Black pepper, the dried fruit of the piper nigrum vine, is one of the most used spices on the planet.

Long regarded the “king of spices” it has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years for its concentration of very powerful, health-giving plant compounds many of which act in synergy with polyphenols and phytonutrients from other plant-based ingredients to improve efficacy.

An example of this is the effect that piperine, a compound found in black pepper, has on the bioavailability of curcumin found in Turmeric increasing this by 2000%. (1)

10 Evidence Based Reasons to Include Black Pepper in Your Dog’s Diet:

1. May Help Prevent Free Radical Damage to Cells – contains the potent antioxidant piperine which research shows scavenges excess harmful free radicals. (1, 2)
2. May Support a Reduction in Unhealthy Inflammation – piperine has powerful anti-inflammatory effects which may benefit sufferers of joint pain, arthritis, gut issues and more. (3, 4, 5, 6, 9)
3. May Support Improved Brain Function – studies have shown that piperine demonstrates potential benefits for symptoms related to degenerative brain conditions. (7, 8, 9)
4. May Improve Blood Sugar Control – research shows that piperine reduces spike in blood sugar levels which can lead to significant health issues including diabetes. (10, 11, 12, 13)
5. May Lower Triglyceride and Cholesterol Levels and Support Heart Health – studies show that pepper’s active compounds, including piperine, reduced levels which may be cardioprotective. (14, 15, 16, 17)
6. May Have Cancer Fighting Properties – test tube studies found that piperine slowed the replication of cancer cells and induced cancer cell death. (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
7. Boosts the Absorption of Essential Nutrients – research indicates it may increase the absorption of essential nutrients like iron, calcium and selenium, as well some beneficial plant compounds, such as β-carotene and curcumin in turmeric. (23, 24, 25, 26)
8. May Promote Gut Health – research suggests that black pepper may have prebiotic effect and increase the good bacteria in the gut. (27, 28)
9. May Offer Pain Relief – studies in animals suggest that the piperine in black pepper may be a natural pain reliever. (29, 30, 31)
10. May Support Weight Management – research has shown piperine to help reduce weight and fat percentages. (32, 33)