On the path of pursuing health and deliciousness, we constantly explore the mysteries of new ingredients. In recent years, Piper longum, an ingredient with both edible and medicinal properties originating from India, has quietly triggered a craze in the Japanese market. Today, let's take an in - depth look at this magical plant and find out why it has transformed from a kitchen spice to a "star" in the health field.
I. Piper Longum: A Mysterious Spice from India
Piper longum, with the scientific name Piper longum, is unfamiliar to most people. However, it is actually a member of the common spice family. In India, it grows in areas below 1,800 meters above sea level. Its slender, conical spike - shaped fruits are its characteristic feature. As a spice, Piper longum has an outstanding ability to remove odors and is especially suitable for adding a unique flavor to braised dishes. Moreover, compared with common black pepper, it is more expensive and has a faint chocolate and chili flavor. Long before the popularity of chili peppers, it was a high - end spice in Indian cuisine. Additionally, in the Ayurvedic medical system, Piper longum is regarded as a potent restorative herb, embodying ancient medical wisdom. Nowadays, its popularity in Japan is on the rise. From 2013 to 2018, the market size increased by 150 times. In 2021, Japanese companies launched functional foods with Piper longum extract as the main ingredient, mainly aiming to eliminate leg and facial swelling, which are highly favored by female consumers.
II. A Comprehensive Reveal of the Nutritional Components of Piper Longum
Piper longum can shine brightly in the health field, which is inseparable from its rich nutritional composition. It contains various natural compounds such as glycosides, eugenol, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Active ingredients like piperine, piperlonguminine, and quercetin endow it with powerful health - promoting effects. Research shows that piperine in the fruits of Piper longum is not only the source of its pungent taste but also has multiple physiological activities. Besides, Piper longum is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron, as well as piperoside, which has functions like enhancing immunity and anti - inflammation. These nutrients work in concert to lay a solid foundation for the health value of Piper longum.
III. A Comprehensive Analysis of the Health Benefits of Piper Longum
(I) A "Little Expert" in Regulating Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure
Blood sugar and blood pressure issues trouble numerous people, and Piper longum demonstrates excellent regulatory capabilities in this regard. A study on diabetic rats indicates that after diabetic rats are administered the water extract of Piper longum, their blood sugar levels decrease significantly. Meanwhile, the activities of liver and kidney function markers decline, suggesting a protective effect on liver and kidney damage with no toxic side - effects. In - depth research reveals that Piper longum can stimulate β - pancreatic cells to actively secrete insulin and reduce the decomposition of starch into glucose, thus effectively lowering blood sugar. In terms of blood pressure regulation, piperine in Piper longum also plays a crucial role. Human clinical trials show that the blood pressure of hypertensive patients has been notably improved after taking preparations containing piperine, an extract of Piper longum. Taisho Pharmaceutical acutely captured this characteristic of Piper longum and added its extract piperine to antihypertensive tablets and antihypertensive tea, bringing new options for hypertensive patients.
(II) A New "Weapon" to Assist in Weight Loss
In the "long - term battle" of weight loss, piperine in Piper longum, with its antioxidant and thermogenic properties, has become a powerful assistant for people. It can improve metabolism and inhibit the formation of body fat. A research team in South Korea once conducted an experiment. Mice were divided into a normal - diet group, a high - fat - diet group, and a high - fat - diet + piperine group. After a period of observation, it was found that the body weight and fat weight of the mice in the high - fat - diet + piperine group were significantly lower than those in the high - fat - diet group, and the effect on reducing visceral fat was more remarkable. This research result has brought new hope to weight - loss enthusiasts and also explains why many anti - cold and leg - slimming products on the Japanese market use Piper longum as the main raw material and are highly popular among female consumers.
(III) A "Winter Savior" for People with Fear of Cold
For those who suffer from fear of cold, Piper longum can be regarded as a "winter savior". A Japanese research team selected a group of female college students with chills for an experiment and had them take preparations containing Piper longum. The results showed that the skin surface temperature of the subjects increased significantly, and the symptoms of fear of cold were markedly alleviated. At the same time, Piper longum can also inhibit leg edema caused by long - term sitting. From a physiological mechanism perspective, Piper longum can promote blood circulation, enabling the body to generate and maintain heat more effectively, thus improving the condition of fear of cold. On the Japanese market, brands such as Maruman, pillbox, and MDC have successively launched anti - cold and leg - slimming products with Piper longum as the main ingredient, helping people stay warm and beautiful in the cold season.
