A popular ancient saying in Thamizh goes like this, "With 10 pepper in hand, you can accept your enemy's invitation to dine at their place". No wonder, considering pepper can effectively eliminate toxins from the body. The health benefits of pepper were greatly put to use by ancient Thamizh. Siddhars of ancient Thamizhnadu, have prescribed 'Thirikadugam' to promote health and maintain youthfulness. Thirikadugam refers to three herbs namely dry ginger, pepper and long pepper. This shows the effectiveness of pepper in treating illnesses and maintaining optimal health.
Pepper has always found a place in South Indian kitchen thanks to the ancient wisdom the people of the land possessed about the medicinal properties of pepper. Ancient Thamizh texts referred to as Sanga Ilakkiyam, mention that pepper was bought by foreigners paying for it in gold equivalent to its weight.
Properties of Pepper
Various studies have proved the properties of pepper. Here are some of the most important properties of pepper.
- Antioxidant (prevents negative impacts on cells, protein and DNA)
- Anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling and pain)
- Antibacterial (destroys and prevents bacteria)
- Antimicrobial (destroys and prevents bacteria, virus and fungi)
- Anti-asthmatic (cures symptoms of asthma)
- Immunomodulatory (regulates immune system)
- Carminative (expels gas from stomach and intestine)
- Antihyperlipidemic (controls lipid levels in blood)
- Antiseptic (prevents or reduces infections)
- Antiulcer (prevents ulcer)
- Anticarcinogenic (prevents cancer or reduces cancerous effects)
- Antiamoebic (destroys amoeba)
- Hepatoprotective (protects liver)
- Antipyretic (cures and prevents fever)
- Analgesic (reduces pain)
- Antidepressant (relieves stress)
Medicinal Properties of Pepper
Some of the most important medicinal properties of pepper include:
- Relieves toxins from the body
- Relieves cold and cough
- Cures respiratory conditions
- Relieves digestive disorders including constipation and flatulence and promotes healthy digestion
- Heals stomach ulcers
- Improves immunity
- Heals pain
- Helps to regulate blood sugar levels
- Relieves excess fat in the body
- Helps to reduce excess weight
- Enhances absorption of nutrients in food
- Helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels
- Cures joint pain
- Helps to cure epilepsy
- Protects liver health
- According to a study, consuming pepper along with turmeric extract and ginger is effective in reducing knee osteoarthritis symptoms
- Helps to reduce symptoms of brain diseases inlcuding Alzheimer's
- Protects brain health
- Helps to prevent cancer
- Supports skin health; clears acne and white spots on skin
- Cures dandruff; promotes hair health
- Helps to relieve stress
Rama Thamizharasu
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