Your Cart is Empty
Seasonings like black pepper are commonly added to vegetables, meats, and other foods to add flavoring. Most people do not consume large amounts of any given seasoning, since they are eaten only alongside another food. That being said, some may wonder if seasonings like black pepper have any significant impact on their body’s pH levels.
Black pepper is a popular seasoning that comes from a dried fruit of the Piper nigrum tree (1). Pepper comes originally from India, and it is often used in cooking to add flavoring to a dish. However, black pepper is used in other home remedies, as well.
For example, mixing black pepper with water can be sprayed on mold to kill it. Mixed with coconut oil and eucalyptus, pepper can be applied to bug bites or rashes associated with poison ivy (2). Some people even mix black pepper with ginger juice and coconut oil to rub on joints to help with joint pain.
Despite only ingesting small doses at a time, black pepper can have both positive and negative health effects. It has antioxidants, for example, that “protect your cells and boost digestive health” (3). Specifically, pepper helps you digest fat and carbs by releasing enzymes in your intestines and pancreas (1). Pepper is also an anti-inflammatory, which can be positive for cellular damage, disease, and other forms of inflammation.
Many vitamins and minerals are found in black pepper, including Vitamins A, B, E, and K (1). Black pepper also contains copper, iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, and other minerals, all of which can be beneficial to your health.
While black pepper has many health benefits, it is not recommended for people who suffer from acid reflux, as black pepper can trigger symptoms (4).
Spices and herbs as a whole are considered alkaline, with the exception of salt, mustard, and nutmeg (5). Research suggests that eating a diet high in alkaline foods can preserve bone and muscle health and strengthen memory/alertness. Spices and seasonings are not eaten in amounts large enough to have a huge impact on your overall health, but it is helpful to keep in mind that they are alkaline.
Like most spices, black pepper is alkaline-forming, meaning it will have an alkalizing-effect on the body once consumed (6). Black pepper is not considered acidic, but it can cause acid reflux, so it is a good idea to limit your consumption if you are prone to acid reflux.
Because black pepper is not consumed in large amounts, adding it to your food will not have a significant effect on your body. That being said, there are other changes you can make to your diet to add more alkalinity. First, fruits and vegetables are high in alkalinity, and they are a safe and healthy choice to snack on. In addition to being alkaline, fruits and vegetables can also help maintain a healthy blood pressure and act as an anti-inflammatory. Nuts and seeds are loaded with good fats and fiber, and most types are protein-packed alkaline food. Adding alkaline foods to your diet will be beneficial to your overall health, on top of increasing your body’s alkalinity.
Another simple way to add more alkalinity to your diet is by substituting your regular drinking water for alkaline water. Alkaline water has a higher pH than normal water, and it can be made easily at home. Look for an independently lab-tested alkalizing water filter to add more alkalinity to your diet without changing all of your eating habits. Seychelle offers a 64 ounce alkalizing water pitcher that ensures your tap water will be clean and alkalized in minutes.
Black pepper is a seasoning that can both positively and negatively impact the body. It contains many vitamins and minerals, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and contains antioxidants that can help your cells. However, black pepper can lead to acid reflux. Like most seasonings, black pepper is considered alkaline and can have an alkalizing effect on the body.
What spices are alkaline?
Most spices are considered alkaline, excluding salt, nutmeg, and mustard.
Does black pepper irritate the gut?
Black pepper can be good for digestion, but it may also trigger acid reflux.
Is black pepper anti-inflammatory?
Yes. Black pepper is an anti-inflammatory.
References
Lizzy Streit,Healthline,https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-black-pepper-good-for-you
Kathleen Zelman,WebMD,https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-black-pepper
Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio,https://www.gastroconsa.com/12-foods-to-avoid-with-acid-reflux/#:~:text=Fatty%20or%20Fried%20Food:%20Foods,you%20suffer%20from%20acid%20reflux.
Kim Chin,Healthline,https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/acidic-foods#high-acid-food-and-drink
Susan Brown,Better Bones,https://betterbones.com/alkaline-balance/alkaline-forming-foods/
