Pepper Packet

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells. Some free radicals are created naturally — such as when you exercise and digest food.

However, excessive free radicals can be formed with exposure to things like pollution, cigarette smoke, and sun rays

Excess free radical damage may lead to major health problems. For example, it has been linked to inflammation, premature aging, heart disease, and certain cancers

Black pepper is rich in a plant compound called piperine, which test-tube studies have found to have potent antioxidant properties.

Studies suggest that a diet high in antioxidants may help prevent or delay the damaging effects of free radicals

Test-tube and rodent studies have observed that ground black pepper and piperine supplements may reduce free radical damage

For instance, rats fed a high-fat diet plus either black pepper or a concentrated black pepper extract had significantly fewer markers of free radical damage in their cells after 10 weeks compared to rats fed a high-fat diet alone