“God Bless You, Pepper!” That is what many may soon be saying more, but not because it is notoriously known as a sneeze causing spice.
According to a new study, “Doctor Pepper,” (no, not the soda) could be a remedy in the battle of the bulge.
The study was reported on the American Chemical Society website and found that “ pinpoints piperine —the pungent-tasting substance that gives black pepper its characteristic taste, concluding that piperine can also block the formation of new fat cells.”
The study was recently published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Korean researchers credit piperine as the catalyst that reduces fat levels in the bloodstream. They say it is also good for your bellyaches too.
“Black pepper and the black pepper plant, they note, have been used for centuries in traditional Eastern medicine to treat gastrointestinal distress, pain, inflammation and other disorders.”
In clinical terms as articulated in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, “Both black pepper extract and piperine, without affecting cytotoxitcity, strongly inhibited the adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells.”
So what does that mean and how does it work? According to the above mentioned research, piperine may help stop the development of new fat cells as well as other benefits. “Piperine may also set off a metabolic chain reaction that helps keep fat in check in other ways.”
Besides the kick it gives to food, it can also give our health a kick as reported on the website NYRNaturalNews.com. The site said that the so-called “King of Spices" is rich in manganese, vitamin K, iron and fibre.
“Dried black pepper is also rich in a variety of essential oils which are traditionally used to stimulate appetite and improve digestion and to relieve stomach upsets and flatulence.”
My advice, before you “dash” to the grocery store to stock up on the Mack Daddy of Spices, is to remember to fill your diet with healthy foods. Shake up your palate with some of pepper’s fat fighting potential.
Remember however, that what you place your pepper on is important and your diet should be only “peppered” with occasional high-calorie and fat-laden foods.
Meanwhile, researchers are hoping that the future uses of pepper is promising in the fight against obesity.
Online Resources:
“Unmasking Black Pepper’s Unmasking Black Pepper's Secrets as a Fat Fighter – ACS.org.” American Chemical Society. Web 17 July 2012.
https://www.google.com/#hl=en&gs_nf=1&tok=TAUxmKA5iekzPt5kU6zYRg&cp=92&gs_id=5&xhr=t&q=Unmasking+black+pepper%E2%80%99s+secrets+as+a+fat+fighter+Journal+of+Agricultural+and+Food+Chemistry&pf=p&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&oq=Unmasking+black+pepper%E2%80%99s+secrets+as+a+fat+fighter+Journal+of+Agricultural+and+Food+Chemistry&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=f2a78f58a8499fe1&biw=1280&bih=685
“Black Pepper compound shows promise in fighting fat – NYRNaturalNews.com.” Neal’s Yard Remedies Natural News. Web 17 July 2012.
http://www.nyrnaturalnews.com/food/2012/05/black-pepper-compound-shows-promise-in-fighting-fat
Reviewed on July 18, 2012
by Maryann Gromisch, RN
Edited by Jody Smith