Black pepper is derived from black peppercorns, which are the dried unripe berries from a woody vine called Piper nigrum. Black pepper contains oils, alkaloids and resins that have a variety of properties beneficial for health, particularly digestion. Although its properties and nutrient content are a welcome addition to most healthy diets, it is contraindicated for those with kidney disease. Further, black pepper contains oxalate, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Consult with a nutritionist about safe levels of black pepper consumption.
Black Pepper Properties
Black peppercorns have been used in India, Malaysia and other parts of Asia for many centuries as a spice, nutrient source and medicinal compound. They contain compounds called alkaloids, the most notable of which is piperine. Piperine simulates pancreatic enzymes that break down proteins, which enhances the digestive process. As such, black pepper can be helpful for constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating. According to “Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine” by David Hoffman, black pepper is also considered a diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, mild analgesic, antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and mild antidepressant.
Nutrients in Black Pepper
According to the “American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide,” black pepper is considered to be an excellent source of dietary fiber, iron and manganese, and a good source of magnesium, potassium, calcium and vitamin C. Further, it increases absorption of selenium, B vitamins and beta-carotene. Black pepper is very low in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, and contains no cholesterol. It contains up to 3.5 percent essential oil by weight and between 5 and 10 percent pungent acids.
Issues with Oxalate
Black pepper is also a source of oxalate, which is implicated in the formation of the most common type of kidney stone because it binds to calcium in the urine under certain circumstances. If you have a history of kidney stones or suspect that you currently have stones, limiting your black pepper consumption to under 1 tsp. per day is recommended, according to “The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs.” Other foods high in oxalate include spinach, parsley, celery, rhubarb, peanuts, soybeans, bran and chocolate.
Kidney Disease
Although black pepper contains many beneficial nutrients and compounds, and it displays properties that may seem beneficial for kidney problems such as diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities, it is generally contraindicated for use with kidney disease. According to the “Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine,” because of the stimulating affect of its oil, black pepper may worsen the symptoms of severe kidney disease. Other oils considered “nephrotoxic” or harmful to a diseased kidney can be found in Indian dill, juniper and parsley seed. Depending on the type of kidney disease, natural diuretics such as black pepper may be beneficial or harmful, so consult with your doctor and get clarification.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine”; David Hoffman; 2003
- “American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide: 3rd Edition”; Roberta Larson Duyff; 2006
- “The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs”; K.P.S. Khalsa; 2009
- “Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine”; M. Murray and J. Pizzorno; 2008
