Individual intolerance to the product is extremely rare, but can occur due to frequent use of the product. An overdose of the composition often leads to heartburn and problems with digestion of food.
Black pepper in folk medicine
Some people buy black pepper not for its nutritional value, but for the purpose of preparing medicines. Of course, their use should initially be coordinated with a professional, but in practice, many of them have proven themselves to be good. Here are just a few of them:
- Composition for the treatment of cough. A little into the glass warm water add 1 g of ground black pepper. Drink 2 times a day before meals. The product not only relieves coughing attacks, but also fights bacterial infections, improves appetite and serves as an effective prevention of worms.
- Strengthening tincture. Take black peppercorns (7-10 pieces), 2 teaspoons, a sprig of bitter, a tablespoon of honey and a bag of black tea. Grind and mix all the ingredients, place in a glass container and pour in 0.5 liters of vodka. The product must be infused for at least 3 months in a dark place under a lid and shaken from time to time. Take it one teaspoon 3 times a day after meals for 2 weeks.
- Product for male potency. Into a glass warm milk add a teaspoon (without a slide) of ground black pepper and granulated sugar. Stir and drink. If the composition does not help, the procedure must be repeated every other day.
Such an active product as black pepper can have a positive effect on the condition of one person and not give any result in the case of another. If regularly administered treatment does not produce the desired effect and even causes negative consequences, it is better to abandon the approach and consider other treatment options. You also need to remember that a product that does not have a strong aroma and pungent taste is absolutely useless. Its introduction into the diet will lead to more severe contamination of the body, rather than beneficial changes.
Famous for its qualities. Each has its own advantages. In particular, ground black pepper is necessary for the prevention of heart disease, as it makes the blood more fluid and also cleanses blood vessels.
Ground black pepper is dried and ground vine berries.
Let's start with the most important question - what kind of pepper is it that makes our food tastier, but at the same time it makes a person sneeze?
This plant is a vine, the berries of which are dried and then ground into fine dust. Black pepper was brought from India, and the territory where it was first grown was called “the land of pepper.”
The liana, which reaches a length of up to 15 meters, grows on the coastal strip, and is also very popular among those who love spicy food. The highlight of this fruit is that it is dried.
All useful substances are collected in the fruit, and when the pepper is processed, they are preserved (vitamins, various microelements, as well as essential oils). These elements are contained both in pepper powder and peas.
What is in the fruits of the pepper vine?
The first Europeans to see this fruit, were very surprised by his qualities. This was the army of Alexander the Great.
They believed that pepper had miraculous properties, they thought that it carried healing power, and therefore generously poured into. Ancient Greece, along with Rome, also acquired spices from India. And for one period its price was equal to the weight of gold.
In Rus', it was added to various baked goods (gingerbreads and cookies). Today, this spice is sprouted on special plantations.
How is ground black pepper extracted?
Ground white pepper is made from fully ripened vine fruits.
Everyone knows that there are several types of pepper (black, white, pink and red). However, red pepper is not part of this plant.
This product comes from red capsicum hot pepper, which is dried and then ground into powder.
Other pepper varieties can be removed from the Piperaceae vine. The color of the final product will be different depending on what stage of ripening it was picked at.
In particular, black pepper is taken from an unripe berry, which is chopped and then ground. Pink is an almost ripe fruit, but white is fully ripe, which must be soaked in water, separated from the peel, dried, and then ground.
To obtain pepper, you must go through the entire processing procedure. The essential oil contained in pepper gives it a specific smell, and a nitrogen-containing substance called piperine gives it a bitter taste. The fruits contain vitamin C, as well as mineral salts, resin, and starch.
At the moment it is difficult to find a housewife who would not use pepper in the kitchen. It is added to various dishes– in meat, as well as salads and side dishes.
There are also medicinal recipes that also include this product.
Which organs work better from pepper?
Ground pepper is beneficial for all digestive organs.
First of all, pepper is good for everyone. It promotes rapid digestion of food, since it produces hydrochloric acid. Coordinates the functioning of the intestines, as it removes waste and intestinal gases.