(IV) A "Caring Guardian" for Women's Health
Piper longum has also achieved remarkable results in safeguarding women's health. Since ancient times, it has been used to regulate menstrual volume and relieve menstrual pain. Modern research has further uncovered the scientific principles behind this. An experiment on rats with polycystic ovary syndrome found that the ethanol extract of Piper longum can regulate the estrous cycle of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome induced by letrozole and restore it to normal. Moreover, piperlonguminine in Piper longum can also inhibit the formation of osteoclasts and prevent osteoporosis caused by ovariectomy. These research results have provided new ideas and methods for women's health management and have also made Piper longum highly regarded in the field of women's health.
(V) A "Guardian" of the Respiratory System
When facing respiratory diseases, Piper longum, with its anti - inflammatory properties, performs outstandingly in relieving coughs, colds, nasal congestion, and clearing phlegm in the respiratory tract. In traditional Indian medicine, Piper longum has often been used to treat diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. Modern medical research has also confirmed that the active ingredients in Piper longum can inhibit the inflammatory response in the respiratory tract, relieve cough symptoms, and promote the discharge of phlegm. During the cold - prevalent season, a cup of hot tea with Piper longum may help you relieve discomfort and enhance the resistance of the respiratory tract.
(VI) A "Good Helper" for the Digestive System
Piper longum also plays an important role in the digestive system. It has significant effects of expelling wind, aiding digestion, anti - flatulence, and anti - acid. It can reduce flatulence, abdominal distension, and constipation, prevent ulcers and gastritis, and promote nutrient absorption. When you experience problems such as indigestion and bloating due to irregular diet, foods or preparations containing Piper longum may bring you unexpected relief. Research shows that Piper longum can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, enhance the activity of digestive enzymes, help food digest and absorb better, and at the same time inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and maintain intestinal health.
IV. How to Skillfully Use Piper Longum in Life
(I) The Application of Piper Longum in Cooking
In cooking, Piper longum is an excellent choice for enhancing flavor. When stewing meat, adding a little Piper longum can not only remove the fishy smell of the meat but also add a unique aroma, making the stewed meat more delicious. When making curry, Piper longum is also one of the important spices. When combined with other spices, it can create a flavor with rich layers. In addition, Piper longum can also be used to make seasonings. Grind it into powder and mix it with salt, pepper, etc., and use it to spread on bread, roast meat, or sprinkle on salad, which can bring a different flavor to food.
(II) The Tea - Making Combinations of Piper Longum
Making tea by combining Piper longum with other ingredients is also a good way to enjoy its health benefits. For example, boiling Piper longum with ginger and brown sugar can not only warm the body but also help relieve stomach cold and menstrual pain. Combining Piper longum with green tea to make Piper longum green tea drink has certain anti - inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is suitable for daily consumption. The production method is also very simple. Take an appropriate amount of Piper longum, slice ginger, and put them together with green tea in a teapot, pour boiling water, and let it steep for 5 - 10 minutes before drinking.
V. Precautions for Consuming Piper Longum
Although Piper longum has many health benefits, there are also some precautions when consuming it. Piper longum is hot in nature and is contraindicated for people with excessive heat, fire, and yin - deficiency and fire - hyperactivity. Otherwise, it may exacerbate the internal heat symptoms. In addition, Piper longum contains chemical substances such as piperlonguminine and piperlotine, which can stimulate the oral and gastric mucosa, causing reactions such as dry mouth, abnormal taste, and diarrhea, and have a stimulating effect on the digestive system. Therefore, if consumed in excess or frequently, it may lead to indigestion or aggravate gastrointestinal diseases. In normal diet, Piper longum can be consumed in moderation to obtain its nutritional components. However, during the use process, it is necessary to pay attention to controlling the appropriate amount and frequency of consumption, as well as food combinations and cooking methods to maintain good health.
With the acceleration of the modern lifestyle, people are paying more and more attention to "diet therapy" for health preservation. Piper longum, such an ingredient with both edible and medicinal properties, can not only add deliciousness to the dining table but also bring many health benefits, which is undoubtedly an ideal choice. Whether you want to regulate your body or pursue a healthy lifestyle, you might as well add Piper longum to your daily diet and start a new lifestyle that combines deliciousness and health.
Copyright © Herbfields.net. No unauthorized reprinting or plagiarism.