Peppercorns are a good source of many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A. They are also rich in flavonoid polyphenolic anti-oxidants like carotenes,
cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lycopene. These compounds help the body remove harmful free radicals and help protect from cancers and diseases. Peppers have been used therapeutically in dentistry as an antiseptic for tooth-decay and gum swellings.Black peppers (Piper nigrum), Nutritional value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
| Vitamins | ||
| Choline | 11.3 mg | 2% |
| Folic acid | 10 mcg | 2.50% |
| Niacin | 1.142 mg | 7% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.340 mg | 26% |
| Riboflavin | 0.240 mg | 18% |
| Thiamin | 0.109 mg | 9% |
| Vitamin A | 299 IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 21 mg | 35% |
| Vitamin E-? | 4.56 mg | 30% |
| Vitamin K | 163.7 mcg | 136% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 44 mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 1259 mg | 27% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 437 mg | 44% |
| Copper | 1.127 mg | 122% |
| Iron | 28.86 mg | 360% |
| Magnesium | 194 mg | 48.50% |
| Manganese | 5.625 mg | 244.50% |
| Phosphorus | 173 mg | 25% |
| Zinc | 1.42 mg | 13% |
Cinnamon
It's one of the oldest known spices. The bark of the cinnamon tree is dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks, also called quills. Cinnamon can also be dried and ground into a powder.
The characteristic flavor and aroma of cinnamon comes from a compound in the essential oil of the bark called cinnamonaldehyde.
Cinnamon has long been used to cure indigestion and to stop bacterial growth. It was mixed with cloves and warm water to treat infections.
Recent research on cinnamon shows that it has positive effect on brain function and memory. Studies also show that cinnamon even helps prevent ulcers. And cure yeast infections.
Latest research shows that cinnamon helps reduce Blood sugar levels and increases natural production of insulin, and lowers blood cholesterol as well.
This is good news for the more than 50 million Americans who suffer from diabetes and/or heart disease. All the patients in the study showed better glucose metabolism and natural insulin production when they took cinnamon capsules that delivered less than two teaspoons a day of the spice.
Specifically, their blood cholesterol levels were lowered in the range of 10 to 26 percent, affecting overall cholesterol levels and reducing the LDL (known as the “bad” cholesterol) but not reducing levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol.
In addition, addressing elevated blood sugar levels and helping to combat insulin resistance it also helps you lose weight
So, go ahead and add a little spice to your meal. Adding a bit of spice to your life may actually help you increase your lifespan!