Acts as an antimicrobial agent and removes worms from the body. It helps food digest faster. Piperine allows amino acids to enter the blood vessels, thereby allowing food to be absorbed faster.
Ayurveda advises eating a few peppercorns after meals once a year for two or three weeks, which will help the intestines work better. Those who want to lose weight can also take pepper as it helps break down fat deposits.
Secondly, pepper is necessary for the cardiovascular system. Everyone knows that it has a good effect on the functioning of the heart, thereby reducing the likelihood of heart disease. This pepper helps the blood become more fluid and helps cleanse the blood vessels, which also applies to the vessels in the brain. The load on the heart decreases, which means that the risk of heart attack decreases.
Thirdly, pepper cleanses the respiratory system and removes mucus. If pepper is mixed with honey and taken this way, it will help fight cough. Pepper antioxidants help prevent cancer, as well as cardiovascular diseases and. Ancestors believed that black pepper helps improve stomach function, improves the condition of the nervous system, and also helps strengthen muscles.
When high intracranial pressure is observed, it is necessary to chew peppercorns and raisins, while spitting saliva for 10 minutes. These steps will help remove unnecessary mucus from the body. This procedure should be carried out for a month.
When you suffer from a cold or respiratory diseases, you need to take ground black pepper along with honey (1 tablespoon of pepper diluted in a glass of honey). This solution should be drunk 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day. The same recipe is used for a diuretic effect when edema appears and heart disease develops.
According to Ayurveda, pepper circulates blood faster, thereby improving the tone of the whole body. Since ancient times, this characteristic of pepper has been actively used by men to improve potency.
It is necessary to eat pepper for 7 days, which is mixed 1:1 with sugar (0.5 teaspoon diluted in a glass of milk), and the result will be obvious. Although, some can boast of achievements after the first adoption.
When a man has serious problems (in particular, when the first stage of prostate adenoma develops), peppercorns are used along with ground, as well as dried and ground pomegranate peels.
The proportions are as follows: mix 1 part pepper with 2 parts nuts, as well as 2 parts pomegranate. Use with rosehip tincture mixed with honey, 1 teaspoon of solution before meals, 2 times a day for a month.
Black pepper along with raisins will help get rid of kidney stones.
To eliminate them, the following recipes are used: place one peppercorn in raisins and eat this for 7 days. In this case, the stones will be crushed and passed out in the urine.
With the help of ground black pepper, skin diseases can also be cured. In particular, lichens go away after the first application of pepper and henna.
And vitiligo is treated with pepper mixed with pea and soy flour, chicken lard– this makes an excellent ointment. Rub it on damaged areas of the skin for 40 days.
If there is joint disease, there is aching in the bones, paralysis, neuritis develops and weakening of the muscles is felt, make the following ointment: in a glass you need to boil 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper powder for several minutes over low heat, then cool, strain and spread on the sore areas. places.
When hair falls out, pepper is used again. It is diluted with salt in equal parts, as well as with onion juice, until a homogeneous thick mass appears. They rub it into the hair roots and walk with it for about 20-30 minutes, after which they wash their hair. With the help of this product, hair growth improves and the hair follicles are strengthened.
It is clear that pepper is very useful. Thanks to it, our body strengthens.
One of the most popular spices in the world originally grew in India and Greece, where it was highly valued. It was not customary to add pepper to food; it was used as a monetary equivalent and was considered sacred. The ancient Greeks used it for religious rituals, as a gift to the Gods. Subsequently, it began to be added to food. The reason for the popularity of the spice among chefs is its ability to refresh dishes and mask the lack of freshness of food.
The benefits and harms of ground black pepper lie in its composition. The spice contains manganese, vitamin K, iron, fiber, and copper. In addition, it contains no calories, which makes it harmless for overweight people.
The most important health benefit of ground black pepper is that it improves digestion. Due to its ability to stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid, it can be used as a remedy for heartburn and indigestion.
The benefits of ground black pepper in the treatment of flatulence have long been recognized; in addition, it has diaphoretic and diuretic properties. In addition, it has antibacterial properties, helps the body better absorb vitamins and minerals, stimulates the liver, and removes toxins.
