Benefits of black pepper lemon and honey…what is honey and black pepper good for?
Also known as black peppercorn, black pepper is a dried fruit used as seasoning and medicinal spices. Scientifically, it is called piper nigrum. Native to South Asia, this spice has been in existence for over centuries. Although not as popular as other varieties of tea, black pepper tea is deemed the king of spices. It is more than just a kitchen spice and is gradually becoming a home remedy consumed to boost health and wellbeing.
Black pepper is highly concentrated with potent, beneficial plant compounds. It is an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin K, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, dietary fiber, zinc, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous. It also contains piperine, an essential oil that can be used to ease aching muscles, inflammatory arthritis, digestive issues, among others.
In addition, it possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, immune-boosting, fever, cold and cough relief properties. It is also said that the pepper can be actively used in smoking cessation treatments. Spices and herbs like lemon, ginger, cinnamon or cloves can be added to it. However, this is dependent on the health benefits or taste you intend to achieve.
For the purpose of this article, the focus will be on the benefits of black pepper, lemon and honey. Continue reading to know more.
What are the Benefits of Black pepper, Lemon and Honey Combo?
Black pepper, lemon and honey can be made into tea- black pepper tea. These spices contain beneficial compounds which when made into a blend, becomes even more potent.
Here are some of the benefits of black pepper, lemon and honey:
Can Help Fight Cold and Cough Symptoms:
Black pepper, lemon and honey is an ancient remedy for cold and cough symptoms treatment. Black pepper contains essential nutrients like flavonoids, vitamin C, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties, which when combined with lemon and honey helps loosen the phlegm, and provides relief from cold, cough, sneezing, wheezing, and runny nose.
Can Aid Digestion:
Black pepper, lemon and honey can be used to improve digestion. The piperine in black pepper can aid digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes. This combo helps stimulate the secretion of stomach acid- hydrochloric acid which helps facilitate proper digestion. Consuming black pepper tea helps improve your digestive system and prevent constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence. It is also believed that black pepper tea contains carminative properties said to help relieve stomach gas.
Can Help Reduce Inflammation:
Regular consumption of black pepper, lemon and honey mixture can help reduce inflammation. Black pepper contains anti-inflammatory properties. This makes black pepper tea a potent drink effective in fighting inflammation in the body. It also helps alleviate symptoms of certain conditions such as swelling, aching myscles, and joint pain.
May Help Improve Heart Health:
Piperine in black pepper has been shown to help in increase vasodilation and blood circulation. Black pepper tea is a potent drink highly beneficial for cardiovascular health. Black pepper, lemon and honey tea can help improve heart health, as well as reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Can Help Lower Cholesterol levels:
Due to the high concentration of antioxidants, black pepper tea can help lower cholesterol levels in the body. Black pepper, lemon and honey mix can help decrease cholesterol levels, including bad cholesterol levels (HDL cholesterol). Additionally, piperine in black pepper is believed to increase the absorption of dietary supplements (such as turmeric and red yeast rice) with the potential of reducing cholesterol levels.
Can Help Boost the Immune System:
Black pepper, lemon and honey can help boost immunity. When consumed regularly, black pepper tea reduces your risk of having infections and diseases. This combo contains antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that helps fight infections and keep diseases at bay.
Helps in Losing Weight:
Regular consumption of black pepper is greatly beneficial in increasing bodys metabolism. This is a natural way to shed some weight, and helps burn down belly and fat. The phytonutrients in black pepper makes it easier for the body to process and get rid of the accumulated fat. Just a tablespoon of black pepper powder in water is enough to do the trick. Black peppers also contain a high amount of dietary fiber that acts as appetite suppressant- gives the feeling of satiety. Thus, contributing to weight loss.
Improves Skin Health:
The powerful antioxidant activities in black pepper can help prevent and repair the damage caused to the skin by free radicals. It can also protect the skin from wrinkles, premature ageing and age spots. Mixed with lemon and honey, black pepper tea helps improve blood circulation. And when applied on the skin, happens to be one of the best natural exfoliators that clears the skin dramatically. Black pepper is also known to help cure a skin condition known as vitiligo (a condition whereby the skin develops white patches due to loss of pigmentation).
Lowers Blood pressure:
Black pepper, lemon and honey can help decrease blood pressure levels. The presence of potassium in black pepper help regulate blood pressure levels. Regular consumption of black pepper tea by individuals with high blood pressure is safe and healthy.
Fight Cancer:
Piperine in black pepper is believed to contain anti-cancer properties. Reports have shown that the active compound- piperine in black pepper can help slow the replication of breast, colon, and prostate cancer cells. As well as induce cancer cell death. Additionally, black pepper tea can help increase absorption of nutrients (such as selenium, curcumin, vitamin B) vital for preventing cancer, especially prostate and colon cancer.
Improve Brain Function:
Piperine in black pepper have also shown to boost brain function. This, in turn, reduces cognitive impairment or damage. According to Healthline, black pepper tea has also been proven to improve symptoms of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimers disease.
Can Help Promote Gut Health:
Black pepper, lemon and honey may help promote gut health. Black pepper can help increase the good bacteria in your gut, as well as increase the absorption of nutrients (like vitamin B, selenium, curcumin, beta-carotene) vital for gut health.
Improve Dental Health
The anti-inflammatory properties in black pepper can help treat gum inflammations.
Help Manage Diabetes:
The antioxidant properties in black pepper can help control blood sugar levels. Also, black pepper oil can help improve blood glucose metabolism. This is done by stimulating the production of enzymes responsible for breaking down starch into glucose.
Rejuvenates the Hair:
To rejuvenate your hair; simply apply a mix of black pepper, lemon and honey to your hair scalp and hair. Leave for 15 minutes and then rinse with cold water. This will leave your hair feeling lustrous and soft. This mix also helps prevent hair breakage/loss and strengthens your hair roots.
How to Make Black pepper, Lemon and Honey tea
Ingredients:
👉1 teaspoon black pepper powder
👉1 teaspoon honey
👉A squeeze of lemon juice
👉3 cups of water
Directions:
In a pot or saucepan, add 3 cups of water. Allow to boil.
Once boiled, add a teaspoon of black pepper powder. And allow to simmer for about 5-10 minutes. The time is dependent on how strong you like your tea.
Turn off the heat, and strain mixture into a cup.
Squeeze in your lemon juice. And add a tea spoon of honey for taste.
Dosage:
Black pepper, lemon and honey tea is best consumed in the morning, on an empty stomach. Do not consume in large amounts.
Have you ever tried black pepper, lemon and honey remedy before? Did it help? Kindly share in the comment section below.
Stella-maris Achumba
This article is the intellectual property of www.nimedhealth.com.ng
