White Pepper (Safed Mirch)

White pepper / Safed Mirch (سفید مرچ) is a spice that has been known since ancient times. This spice is used in various dishes, even in a variety of treatment. White pepper for health benefits are numerous, and even now the medical world has been concerned with the efficacy of white pepper.

White pepper has quite a few benefits in store for one’s overall health. May it be digestive issues, dental issues, diabetes cure, minor headaches, cough, and cold or even weight loss, white pepper can be used to treat all of these! Even for problems as serious as cancer and heart troubles, white pepper has some cures up its sleeve! However, it is important that one uses it correctly and in the right proportions to get the best results.

The following are some of the amazing health benefits of white pepper:

Pain Relieving:

White pepper, or in fact all peppers contain capsaicin, a hot substance which generates heat. This fundamental property of pepper is utilized by using it in pain relieving gels and sprays. Under the impact of capsaicin, one feels the heat being generated in the affected area, due to which pain, resulting from spasms or sprains tends to lessen.

Arthritis Aid:

The capsaicin in the pepper also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is, therefore, extremely beneficial for all those who have arthritis and suffer from muscular swelling and pain.

Weight Loss:

Due to the presence of capsaicin, pepper helps in burning the fats inside the body and thus helps in losing weight. It is the reason most weight loss medicines and solutions contain capsaicin in them.

Cancer Cure:

As per the research conducted at the University of Nottingham and the American Association of Cancer Research, Capsaicin in white pepper can kill some of the cancerous cells. It has been found to be especially beneficial in the cure of prostate cancer; however, further research on this topic is still being done.

Headache Healer:

White pepper is also quite helpful in treating headaches. A pain in the head develops when the neuropeptide, substance P transmits pain to the brain. However, capsaicin can block this transmission and thus alleviate the symptoms of a headache.

Cures Cough:

Those affected by a bad cough and sore throat must consume white pepper powder with a little bit of raw honey to seek relief. Raw honey and white pepper combine to have antibiotic properties and also generate heat. Thus, they provide relief from cough and cold easily.

Decongestant:

The heat generated by white pepper can help one clear the nasal tract and relieve nasal congestion. So much so, it can also fight nasal tract infections by cleaning the air ducts and thus help one in breathing properly.

Prevents Stomach Ulcers:

Consumption of white pepper can kill the ulcer-causing bacteria in stomach and intestines. Therefore, it is helpful in preventing stomach ailments such as ulcers and stomach ache.

Control Blood Pressure:

Since white pepper is rich in flavonoids, and vitamins C and A, it is quite helpful in keeping the blood pressure under control. Individuals having high blood pressure and other related issues must consider including white pepper in their daily diet.

Promoting Heart Health:

A unique feature of white pepper is that due to its heat generating properties, it causes one to sweat a lot, leading to the expulsion of excess fluids from the body. Here is a fact that too many fluids in the body, especially around the heart, can put a strain on the heart and affect its functioning adversely. It could even lead to water retention in the body, along with difficulty in breathing due to the excessive pressure on the lungs. Hence, to flush out the excess fluids from the body, it is important to consume white pepper.

Antioxidant Properties:

The presence of flavonoids and vitamins in white pepper is responsible for its antioxidant properties. This makes white pepper a potential fighter against the organisms that might enter the body and harm the cells in it.

Improves Digestion:

A unique trait of white pepper is that it stimulates the taste buds to send a signal to the stomach to secrete hydrochloric acid, which is essential for the digestion of food. Hence, it is a quintessential part of the daily diet we consume.

Control Blood Sugar:

Since white pepper is helpful in boosting the metabolism of the body and also assists the digestion process, it has been found to be beneficial in blood sugar control. A mixture of white pepper with fenugreek seeds powder and turmeric, when consumed with a glass of milk each day, can help in bringing down the sugar levels. It is helpful for most of the diabetics.

Mineral Source:

White pepper is rich in flavonoids, and Vitamins A, K, and C. It contains a large quantity of manganese, iron, and dietary fibers and thus ensures a healthy supply of minerals to the body.

Improves Eyesight:

White pepper benefits eyes by improving the eyesight of people. Its use along with almond powder, sugar crystals, aniseeds and Triphala powder has been known to help people who are having a weak eyesight.