Scroll to Recipes with Black Pepper / काली मिर्च as ingredient
Pepper or black pepper is the dried unripe fruit grown in the plant called piper nigrum. Before the introduction of chili pepper, Indians used black pepper as a spice to bring the heat and flavor in curry.
There are six variants to pepper or peppercorns, namely pink, green, two types of black, and two types of white pepper. The most used pepper in cuisine and seasoning is the black pepper.
The dried unripe fruit is cooked to make black peppercorns. Cooking and drying of the ripe seeds make white pepper.
Black pepper is extensively cultivated in Kerala South India. Although, Vietnam is the world’s largest producer and exporter of pepper, producing 39% of the world’s crop, as of 2016. Besides, India ranks 3rd in production of peppercorns, producing 10% of it.
Commonly known as
The word pepper is derived from the Sanskrit word Pippali for “long pepper.” Popularly known as Kali Mirch in India.
| Language | Name | Written as |
|---|---|---|
| Bengali | Marica | মরিচ |
| Gujarati | Marī | મરી |
| Hindi | kaalee mirch | काली मिर्च |
| Kannada | Meṇasu | ಮೆಣಸು |
| Malayalam | kurumuḷak | കുരുമുളക് |
| Marathi | Mirapūḍa | मिरपूड |
| Tamil | Miḷaku | மிளகு |
| Telugu | Peppar | పెప్పర్ |
| Urdu | kaalee mirch | کالی مرچ |
| Sanskrit | maricI | मरिची |
Nutritional Profile of Black Pepper
Nutritional profile per 100 gms
- Calories: 251
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrate: 64g
- Fiber: 25g
- Fat: 3.3g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Potassium: 1.329mg
Source: USDA & Google
Black pepper immensely helps bone health because of an incredible manganese content (244%). Black pepper offers antioxidant protection and helps in preventing chronic disease.
Benefits
The benefits of black peppers are mostly due to the active compound piperine present in it.
A Powerful Antioxidant
Studies show that black pepper acts as a very powerful antioxidant in your body due to the presence of manganese in a considerable amount.
Boosts Nutrient Absorption
Black Pepper helps to absorb certain nutrients and beneficial compounds. It might improve the absorption of Curcumin, which is the critical compound in turmeric. Besides, Curcumin is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Improve Digestion and Promote Intestinal Health
Black pepper stimulates the release of enzymes in the pancreas and intestines to help digest fat and carbs. Thus it promotes proper stomach functioning.
Source: tandfonline.com
Anti-Inflammatory
It is suggested that piperine — the main active compound in black pepper — may effectively fight inflammation. Moreover, it helps with chronic inflammation-induced conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
May improve blood sugar control
Studies suggest that piperine may help improve blood sugar metabolism. In one study, black pepper extract had a smaller spike in blood sugar levels after consuming glucose.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
May lower cholesterol levels
Black pepper and piperine are believed to boost the absorption of dietary supplements that have potential cholesterol-lowering effects like turmeric.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
May offer pain relief
Although the studies are limited, it suggests that the piperine in black pepper may be a natural pain reliever.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Side Effects
Black pepper can upset the stomach or can have a burning sensation if taken in large quantities. Also, if it gets into the eyes, black pepper can be brutal and cause damage to the eyes.
It is likely unsafe when consumed large quantities during pregnancy though this statement lacks evidence for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of pepper?
Pepper has many benefits like it is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, might improve blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and may work as a pain reliever.
What is the source of pepper?
Pepper or black pepper is the dried unripe fruit grown in the plant called piper nigrum. Depending on the way it is harvested, processed, and dried, it can produce black, green, or white peppers.
What side effects can one have when overeating black pepper?
Consuming too much black pepper can cause burning sensations in the throat or stomach.
Is pepper good for your stomach?
It can enhance the function of the digestive tract. It also has benefits against bacterial growth, particularly in the intestinal tract.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Is black pepper good for the heart?
Various study shows black pepper helps protect from high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Does black pepper cause acid reflux?
Black pepper can cause the amounts of acid in your esophagus to increase, leading to common indigestion symptoms.
Source: medlineplus.gov
