Black pepper, also known as the king of spices, is one of the most commonly used spices in the world. It is used in dishes to add that extra flavour. But did you know, an active ingredient found in black pepper known as Piperine has multiple health benefits and can help you achieve your fitness goals? Yes, that's right, the alkaloid component, Piperine, is associated with numerous health benefits that include anti-inflammatory effects and even weight loss.
We will discuss the multiple benefits of black pepper in detail in this article and how you include it in your daily diet for the best results.
Boosts Your Metabolism
Piperine, an alkaloid present in black pepper, has thermogenic properties. This means it improves the thermogenesis process by raising the body's internal temperature and requiring it to use more energy to control its internal temperature. It also speeds up nutritional digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, it stimulates the release of gastric juice and other digestive secretions. Because of these qualities, black pepper can help you burn fat faster while also preventing protein breakdown. Piperine may also promote protein synthesis and protect muscle protein from energy consumption. It also improves blood flow to muscle tissues. As a result of these properties, Piperine can operate as a natural thermogenic aid, advantageous to those who wish to reduce weight and reach their fitness goals.
Improves Nutrient Absorption
In a study, it was found that black pepper can boost the bioavailability of selenium by 42.6% and vitamin C by 52.3%. Other primary nutrients that black pepper helps to absorb are calcium, iron, zinc, iodine, copper, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D, to name a few.
Black pepper can also boost the metabolism of other antioxidants, such as turmeric, which is poorly absorbed on its own. When combined with black pepper, it accelerates the delivery of the therapeutic benefits found in turmeric to the regions where they are most needed.
Detoxifies Your Body
This spice helps you sweat and urinate a lot, and by this, you discharge all toxins from your body. Sweating and constantly urinating is a good sign that your body is functioning well. Therefore, adding a bit of black pepper to your meals is an excellent way to naturally detoxifying all the toxins from your body.
Aids in Weight Loss
This wonder spice can help you lose weight and get you in the best form of your life. Black pepper has a rich content of phytonutrients that helps in breaking down excess fat. As mentioned earlier, it also improves your body's metabolism, thus allowing you to burn those extra calories throughout the day. Adding a pinch of black pepper to green tea can be a great addition to your daily lifestyle to burn fat effectively.
Also, you can add a great certified fat burner like Ripcut and Ripcut Thermo from Epicvita that contains black pepper extract and other fat burning ingredients, which will help you lose body fat effectively.
But you should remember that you need to be physically active throughout the day to burn, rather than only consuming black pepper. So, if you think that merely adding black pepper to your daily diet will shed you some extra pounds, then you are mistaken. Supplements only work when you do, so make sure to exercise daily and burn more calories than you consume to see the positive results.
Supports Cognitive Function
Piperine can help support an individual's mental health by increasing the production of critical neurotransmitters involved in mood support. For example, when coupled with curcumin, Piperine can increase the production of "feel-good" neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Staying within optimal blood sugar levels is always essential yet becomes more challenging as one ages. Piperine has a positive effect on blood sugar levels because it increases adiponectin production, a protein hormone that typically has a reduced expression in those carrying excess weight. When Piperine is taken with curcuminoids, it can help improve blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
How to Supplement It?
As mentioned above, you can add a fat burner that contains black pepper extract if your main goal is weight loss.
But if you want to supplement black pepper for overall health benefits, the best option would be to buy a good multivitamin like Maximult from Epicvita for both Men and Women that contains black pepper extract and other essential vitamins and minerals that would help you enhance your health and achieve your fitness goals.
References
Kannappan, R., Gupta, S. C., Kim, J. H., Reuter, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2011). Neuroprotection by Spice-Derived Nutraceuticals: You Are What You Eat! Molecular Neurobiology, 44(2), 142–159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-011-8168-2
Piperine Lowers the Serum Concentrations of Thyroid Hormones, Glucose and Hepatic 5′D Activity in Adult Male Mice. (2003). Hormone and Metabolic Research, 35(9), 523–526. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2003-42652
Butt, M. S., Pasha, I., Sultan, M. T., Randhawa, M. A., Saeed, F., & Ahmed, W. (2013). Black Pepper and Health Claims: A Comprehensive Treatise. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 53(9), 875–886. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2011.571799
Zanzer, Y. C., Plaza, M., Dougkas, A., Turner, C., & ÖStman, E. (2018). Black pepper-based beverage induced appetite-suppressing effects without altering postprandial glycaemia, gut and thyroid hormones or gastrointestinal well-being: a randomized crossover study in healthy subjects. Food & Function, 9(5), 2774–2786. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7fo01715d
