Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, February 10, 2024: Several studies suggest the black pepper has the power to help lower your blood pressure.
Ground black pepper, derived from the dried fruit of the Piper nigrum plant, is not just a popular spice for enhancing the flavour of various dishes. Its active component, aptly named piperine, is responsible for its characteristic taste and many of its health benefits.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when your blood pushes against your vessel walls with too much force, which can put a strain on your heart and vessels. Over time this can lead to various serious health problems, including heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease or even dementia.
About one in four adults in India have high blood pressure, according to World Health Organization, but the good news is that there are lots of things you can do to lower it. It can often be prevented by eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, only drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking.
The black pepper is a common kitchen item that has been found in most Indian homes, black pepper has anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown to help reduce risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other chronic conditions.
Several studies suggest the active substance found in black pepper called piperine, has many health benefits. One of its benefits is that it can help to dilate your blood vessels and contributes towards the prevention of blood thickening.
High blood pressure is often called a ‘silent killer’, as it rarely causes any symptoms. However, occasionally people experience symptoms like headaches, blood shot eyes or feel sick or unwell. The only way of knowing is to have a blood pressure test. You can get these at a hospital, including a clinic, and your private doctor or you can buy a kit to test it at home.
A normal blood pressure range is defined as 120/80 mmHg. The usual range for blood pressure is defined between 90/60mmHg to 130/80mmHg. If the blood pressure falls below 90/60mmHg then this leads to low blood pressure. where the patient is said to have low blood pressure and this is called Hypotension. Whereas patients with reading above 140/90 mmHg is said to have high blood pressure or Hypertension. Both these cases are detrimental to the patient and proper treatment is to be administered.
Health benefits of black pepper
A major benefit of using black pepper in your cooking is its blood pressure-lowering qualities. It does this by helping to dilate your blood vessels and contributes towards the prevention of blood thickening. By lowering your blood pressure, if it is too high, your chances of chronic heart issues are decreased.
Black pepper’s health benefits don’t stop there, it has also been shown to be good for your gut health (microbiome) and contribute towards reducing bad cholesterol. Further benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Piperine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation and symptoms related to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis
- Antioxidant effects: Black pepper is rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause cellular damage, leading to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer
- Promotes brain health: Piperine has been shown to improve brain function in animal studies, including those models for Alzheimer’s disease and memory problems. It is thought to inhibit an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical, so may enhance your mood
