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Salt and pepper have one thing in common-they are the most popular spices added to meals. But one main thing separates the two-eating too much salt can pose health concerns whereas pepper only provides numerous health benefits.

Peppercorns are a common household spice which has been used for centuries. At one time peppercorns were even used as currency due its value. There are many different kinds of peppercorns: black, green, white, and pink though by far the most common is the black pepper.  Black pepper comes from the pepper plant which is a smooth vine which grows up to 33 feet. This plant bears small flowers when it is about 3 years old and these berries are called peppercorns. Ground peppercorns produce the spice called pepper. Black pepper is said to be a healing agent that can be used to treat an earache, liver problems, lung disease, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, tooth decay, and even sunburns. The healing component in pepper is called Piperine, which is an alkoid. Piperine helps induce the enzymes throughout the body which makes it easier for nutrients to enter into the bloodstream. It also helps the digestive tract by making it easier for your body to break down and digest food.  Black pepper stimulates the taste buds who send a message to the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid which speeds up digestion . Piperine also stimulates the brains production of endorphins which can fight depression and other mental disorders. Pepper can also treat stomach ulcers and fight certain cancers, specifically those of the colon.

Pepper is very simple to incorporate into your diet because it enhances almost any meal. Add fresh ground black pepper to home made salsas, pasta sauces, stews, meat dishes, and almost any other meal to give your taste buds and your health a boost.