Contents :
- Pepper – a common spice?
- What is piperine?
- Piperine – action
- Piperine – for whom?
- Piperine – use
- Piperine – contraindications
- Turmeric with piperine
- Piperine – health benefits
Pepper – a common spice?
Pepper is one of the most popular and oldest spices. This plant originates from southern India and grows in tropical climates – hot and humid. Ground or whole peppercorns are used as a spice primarily for the flavor they impart to dishes. However, pepper provides not only flavor and aroma but also beneficial health benefits .
One of the main components of pepper is piperine . It's responsible for its sharp-bitter taste and aroma. Read how piperine can help you lose weight and boost your immunity.
What is piperine?
Piperine is an organic chemical compound, a piperidine alkaloid found in black pepper ( Piper nigrum L. ), a plant in the pepper family ( Piperaceae ), in the outer layer of the fruit. It was discovered in 1819 by the Danish chemist and physicist Hans Christian Ørsted, who successfully isolated it from black pepper fruit. The pepper fruit contains approximately 5-8% piperine, which is why it is used as an extract in capsules.
Three types of spices are made from black pepper fruits:
- Black pepper – unripe, dried and fermented fruit.
- White pepper – ripe fruit, briefly cooked and dried, mild flavor.
- Green pepper – unripe fruit, marinated in acetic acid and dried.
Red pepper, on the other hand, is actually the dried berries of the Peruvian pepper, a plant native to South America.
Piperaceae – a plant from the pepper family
Piperine – action
Piperine for weight loss
Piperine is most often associated with weight loss . It intensifies the process of liposis, or the oxidation of fat tissue. By raising body temperature, it accelerates metabolism and calorie burning.
Of course, black pepper extracts aren't a miracle cure for weight loss. A balanced diet (with a negative calorie balance) and physical activity are crucial. Piperine is just one piece of the puzzle that can support the process of reducing body fat.
Piperine supports digestion and nutrient absorption
Piperine is a substance that increases the absorption of nutrients. It increases the digestive tract's tolerance to certain vitamins and minerals. It improves protein anabolism, making it easier for the body to digest and assimilate high-protein supplements used by athletes. The increased absorption of vitamins and minerals contributes to building immunity and maintaining a healthy body.
Piperine compounds contribute to the production of digestive juices and blood supply to the digestive tract, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients from food or medications into the blood.
Piperine supports brain function
Piperine also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It is used in supplements that improve concentration, memory, and thought processes. It may positively impact the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and depression.
Piperine – for whom?
Piperine supplements are typically recommended for those looking to lose a few pounds. They're beneficial for athletes and physically active individuals, as well as for those who are inactive and easily gain unnecessary body fat. They can also help those with depression and vitiligo.
Piperine – use
The recommended daily dose of piperine is 5-10 mg in 1-2 servings. After three months of use, a break of at least 1-2 months should be taken.
Piperine – contraindications
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. If you are taking other medications, it's worth consulting your doctor before adding piperine supplements to your diet. Piperine may cause gastrointestinal irritation in some people.
Turmeric with piperine
Piperine and curcumin are ingredients that work well together. The piperine found in black pepper increases curcumin's absorption by up to 2,000%.
Turmeric itself has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It supports digestion and brain function, slows down the aging process, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and helps regenerate the liver and pancreas. It is considered a superfood .
Turmeric and black pepper are the ingredients of golden milk – an easy-to-prepare Ayurvedic drink that strengthens immunity.
Piperine – health benefits
Piperine is the main bioactive component of pepper, responsible for its characteristic spicy flavor. In summary, piperine has several properties:
- increases fat burning by raising body temperature and accelerating metabolism,
- increases the absorption of protein, some vitamins and minerals and medicines,
- improves digestion,
- increases immunity,
- improves concentration and memory,
- may support the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and depression,
- it is recommended to supplement 5-10 mg daily, in 1-2 portions,
- It is worth combining piperine with curcumin.
