15/05/2026
Black Pepper – PIPER NIGRUM, it’s a yes from Me!
Aka “Black Gold” aka “The King of the Spices”
Black pepper was a cherished commodity in Greece and Rome and reached even higher popularity in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Today, most of our black pepper comes from Vietnam 39% and Indonesia 15%.
The health benefits of black pepper are due to the bioactive compounds, in particular piperine which is the most important.
Piperine’s powers........
⚕️It’s a type of antioxidant
⚕️Increases the bioavailability of various nutrients particularly curcumin from turmeric, selenium, and beta-carotene, by increasing their absorption in the intestines and inhibiting certain digestive enzymes
⚕️Stimulates hydrochloric acid in the stomach which aids digestion and absorption of food
⚕️It has carminative properties which can help reduce discomfort and gas build up in the intestines
⚕️It helps the immune system and has a role in boosting white blood cells to help the body fight off invading bacteria and viruses
⚕️It also assists in cognitive brain function
Why did I never know this?
P.s. I ❤️ the little clay dish I made at the amazing Fennel workshop , thankyou xx
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/