The great benefit of ground black pepper is its ability to inhibit tumor growth. It contains powerful phytonutrients that slow down the growth of cancer cells. In addition, the spice, if sprinkled on a wound, can quickly stop bleeding and destroy germs.
Has both positive and negative qualities. Ground black pepper is known to be harmful due to its ability to irritate the gastric mucosa and cause bleeding. It is not recommended for use if you have gastritis or ulcers.
In addition, there is harm from ground black pepper when used regular use for the reproductive system. It negatively affects the production of hormones and reduces libido.
Contraindications for using the product are colitis, kidney and liver disease. Ground black pepper may be harmful for people with arrhythmia, angina pectoris and hypertension; such patients should limit their use of the spice.
Black pepper is one of the most common spices, which is sure to be found in every housewife’s home.
Description
Black pepper is a shrub plant from the Pepper family. The plant is native to the Malabar Islands in India, which is why it is often called the “Malabar berry.”
The fruits of the tree are green peas that darken during processing. Depending on the time of collection and production technology, red, green and white peppers are also obtained. All varieties of pepper are used in cooking, but black pepper is the most popular.
In nature, shrubs climb up, entwining trees. Since pepper began to be cultivated, special poles have been installed for it on plantations, limiting the growth of the plant to 4-5 meters. In general, the height of the shrub can reach 15 meters. The leaves are up to 10 centimeters long. After flowering ends, the plant bears round fruits, which initially have green color, and then acquire a yellow or red color.
The length of the brush is up to 14 centimeters, which can contain 20-30 drupes. To obtain black pepper, the fruits are collected unripe, and when dried in the sun they turn black and wrinkle. The ripe fruits of the plant are soaked in water, the soft pericarp is removed and white pepper is obtained, which is not as hot as black pepper, but more aromatic and is also popular in cooking.
Black pepper has been cultivated in India since ancient times and was well known in Ancient Egypt, China, Rome and Greece. In the Middle Ages, pepper was highly valued and widely used in European cooking, despite its high cost. In those days, the monopoly on supplies belonged to merchants from Venice and Genoa. After this, the Portuguese, and even later the Dutch, took over the right to supply pepper to Europe.
Today, the largest producers of pepper are India, Brazil and Indonesia. These countries grow more than 40 thousand tons of pepper annually. In addition, black pepper is grown in Sumatra, Sri Lanka, Java, Kalimantan and other countries with tropical climates.
Use of black pepper in cooking
Of all the spices, black pepper is the most widely known. In cooking it is used in ground form, whole peppercorns, and also as part of various spicy mixtures. The properties of ground black pepper include a more intense aroma, but it quickly runs out of flavor if it is not stored in an airtight container.
Pepper is added to almost all dishes - soups, gravies, sauces, minced meats, salads, marinades, sausages, legumes and vegetable dishes. It is also traditionally used in the preparation of all types of meat, game and fish, in cooking.
Composition and calorie content of black pepper
100 g of black pepper contains 12.5 g of water, 25.3 g of fiber, 10.4 g of protein, 38.6 g of carbohydrates, 3.3 g of fat, 4.5 g of ash, vitamins: beta-carotene (A) , thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (PP), choline (B4), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), ascorbic acid (C), tocopherol (E), phylloquinone (TO); macroelements: phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium; trace elements: fluorine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, iron.
The calorie content of black pepper is 250 kcal per 100 g of product.
Benefits of black pepper
Beneficial features black pepper was highly prized in ancient times. For example, healers of Ancient India used it to treat coughs, sore throats, flu, asthma and as a pain reliever. And the ancient Greek doctors Hippocrates, Democritus and Pliny the Elder described the benefits of black pepper in their works.
Black pepper has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, restorative, bactericidal, anthelmintic, expectorant and diuretic effect. It increases stress resistance and improves the functioning of the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine and respiratory systems.
Pepper contains an alkaloid called capsaicin, which gives it a characteristic burning taste, and also stimulates metabolism, stimulates appetite, restores the functioning of the pancreas and stomach, thins the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots, and lowers blood pressure.
