Beware of the Side Effects of Consuming Too Much Black Pepper
Black pepper is a spice that is often used in various dishes throughout the world. Apart from providing a distinctive spicy taste, black pepper also has health benefits such as helping digestion, increasing metabolism, and being rich in antioxidants. However, consuming excessive amounts of black pepper can cause several side effects that need to be taken into account.
Black pepper grows in India and other tropical countries of Asia. Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices in the world. Black pepper and white pepper both come from the same plant species. However, both are processed differently. Black pepper is made by cooking dried raw fruit. White pepper is made by cooking and drying mature seeds.
People consume black pepper to treat arthritis, asthma, stomach ache, bronchitis, bacterial infections that cause diarrhea (cholera), colic, depression, diarrhea, gas, headaches, sex drive, menstrual pain, nasal congestion, sinus infections, dizziness, changes in skin color (vitiligo), weight loss, and cancer.
People apply black pepper to the skin to treat measles, nerve pain, itchy skin caused by mites (scabies), and to treat pain.
People inhale black pepper oil to prevent falls, help quit smoking, and overcome swallowing difficulties.
In food, black pepper and black pepper oil are used as spices.
Negative Impact of Excessive Consumption of Black Pepper Powder
Following are some of the negative impacts of excessive consumption of black pepper powder:
- Digestive Disorders
Although black pepper is known to help digestion, consuming too much of it can actually cause irritation to the digestive system. Symptoms that may appear include stomach ache, diarrhea, flatulence, and heartburn. This is caused by the spicy and sharp nature of pepper which can stimulate excessive stomach acid production.
- Irritation to the Skin
Direct contact with black pepper, either through excessive consumption or skin contact, can cause irritation. The active substance in black pepper, namely piperine, can trigger allergic reactions in some sensitive people, causing itching or skin rashes.
- Respiratory Disorders
Inhaling black pepper powder or consuming large amounts of it can trigger coughing, sneezing or shortness of breath. This is because black pepper has irritant properties that can affect the respiratory tract, especially for those with respiratory problems such as asthma.
- Interaction with Drugs
Excessive consumption of black pepper can also affect drug absorption in the body. The piperine in black pepper is known to increase the absorption of certain medications, which in some cases can cause medication doses to be too high. This can be dangerous if you are undergoing treatment with certain medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners).
- Effect on Blood Pressure
Although black pepper has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties, excessive consumption can affect blood pressure. Some studies show that black pepper can trigger an increase in blood pressure in certain individuals, especially if consumed in very large quantities.
- Mouth and Throat Problems
Due to its spicy and hot taste, excessive consumption of black pepper powder can cause irritation to the mouth and throat. This can cause a burning sensation, dryness in the throat, or even inflammation.
Conclusion
Black pepper has various health benefits if consumed in reasonable amounts. However, it is important to pay attention to the correct dosage so as not to cause adverse side effects. Excessive consumption of black pepper can cause digestive problems, skin irritation, respiratory problems, and has the potential to affect drug absorption and blood pressure. If you have a health condition or are on medication, consult a doctor before adding large amounts of black pepper to your diet.