SUPER FOOD

Black Pepper Black Pepper

By Christian Dischler

It’s in every pantry. It’s on every fried egg. It occupies every dinner table. And yet, it’s one of the most under-appreciated super foods around. How has black pepper gone from the king of spices, to the king of things we take for granted? Well, it’s easy to lose sight of something beneficial when it’s always available. Similar to how we can overlook the value of clean oxygen, black pepper’s abundance and versatility has made it as invisible as the air we breathe. Luckily, this ancient commodity isn’t emotional about being overlooked in the age of holistic health. But it’s still important that we explore the benefits it provides, and understand how to best utilize them.

Black pepper’s main active component is “piperine”, a bio-active alkaloid found in most pepper species. Piperine is what’s responsible for the benefits black pepper contains. Such as being high in antioxidants and having anti-inflammatory and digestive aid properties. In addition, piperine has been linked with the reduction of cancer-causing cells. So how does piperine work, and what’s the best way to take advantage of it?

Our bodies are constantly defending against free-radicals, which damage our cells, protein and DNA. Piperine has been linked to being a free-radical fighter. According to studies referenced in the National Institute of Health, subjects who were given ground black pepper and piperine supplements experienced a significant decrease in free-radicals. The compound seeks out these damaging molecules and eliminates them, offering us reductions in inflammation and even preventing potential tumor growth. This powerful peppercorn also contributes in aiding respiratory problems, such as asthma, by reducing the swelling of airways.

Since black pepper is naturally high in antioxidants, it serves a prominent role in the fight against cancer and chronic inflammation. But while it attacks the bad cells in our bodies, it also helps support the good. Black pepper encourages hydrochloric acid production, which helps us digest food efficiently, and maximize nutritional value. It’s also been found to be a conductor for other nutrients that our bodies absorb. The most popular has been the discovery connecting the benefits of turmeric to the activation properties of black pepper. The two spices are a perfect marriage, and just one example of how piperine helps facilitate nutrient absorption throughout the body.

Black pepper’s versatility isn’t limited to the number of foods it can improve. The benefits it provides are helpful across the entirety of our chemistry and bodily make-up. It’s an unassuming super food that often gets overlooked. Which is okay as long as we keep sprinkling some on our eggs, and a little bit on everything else that needs a pungent kick.

Since black pepper is naturally high in antioxidants, it serves a prominent role in the fight against cancer and chronic inflammation.

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executive publishers Hal G. Fox & Suzanne Polk Fox managing editor Suzanne Polk Fox copy editor Christian Dischler contributing writers Kai Bragg Leigh Burgess Patricia Danflous Jennifer Dean Christian Dischler Dr. Aaron Dutruch Mary Dwyer Rebecca Faye Elizabeth Fox Nellie Palmer Dr. Kristie Persons Kristy Podruchny J. L. Thompson James Troy creative team

production & design Suzanne Fox Claire Thomas

The information contained in Inspire Health is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Inspire Health for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Inspire Health, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Inspire Health and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Inspire Health. Readers should not use the information in Inspire Health for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem. V5

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Strength. Conviction. Purpose.

I cannot think of three stronger words to describe the person I want to be. Do I have the strength to rise to the top when the chips are down? Do I have the conviction to keep going? Is my purpose for the right reason? Most of the people we feature have those qualities. That’s what sets them apart.

It’s not easy.

Here’s my thought. If you find yourself “out of control” with your health and daily activities, start working on these three things and you are bound for greatness and success.

Things start to fall apart when you stop caring. You let go of your health, weight, home and family. I’m not saying you have to be 110 percent all the time, but if you can’t maintain your strength, then at least maintain your conviction and purpose. Or, make this a goal to get better every day. If every day we are a little better than yesterday, I can imagine it leading to a lifetime of change.

Here’s where to start.

Start with your diet. Eat a little better today than you did yesterday. Add some activity. Walk a little more today than you did yesterday.

Create a goal. Goals lead to purpose, which leads to conviction, which leads to strength.

No matter how small you start, it’s a start.

Don’t forget to reward yourself daily with affirmations of joy and love.

Live every day with purpose.

Suzanne Fox