Harm of black pepper
It is not recommended to use this product in case of individual intolerance. Black pepper can also cause harm in cases of stomach and duodenal ulcers, acute inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, anemia, and after operations on the intestines and stomach.
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Composition of ground red pepper: carbohydrates (29 g), proteins (12 g), ash substances (6.6 g), fiber (27.5 g), fatty acids (18 g). The pungent taste of the spicy aroma is provided by essential oils (1.6%) and the phenolic compound “capsaicin”. The spice is enriched with carotenoids, mineral elements and vitamins (B, PP, C, K, E, A). Leading among spicy seasonings by the presence of potassium (1016 mg).
How does pepper affect the body?
The benefits of red pepper include improved digestion, stimulation of the pancreas and intestines. When consumed, the production of gastric enzymes increases, which contribute to the digestion of food, the breakdown of fats, and appetite suppression, which is important for weight loss and weight correction.
The beneficial properties of ground pepper include increased blood circulation, cleansing of blood vessels, and increased tone. The spice has bactericidal, antispasmodic, warming, and antioxidant effects. Studies of the effects of red pepper on the body have revealed the ability to stop the development of infectious diseases, some types of cancer, and improve the condition of joints, blood vessels, and mucous membranes. Proven beneficial effects on vision, brain activity, nervous and respiratory systems.
How to choose correctly
Red peppers have an intense red-orange or red color. When dry, it has virtually no aroma. It is advisable to buy in sealed packaging, with the production date indicated. When purchasing in bulk, it is important not to confuse it with hot pepper; cayenne spice has a lighter color of pale gray-yellow shades.
Storage methods
At temperatures above +40, ground pepper quickly loses color, aroma and beneficial properties. From the date of production, the product is stored for 12 months. Requires an airtight container, a cool place and no moisture.
What does it go with in cooking?
Red pepper is added to ready-made dishes or during cooking (5-7 minutes before the end of the process). Used for vegetable, meat and sausage products. Pairs with fish, seafood, pork, beef, duck. Used to create pates, sauces, gravies.
As a flavoring seasoning, it perfectly complements potato, rice, chicken, and fermented milk dishes. In sauces, red pepper is harmonious with tomatoes, garlic, onions, red wine, and vinegar. Ground pepper is served on the table as an independent seasoning.
Healthy combination of products
Many nutritionists claim that crushed red pepper helps you lose weight. Recent research published in the British Journal shows that capsacin in red pepper not only suppresses appetite during a meal, but also acts for 3-4 hours afterward, a property that is especially valuable when following restrictions. The ability to speed up food digestion, activate the gastrointestinal tract and metabolic processes contributes to weight loss.
Ground pepper is useful to add to vegetable salads, side dishes, first courses. It is important to observe dosed use: the consumption rate ranges from 0.01 g to 0.2 g per serving (at the tip of a knife). Exists simple method for losing weight– add a little red pepper to your daily evening serving of kefir, and after a week you will notice the result. To give energy and burn calories, combine with cinnamon and add it to hot coffee.
Contraindications
Chronic diseases, periods of exacerbations of the gastrointestinal tract, allergies to spices, tendency to heartburn, inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Application in medicine and cosmetology
The properties of ground red pepper are used as effective remedy for the treatment of psoriasis, arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, sensory nerve fiber disorders. Prescribed to stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, improve digestion, eliminate negative disorders in the tissues of the intestines and stomach.
Ground pepper is recommended for nasal congestion, constipation, poor circulation, and numbness in the extremities. Used as an analgesic, antibacterial, hemostatic agent. To reduce pain in the joints and spine, make a warming ointment from a pinch of pepper and sunflower oil. Based pork fat and pepper powder prepare warm compresses for bronchitis, gout, and radiculitis. Alcohol tincture is used to treat colds and diarrhea, and is used in the treatment of fainting conditions and diabetes. Add to toothpaste for periodontal disease and bleeding gums.
In cosmetology, ground red pepper is a popular component of anti-cellulite preparations. Pepper tincture is used in applications to eliminate fat deposits on the hips and abdomen. Used to strengthen hair alcohol tincture in the form of warm compresses. To activate hair growth, milk-oil masks are made with ground pepper.