1. high in antioxidants

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, and sun rays (3trusted source).

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 (4trusted source, 5trusted source, 6trusted source).

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 (1trusted source, 7trusted source).

2. has anti-inflammatory properties

chronic inflammation may be an underlying factor in many conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (10trusted source, 11trusted source).

many laboratory studies suggest that piperine — the main active compound in black pepper — may effectively fight inflammation (12trusted source).

for example, in studies in rats with arthritis, treatment with piperine resulted in less joint swelling and fewer blood markers of inflammation (13trusted source, 14trusted source).

in mouse studies, piperine suppressed inflammation in the airways caused by asthma and seasonal allergies (15trusted source, 16trusted source)

however, the anti-inflammatory effects of black pepper and piperine have not yet been studied extensively in people.

1. high in antioxidants

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, and sun rays (3trusted source).

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 (4trusted source, 5trusted source, 6trusted source).

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 (1trusted source, 7trusted source).

2. has anti-inflammatory properties

chronic inflammation may be an underlying factor in many conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (10trusted source, 11trusted source).

many laboratory studies suggest that piperine — the main active compound in black pepper — may effectively fight inflammation (12trusted source).

for example, in studies in rats with arthritis, treatment with piperine resulted in less joint swelling and fewer blood markers of inflammation (13trusted source, 14trusted source).

in mouse studies, piperine suppressed inflammation in the airways caused by asthma and seasonal allergies (15trusted source, 16trusted source)

however, the anti-inflammatory effects of black pepper and piperine have not yet been studied extensively in people.