21 Incredible Benefits of Black Pepper for Skin, Hair and Health

Black pepper. The mere mention of this spice takes you back to the delectable pasta that you had, doesn’t it? Or even the stew whose aftertaste is lingering on your palate. But have you ever wondered if this quintessential spice could be amazing, not just in the kitchen but for your body? 

Not many of us know that black peppercorns are much more than a spice or condiment. The excellent benefits of black pepper are many, and not just limited to one or two. From being a fantastic remedy for anxiety and depression to fighting severe skin diseases like Vitiligo, this single spice does it all.

In this article, we will understand a few common yet very prominent health benefits of black pepper that most people are unaware of. Sit tight and stay hooked!

What is Black Pepper?

Black pepper, scientifically termed Piper nigrum, is a flowering vine nurtured and cultivated for its unique fruit, peppercorns. While most people who use and are familiar with spice often know it as dried black small round peppercorns, the actual fruit of the plant is green in color.

Peppercorns are the dried and dehydrated version of the fruit, which we use as a condiment and spice in several dishes and various cuisines globally. Here are some of the most common variants of peppercorns.

• Black peppercorns are the dried version of the fruit and are the most commonly known and used worldwide.
• Green peppercorns are the raw and unripe version of the fruit of the flowering vine.
• White peppercorns are extracted from almost ripe green peppercorns after their skin has been removed. Even this variant is dried and dehydrated for consumption.
• Red Peppercorns are peppercorns that are left on the vine until they are fully ripened. They are the most difficult to find and also the most expensive as well.

Is Black Pepper Good for You?

Black pepper is beneficial for skin, hair, and overall health. Being an excellent source of magnesium, iron, and several forms of digestible fibers, this specific herb does it all.

Black pepper is not simply used as a spice but also as an essential oil and has significant benefits in aromatherapy. It is used to treat aching muscles, cure digestive issues, and promote overall well-being.

If you have been trying to quit smoking, and are not successful in doing so, black pepper can help. It is packed with beneficial antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune booster properties.

Nutritional Value of Black Pepper

Black peppers contain a wide range of nutrients, from soluble fibers to essential vitamins and minerals.

Black pepper is a treasure trove of essential nutrients. It is packed with minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron, which promote heart health, bone density, and blood circulation. Also, it contains large amounts of vitamins C and K, which have antioxidant properties and boost immunity.

Black peppers contain all of these amazing nutrients. However, despite several benefits, consuming them heavily can have adverse effects. Excessive intake might lead to side effects, and we must use the spice mindfully.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

The benefits of black pepper range from treating mild health concerns to severe ones.

Check Out the Most Popular Health Benefits Of Black Pepper

1. Weight Loss

The active compound in Black Peppercorns, Piperine, makes you sneeze continuously due to its pungency. This same compound also prevents excess formation of fat cells in the body. It might be a possible cure for helping you lose those excess pounds.

Black pepper is also low in calories, making it a preferred choice for people on a diet. Instead of slathering your chicken salad with cheese and mayonnaise, switch it up with a dash of lime and a sprinkling of black pepper powder to make it delicious and nutrient-packed.

2. Relieves Sore Throat, Cold, and Cough

One of the most common health benefits of black pepper is the combination of honey and black pepper for treating colds, coughs, and sore throats – practiced for centuries. The peppercorns help stimulate circulation around the body and eliminate excess mucus, which is what commonly helps relieve the symptoms of colds and coughs.

Black peppercorns have expectorant properties and help treat sore throats. While the honey used with it imposes cough-suppressing benefits, which have excellent overall benefits in aiding with its cure.

What To Do?

1. Add one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of black pepper powder to a cup
2. Fill the cup with warm water and mix everything completely
3. Let everything steep for 5-10 minutes
4. Strain the liquid and sip on this warm liquid throughout the day to get some relief

How Often?

2-3 times a day.

3.  Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and Depression have a negative impact on our mental health. Black pepper could be a possible remedy for something like anxiety and depression, we have got you.

It is primarily believed that the phytocannabinoid-terpenoid effect projected by the black pepper is what helps ease the signs and symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Not just that, the active compound peperine in black pepper also tends to inhibit the function of an enzyme which often ends up disrupting the production and release of dopamine (feel-good hormone) (R) in the body.

4. Heals Asthma

Black pepper has beneficial effects on relieving asthma symptoms. A study on a group of subjects in Trinidad confirmed that black pepper eased the signs of asthma in the patients.

The reason is that bllack pepper clears out the respiratory tract, thus aiding in relieving one’s difficulty in breathing. Its exceptional expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties (R) play a huge role in its cure.

