FOOD TALK: BLACK PEPPER

Black pepper not only gives an excellent flavour to a dish but also provides numerous health benefits. It promotes weight loss, improves digestion, relieves cold, cough, and much more. Black pepper has warming stimulant that supports digestion, says Rayan Saleh, clinical dietician, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, Dubai.

‘It increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which helps in protein and other food digestion. The low-calorie content in it makes it a great food seasoning while decreasing the need to add other higher calorie or fatty flavourings.’ It’s hot and stimulating characteristics make it useful for treating a variety of cold and flu symptoms. ‘It is most appropriate for a cough with a thick mucus rather than for a dry, irritable cough with little expectoration.’ ‘Piperine, the main component of black pepper, is an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever agent.’ However, please consult a doctor before adding it to your diet.