A recent discovery presented by archeologists working in India has shown that the people who lived there in prehistoric times used peppercorns for seasoning. The Malabar region located in the southern part of India between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats is considered to be one of the best sources of black pepper. This pepper is the fruit of a flowering vine that belongs to the Piperaceae plant family. This fruit/berry is grown and dried before being used as a spice for seasoning.
After years of use, black pepper became recognized as the king of spices all over the globe. But what people have realized over the years is that black pepper is good not only when it comes to cooking, but also for healing certain illnesses.
In addition, the Ancient Egyptians used this pepper in the process of mummification. They have placed peppercorns on the nose of Ramesses II (in his mummy to be more precise). Even the founder of medicine, the Greek physician Hippocrates, used black pepper for healing purposes. During the Middle Ages, people often called this pepper – a black gold. These peppercorns were used in the trading process.
By including black pepper on your menu, you can support weight loss and maintain proper weight. This is a so-called thermogenic spice that can reduce fat, especially the one accumulating on your belly. The external layer of peppercorn speeds up the metabolism and leads to a reaction in the enzymes that can dissolve fat cells. This is how black pepper aids weight loss.
As we have mentioned before, black pepper has few other healing properties. For example, it has strong anti-depressant properties and leads to better mood. It is rich in antioxidants too. The following is a list of a few black pepper mixtures and combinations that can aid your weight loss plan. Using fresh raw black pepper will provide ultimate results.
1. Black Pepper Martini
If you are following some diet this doesn’t mean that you should eliminate cocktails from your menu. A Black Pepper Martini can support your efforts to lose weight. You should drink this cocktail once a week. Simply stir one ounce of gin, a quarter ounce of black peppercorn syrup, and half an ounce of dry vermouth. You can also add ice if needed.
2. Black Pepper And Lemon Juice Elixir
Many nutritionists have confirmed the positive effects of this elixir. They claim that adding black pepper to freshly squeezed lemon juice prevents the formation of fat cells and contributes to their breakdown. This activity will also help your body absorb all the nutrients faster and improve blood flow. In addition, you will feel more energetic. Squeeze juice out of half a lemon and pour it into 8 ounces of water. Use a small amount of ground black pepper. Drink this great elixir once a day after the main meal.
3. Bloody Mary
To avoid bringing more calories to your system, drink Skinny Girl Vodka. Take a tall glass used for cocktails and add some ice, one dash of salt, one ounce of vodka, and one dash of fresh ground black pepper. You can also add some Tabasco sauce and 4 ounces of Clamato juice to get that characteristic taste.
4. Black Pepper Tea
You can also add fresh ground black pepper to any tea you want. Of course, don’t use too much black pepper. You only need one teaspoon of black pepper in two cups of hot water. In addition, use a splash of fresh lemon and one tablespoon of organic clover to improve the taste. Stir for a minute and enjoy your tea.
One teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper comes with 0.6 grams of fiber, very small amounts of fat, 3.8 micrograms of vitamin K, and an amazingly low amount of calories – only six calories. The popular website dedicated to coffee and tea called Coffeetea.com recommends adding some black pepper to Masala Spice Tea. Some people enjoy ground pepper in beer.
In case you don’t find black pepper tasty when you use it in your tea, beer, cocktails, water, or other drinks, you can use some on top of your meals. There is another option for those who want to avoid spicing up their meals and drinks with black pepper – they can use black pepper supplements.
Remember that you should be careful with the amount of black pepper you use because if you add too much you can start sneezing. If you are overusing this spice, you can expect some side effects. Make sure to consult your doctor before using this spice for weight loss.
Via NDTV