What To Do?

1. Increase the inclusion of black pepper in the diet.
2. Even the piperine in black pepper oil helps clear the respiratory tract, so inhale the scent of the black pepper essential oil to clear the air passages for easy breathing.

How Often?

If you are an asthmatic patient, keep a handkerchief sprayed with black pepper oil handy at all times.

5. Reduces Blood Pressure

The peperine in black pepper does the trick in this case. If you have been suffering from hypertension, black pepper can help. Multiple studies have claimed that the piperine in black pepper helps control blood pressure. Not only that but the presence of piperine is also connected with the bioavailability of curcumin, which is a bonus.

6. Aids Digestion

Black pepper also positively impacts gut health. It aids in the secretion of gastric acid and juices, which promotes proper digestion. Including black pepper in a meal helps break down the food, boosting digestion. Not only that, it also enhances pancreatic activity, which, in turn, benefits the entire process.

Black pepper helps relieve stomach gas and flatulence because of its carminative properties. Instead of gorging down on chili powder, switch to black pepper instead.

7. Cancer Prevention

Black pepper imposes protective qualities against several types of cancer. Its active compound, Piperine, has impactful effects on preventing cancer risks. While it doesn’t directly influence cancer prevention, it aids in enhancing the absorption of several vitamins and minerals, such as selenium, Curcumin, Vitamin B, etc., which have cancer-preventing properties.

Consumption of black pepper lowers the risk of developing colon or prostate cancer. It is also good for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and being administered docetaxel, as the consumption of black pepper boosts the effectiveness of this chemotherapy drug.

8. Prevents Ulcer

Black pepper helps prevent ulcers. It is primarily focused on Peptic ulcers, which are predominantly witnessed in the stomach because of several kinds of abrasions. Black pepper also helps prevent the development of ulcers in the GI tract because of enhanced acidic interactions.

The anti-inflammatory properties of black peppercorns also play a very crucial role in this regard.

9. Promotes Heart Health

There is enough evidence to prove the potency of black pepper in boosting one’s overall heart health.

Black pepper protects the heart by regulating cholesterol levels in the body. Preventing excessive cholesterol in the body helps reduce the risks of atherosclerosis and other forms of heart blockage. Not just that, the administration of piperine has also been found beneficial in helping the condition of hypertension (R) by regulating the blood pressure.

10. Fights Infections

Piperine has larvicidal properties and eradicates antigens in the body, thereby ensuring getting rid of them in the larval stage itself. The antibacterial properties of the black pepper are what help prevent the growth of infection-causing microbes in the body which ends up curing the infection right from the root.

11. Antioxidant Properties

The presence of black pepper in the bloodstream has amazing beneficial effects in imposing antioxidant properties on the body. It helps in battering down the presence of excess free radicals in the body which is beneficial in reducing the oxidative stress in the body.

Another study that assessed the antioxidant presence in various food products concluded that the black pepper is the one with the maximum amount of antioxidants in it. The antioxidant properties, paired with the high phenolic content, are an amazing remedy for the prevention of some of the most serious health ailments of cancer.

12. Promotes Brain Health

The effect of black pepper on brain health (R) correlates to its ability to shun the functions of several inhibitory enzymes which slows down the secretion of some of the pivotal hormones that are responsible for one’s overall brain health and cognitive abilities.

The consumption of black pepper prevents the growth of enzymes that disrupt the secretion of hormones like serotonin, melatonin as well as dopamine, all of which have a crucial role in the maintenance of one’s brain health.

Apart from that, black pepper also helps slow down the aging process of the brain (R) and improves the neural functioning of the brain as well. It is very essential in stroke patients as it helps in the protection of the nerve cells by preventing any form of apoptotic action in the area.

13. Improves Blood Circulation

Boosting Blood Circulation is one of the most common health benefits of black pepper that not all people are aware of. Even though there are limited resources and studies to go by, it is believed that black pepper has vasodilating properties which help in improving blood circulation (R) throughout the body.

14. Male Fertility

Black pepper is loaded with zinc and magnesium, two of the most essential components that are required for boosting the overall scenario of male fertility (R). The presence of these two compounds helps boost the production of testosterone and other male sex hormones that are crucial for the production of healthy sperm in an individual.

The zinc in the black pepper helps boost sperm production and also increases the mobility of the sperm.

15. Reduces Cravings for Smoking

If you have been trying to quit smoking only for the cravings to take over your feelings altogether, the black pepper vapor can be a lot beneficial in this prospect. The pungency of the vapor often helps curb smoking withdrawals, which are often very effective in helping people quit smoking for good.

