Written by Sandhya Raghavan | Updated : March 28, 2017 2:00 PM IST
Pepper deserves more credit that it gets. Apart from its many digestive benefits and cancer fighting properties this humble seasoning ingredient also has a lot of brain benefits. Read to know more.
Parkinson's Disease: According to a study published in December 2012, piperine, the active ingredient in pepper helps stop an enzyme that breaks down dopamine, a neurotransmitter which is lacking in people with Parkinson’s disease. [1]
Alzheimer’s Disease: In yet another 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, it was found that including black pepper in the diet can help prevent this degenerative brain disease. [2]
Depression: If you are feeling down lately, your brain may be missing its happy chemical, serotonin. Studies have suggested the active ingredient piperine in pepper helps in the release of the feel-good chemical and makes your blues go away. [3]
Seizures: A study published in Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin in 2010 found out that piperine in black pepper can control the flow of calcium which causes nerve cells to release neurotransmitters. The research also showed that consumption of black pepper also helped in protecting nerve cells. [4]
Stroke: A study published in the Journal of American Geriatric Society revealed that inhalation of a black pepper and oil infusion activated the part of the human brain which controls swallowing function. The participants of the study were people affected by stroke whose swallowing ability was impaired due to the attack. [5]
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