Black pepper is one of the most frequently used spices globally. What would a restaurant table look like without salt and pepper shakers sitting side by side? Black pepper contains the active ingredient piperine, which has robust anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Although black pepper extract is far from the common table pepper we have come to know. It has many health benefits and is often combined with this other supplements to aid in absorption1. Black pepper extract has been well-studied as a “bioavailability enhancer,” which is its ability to enhance other nutrients’ active ingredients.
The Health Benefits of Black Pepper Extract
Known as “The King of Spices,” black pepper extract comes from the dried berries of the black pepper shrub, native to Southern India. The dried berries also make peppercorn and can be ground to form pepper spice. Black pepper is one of the safest spices to use, with very few interactions with medications, and rarely causes allergic reactions. Black pepper extract can be found in various products, from beauty to health supplements2.
Helps Fight Bacteria
Black pepper prevents the growth of bacteria due to its antibacterial properties. In one study, black pepper extract was used to test its antibacterial effects against E-coli, a bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Scientists concluded that the black pepper extract aided in destroying bacteria. This makes black pepper extract a natural food preservation option3.
Supports Brain Health
Although more studies need to be conducted, piperine found in black pepper extract may have a role in fighting neuro-disorders such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Studies conducted on rats have shown promising improvements in memory impairment and neurodegeneration.
There is a protective covering around our nerve cells called myelin. When this protective covering is damaged, it can lead to cognitive issues, including memory loss. A study using piperine from black pepper extract was shown to repair the myelin. This is hopeful news for families with loved ones with debilitating and heart-breaking neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease4.
Support For Mental Health
Studies have been conducted on black pepper’s ability to fight against mental health diagnoses such as depression and anxiety. Although human studies have not been conducted thus far, black pepper has shown promising anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties. How we handle stress is a contributing factor to both of these conditions, and black pepper has been shown to play a role in helping protect brain cells against stress.
Black pepper is one of many natural supplements that has been shown to aid in mental health. One should always consult a doctor before adding a supplement to their regimen due to contraindications.
Helps Cholesterol Levels
In the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women5.
Studies involving black pepper to lower cholesterol levels have proven that it is effective. Another study was conducted on rats fed a high-fat diet, leading to high cholesterol and fat levels. Black pepper extract was administered to these rats resulting in a significant decrease in body weight and fat levels.
Black Pepper Extract’s Ability To Aid In Absorption
You may be taking the correct supplements for your unique body composition and are not seeing the results you have been looking for. One of the issues you might be facing is that the daily vitamins and supplements are not being absorbed correctly or to their full potential into your bloodstream.
Black pepper’s piperine is a bioactive compound that is an alkaloid. Beyond all the benefits noted above, it also aids in the relief of headaches, nausea, and poor digestion. Its most significant benefit is its ability to assist in the absorption of other supplements. A common pairing is a turmeric and black pepper extract. The curcumin found in turmeric, combined with piperine found in black pepper, boosts the absorption of turmeric into our body6.
Other examples of black pepper extract as a bioactive enhancer are well-documented, which is why you see it on labels paired with other supplements. Studies have shown that when the piperine in black pepper extract was paired with selenium, CoQ10, vitamin C, and beta carotene, the absorption rate was increased by 30%7. After knowing the full range of benefits that black pepper extract contains, we might never look at this table spice the same way again.
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**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References:
- 8 Benefits of Black Pepper Extract, https://community.bulksupplements.com/8-amazing-benefits-of-black-pepper-extract/.
- Black Pepper Extract- A Natural Bioavailability Enhancer, https://bioperine.com/aboutbioperine/black-pepper-extract/#:~:text=Black%20pepper%20extract%20(BioPerine%C2%AE,the%20bioavailability%20of%20the%20nutrients.
- 11 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Black Pepper, https://www.bensnaturalhealth.com/blog/general-health/black-pepper-benefits/.
- What Are the Health Benefits of Black Pepper? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-black-pepper/.
- Heart Disease Facts, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm#:~:text=Heart%20disease.
- BioPerine Benefits: How Black Pepper Extract Increases Supplement Absorption, https://www.mdriveformen.com/blogs/the-driven/how-a-black-pepper-extract-can-increase-supplement-absorption.
- Get The Most From Your Supplements, https://natureslab.com/blogs/news/get-the-most-from-your-supplements#:~:text=Black%20pepper%20extract%20increases%20absorption,in%20our%20One%20Daily%20Multivitamin.