Benefits of Black Pepper for Skin

The combination of beneficial vitamins and minerals, along with anti-oxidant properties, promotes skin repair and healing. Eating black pepper daily helps regulate sebum secretion and makes the skin appear fresher and rejuvenated from within.

The antioxidant properties help curb the tiredness of the face by fighting off all the excess free radicals from the body. This helps make the skin plump, softer, and moisturized with little to no traces of dryness. Overall, this helps in curing any kind of problem that one faces because of several underlying reasons.

16. Fights Wrinkles

One of the primary reasons behind the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as a part of the process of aging is because of the presence of excess free radicals in the body. These free radicals kill healthy cells and hasten the process of aging.

Black pepper’s antioxidant properties help fight off excess free radicals in the body, thereby helping prevent excess oxidative stress.

What To Do?

1. Increase the intake of black pepper as a part of the daily diet.
2. Alternatively, you can make a face pack using black pepper powder, turmeric, honey, and water and apply it to the face to tighten the skin and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

How Often?

Apply the face pack 2-3 times a week

17. Treats Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes people to lose pigmentation in certain parts of their bodies. This loss makes the skin appear white. While various treatments, preferably chemical ones, help treat the condition, they often negatively impact the skin.

18. Benefits of Black Pepper for Hair

Now, let us focus on the benefits of black pepper for hair.

19. Baldness

Black pepper strengthens the roots and rejuvenates the scalp and hair which helps prevent the signs and symptoms of baldness. It also strengthens the hair on the whole which helps prevent further hair loss which can often confer to signs of baldness in an individual.

What To Do?

1. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of black pepper powder and some lemon juice.
2. Make a paste and apply it to the scalp.
3. Let it dry for a few minutes, then wash it off completely, ensuring no remnants of the paste on the scalp.

How Often?

1-2 times in a week.

20. Prevents Grey Hair

Black Pepper has hair-darkening properties. It contains vitamin B6 and copper, which can help prevent graying and strengthen hair follicles. It takes some time, but the results are significant.

What To Do?

1. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of black pepper powder and some yogurt to make a smooth paste.
2. Apply this on the hair, from the root to the tips, ensuring it doesn’t come into contact with the eyes.
3. Leave it on briefly and wash it off with mild shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week

21. Treats Dandruff

Black pepper helps regulate the oil levels on the scalp which is the reason behind excessive dandruff on the scalp. The mixture of black pepper and yogurt is very effective in removing all the traces of dandruff.

What To Do?

1. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of black pepper powder and some yogurt to make a smooth paste.
2. Apply this on the hair, from the root to the tip, ensuring it doesn’t come in contact with the eyes.
3. Leave it on for a few minutes and wash it off.
4. Don’t shampoo the same day, and let everything seep into the scalp for better moisturization and rejuvenation.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Side Effects of Black Pepper

While there are not many plausible side effects of black pepper, a few of them include:

1. Redness in the Eyes:

Black peppers are pungent and hot. Hence, contact with black pepper can make eyes red and irritated.

2. Unfit for Pregnancy:

While permissible and low quantities of black pepper don’t negatively impact the body during pregnancy and breastfeeding, they can have negative impacts when taken in excess quantities. Limit the consumption during pregnancy because excess consumption can even result in miscarriages.

3. Burning in the Stomach:

Excessive black pepper can often cause a burning sensation in the stomach, disrupt digestion, and cause pain while defecating.

4. Possible Drug Interaction:

If you are prescribed and taking digoxin, cytochrome p450, it is best to avoid black pepper, as it tends to hinder the drug’s activity.

5. Skin Dryness:

Excess black pepper consumption often makes the skin dry. Although limited studies have been conducted on this, it is best to avoid it if you already have very dry skin.

How to Select Black Peppercorns?

While many people tend to buy the powdered version of black peppercorns directly, it is best to always opt for whole peppercorns and grind them fresh as needed.

The three things that one needs to ensure while buying peppercorns include:
1. Should be small and round in size and shape.
2. They should feel heavy.
3. Should be free of blemishes.

Conclusion

Black pepper has a wide range of health benefits and is a spice that must have a spot on your kitchen shelf. With so many reasons to try black pepper, make it a part of your daily diet. However, be mindful of the amount you use. This is your chance to make your dishes spicier and your body healthier with pepper.

Say hello to black pepper, and make your meals not only delicious but nutritious, too!

• Aug 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• Jan 2025
  Edited by Vaishnavi