Is It Healthy to Add Pepper to Food?

Pepper is undoubtedly one of the most fiery and bold spices. Whether it’s aromatic black pepper or spicy red, it is used in nearly every cuisine around the world. It’s especially popular among those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food and season their dishes generously.

While there are many varieties of this hot spice, two types are most common—red and black. These are the ones with the most distinctive aromas and are used most frequently.

There has long been debate over whether pepper is beneficial or harmful, with some questioning whether it’s safe to consume in large quantities or whether it should be avoided altogether. However, black pepper has been found to contain essential oils and vitamins E and C, making it beneficial in moderation.

Pepper is a powerful antioxidant and disinfectant, with anticarcinogenic and anticonvulsant properties.

Black Pepper
Surprisingly, black pepper is excellent for digestion. By enhancing the flavour of food, it stimulates the production of gastric juices, aiding the digestive process. This leads to faster and more efficient digestion of meals. Additionally, black pepper can help relieve constipation and, interestingly, even aid with haemorrhoids and gas.

For those on a diet, black pepper is particularly useful, as it reduces appetite and promotes the breakdown of fatty tissues.

That said, black pepper isn’t ideal for individuals with a sensitive gastric mucosa or those suffering from conditions like gastritis or ulcers.

Red Ground Pepper
Red pepper, also known as chilli, cayenne, or capsicum, varies in heat depending on the variety.

One interesting fact about red pepper is that it owes its vibrant colour to its high carotene content and is rich in vitamins A, B, and C. Red pepper supports the digestive system and has a mild laxative effect. Despite its heat, it is believed to have a positive impact on stomach ailments, sometimes even providing relief. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for its spiciness, is also used as a treatment for nerve-related conditions and as a pain reliever for arthritis and diabetic neuropathy.

Red pepper is also known to strengthen blood vessels, warm the blood, and cleanse the arteries of toxins. It helps reduce high blood pressure, making it beneficial for the circulatory system.

Externally, red pepper is often used as a warming compress for colds.

If you’re looking to shed a few pounds, adding a pinch of red pepper to kefir or strong black coffee is said to support weight loss.

Other Varieties of Pepper
While red and black pepper are the most common, there are many other types of pepper:

• White pepper is milder than the others but has a more pronounced aroma.
• Javanese pepper is very hot and spicy, with a greyish colour. Interestingly, alongside its heat, it also has a cooling effect.
• Green pepper is quite mild but the most aromatic of all varieties.
• There are numerous red pepper varieties, such as Mexican capsicum, paprika, Brazilian, and tabasco.

Allspice, or Jamaican pepper, is the dried unripe fruit of the evergreen tree Pimenta officinalis. These berries, initially blue-green and later brown when dried, have a spicy aroma and a flavour reminiscent of a mix of black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Allspice is commonly used in meat soups, marinades, sauces, and fish dishes.

Pink pepper, from the fruit of the Peruvian pepper tree, should be consumed with caution as it is toxic in large amounts.

Overall, while pepper, especially the hotter varieties, should be used carefully, the key to any seasoning is balance. The goal isn’t to make a dish overwhelmingly spicy, but to use pepper and other spices to enhance the flavour and aroma of your meal.