When you add black pepper powder to green tea, this is what happens to your gut health

Many people prefer to sip green tea over milk chai. But did you know that the former, apart from aiding weight loss can also keep the gut healthy? Yes, that’s what Dr Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon, shared on Instagram, adding that all you need to do is add a dash of black pepper powder to the tea to improve its bioavailability for gut health. Is it true?

Why is black pepper powder good for you?

Black pepper, also called king of spices, is a staple kitchen ingredient with several health benefits. Pepper contains a compound called piperine, which helps improve the absorption of various nutrients and phytochemicals. It has antioxidant properties that help neutralise free radicals in the body. “It also reduces oxidative stress in the body, thus reducing risk of cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases,” said Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Dimple Jangda.

When pepper is added to other foods, it improves the absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It increases the bioavailability of nutrients, by inhibiting certain enzymes in the gut. Vitamins like A, C, B6, and minerals like selenium, iron, and calcium are better absorbed with the presence of piperine.

What about green tea?

Catechins found in green tea have various health benefits. It helps improve gut health, skin, brain health, and heart health and prevents weight gain. It has antioxidant activity and helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, said Dr Jangda.

So, is green tea-black pepper powder a good combination?

Dr Jangda said that the combination of green tea and pepper is excellent, as both contain bioactive compounds that offer complementary health benefits. “Catechins found in green tea have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They improve metabolism and this aids weight loss. Piperine improves nutrient absorption and improves the bioavailability of nutrients from various food groups,” said Dr Jangda.

Piperine also helps with respiratory health and reduces the incidence of bronchitis, cold, cough, sinus, fever, asthma, and such disorders. According to Dr Jangda, it improves cognitive health, memory power, brain health, concentration, and mood. “It also prevents age-related cognitive health issues and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Pepper also has anti-bacterial properties which help fight against certain bacteria, fungi, and parasites,” said Dr Jangda.

Should you add a pinch of black pepper powder? (Source: Freepik)

“Catechines and piperine both help improve blood sugar regulation, and insulin sensitivity, and thus reduce the risk of diabetes, and glucose spikes from the foods we consume. So you can add a pinch of black pepper to your green tea and consume post meals, to improve digestion, metabolism, weight loss and prevent glucose spikes and related disorders,” mentioned Dr Jangda.

 

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A post shared by Dr Karan Rajan (MRCS MBBS BSc) (@drkaranrajan)

However, Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, dept of gastroenterology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said that “there is not much information on the possible advantages of adding black pepper to green tea to increase its bioavailability for gut health”. “But, some research indicates that certain of the substances in pepper, such as piperine, might improve the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients. Catechins, which are found in green tea, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help gut health,” said Dr Jindal.

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