The Wonder of Pepper

A new research study published by Korean scientists in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that plain old black pepper may help block the formation of new fat cells in your body. Piperine, a major component of black pepper and the ingredient that gives this spice its pungent taste, may actually help in the battle against weight gain by fighting off new fat cells.

Black pepper, and the black pepper plant itself, have been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to help treat pain, inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and other medical problems.

Previous research has revealed that piperine lowers the levels of fat in the bloodstream and may have other positive health benefits as well. Today's scientists, however, haven’t known much about how piperine works at the cellular level--this new study has revealed more about pepper’s apparent fat-deterring properties.

The researchers found that both piperine and an extract of black pepper strongly inhibited the growth of a particular type of fat cell in the body, without being at all toxic to other cells. Analysis of piperine’s genome demonstrated that this component of pepper can help to regulate, in a weight-friendly way, the genes linked to fat metabolism.
In summary, the researchers have deduced from their work that piperine might be helping to slow the growth of new fat cells by guiding genetic activity in a positive direction. Further discoveries might possibly lead to a new treatment for obesity or related disorders.

Takeaways

• Although more research is needed, if you like pepper and you’re not allergic to it and don’t have any reason for staying away from it, include it in your diet regularly, since it might have health benefits.
• More pepper and less salt might also help tilt your diet’s balance in your favor, in terms of lowering sodium and perhaps helping with your fat-busting efforts.
• Keep in mind (once again) that no magical dietary ingredient exists on this green earth, and that being more liberal with pepper is not going to replace the benefits of a balanced diet full of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a sensible program of exercise.