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Maybe it has also happened to you that you were crushing your favorite Kampot pepper into food when suddenly you felt a tickling in your nose and an uncontrollable urge to sneeze. Hopefully, you managed to quickly turn your head away, otherwise the salad might have been seasoned with something that was never originally planned. Why does pepper make us sneeze? The answer is piperine.  Piperine is what makes pepper peppery Piperine could be described as the soul of peppercorns. This alkaloid is precisely what causes its pungent taste, contributes to its aroma, and is also the reason for the many health benefits that pepper brings. Alkaloids, that is nitrogen-containing organic compounds of plant origin, can irritate the nerve endings inside the nose. As soon as the alkaloid hits the mucous membrane, it begins producing a chemical called histamine. And it is histamine that causes muscle contraction, which results in sneezing. What happens to our body? The body tries in this way to expel the substance that is irritating the mucous membrane. Piperine is contained in all the colored varieties of pepper. However, its highest concentration is in black pepper. It is interesting that during sneezing we can also observe a very strong flash in the eyes. This is the body's reaction to the high pressure in the head during sneezing. This pressure can also affect the retina, which is sensitive to light. So next time you work with pepper, be prepared for the imminent danger of sneezing. And also be prepared that it will be accompanied either by the wish "to your health" or the phrase: "It's true." While the first custom has its roots in the Middle Ages, when people wished each other strong health during plague pandemics, in the second case people already in antiquity took sneezing as confirmation of the truth of the statement preceding the sneeze. The divination from sneezes, which was practiced in ancient Rome, fortunately, has been lost to history. We can reinterpret that prophecy in our own way, for example: It is true that Kampot pepper is the best in the world. :-) Are you interested in what piperine does in your body? Read another article about its health benefits.

Piperine, also known as Bioperine, is a substance found in every grain of black Kampot pepper. It is an alkaloid that can contribute to improving our bodily health thanks to its undeniable benefits. And it does so in many ways. Let's take a look at the five most common ones! 1. Nutrient Absorption Piperine has the special ability to help increase the body's capacity to absorb nutrients. This means that the body can handle the nutrients we consume much better and extract more from them. Examples include turmeric and the curcumin contained in it, as well as vitamins A and C, selenium, vitamin B6, beta-carotene, and others, which perform the same well-deserved function. 2. Faster Metabolism Increased nutrient absorption leads to improved metabolic processes in the body. Thanks to better thermogenesis, the body breaks down fat cells more easily. If a person consumes piperine for the purpose of losing weight and at the same time follows a proper nutritional plan, this substance can significantly assist in the correct course. 3. Production of Dopamine and Serotonin Piperine contributes to higher production of these two substances, which help overall mental well-being and thus improve mood. Don’t expect miracles, but it never hurts to make your day a little more pleasant with a bit of pepper. 4. Better Memory If you often forget things, piperine can help here too. Serotonin and so-called beta-endorphin play a significant role in memory abilities. Thanks to the higher presence of these chemicals in the body, our brain functions better and its memory is trained. Just don’t forget to have a bit of that pepper every now and then. :-) At the same time, piperine is capable of supporting other mental functions, such as attention and thinking ability. 5. Support of the Immune System Our immune system can have slow but also too fast responses. Piperine can bring the reaction time of lymphocytes to the right level and thus contribute to better health of our body. Moreover, it is also able to reduce stress, which also negatively affects health. Also keep in mind that neither Kampot pepper nor other exceptional and healthy ingredients are saviors of our diet or lifestyle. Although they bring many health benefits, in the case of real health problems it is always best to consult a doctor.

Perhaps you have also sometimes held a grain of Kampot pepper between your thumb and forefinger and wondered how it is possible that it contains such a huge amount of flavors compared to the regular pepper purchased in a store. The answer to this question lies in the content of piperine and other substances contained in the peppercorn. Not only piperine affects the taste of pepper The method of cultivating pepper in Kampot, the geographical conditions, and the processing method all influence the concentration of individual substances in the peppercorn, which give it its true flavor. The empty spiciness of store-bought pepper is replaced here by a warm and full taste accompanied by a whole range of other tones of citrus, conifers, exotic fruit, and more. Behind these nuances of aroma and taste stands not only piperine itself, which is even spicier than the well-known capsaicin found in chili peppers, but also other substances. Among them are germacene, limonene, pinene, and alpha-phellandrene. For example, germacene brings a strong spicy, warm, and sweet scent to the pepper. On the other hand, limonene brings freshness and those citrus tones. After this chemical analysis, it’s probably not hard to guess what pinene, which is also found in conifers, lends to the pepper. A dance of aromas and flavors The taste of pepper is simply a wild dance of various flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes that turn a small peppercorn into a ticking bomb packed with aromas and flavors just waiting to explode in your mouth and unfold in your nose.  Moreover, you can cleverly play with individual flavor tones by combining pepper with different kinds of herbs. For example, rosemary can highlight the pine tones in pepper. Conversely, coriander multiplies the citrus essence of pepper, and some berries can enhance the woody tones. In short, try experimenting a bit with Kampot Kampot pepper, and you will see that it will reward you with a whole range of unique flavor surprises. :-)

On one hand, pepper is nicknamed black gold, on the other hand, turmeric is also known as golden spice. Although it might seem that apart from their origin, these two spices have not much in common, in the East they form a powerful combination used both in cuisine and in medicine. A powerful healer with a problem There are several reasons. Like pepper, turmeric also has significant healing effects, thanks to a substance called curcumin, which acts as a strong antioxidant in the body, has anti-inflammatory effects, and destroys fungi. It is also known for its antibacterial properties, which allow it to be used both internally and externally, for example by applying it to various wounds. The problem with curcumin is that the human body cannot absorb it into the bloodstream as well as it could, and it excretes a significant part of it. Here we come to another substance called piperine. From the name, you probably guess that it is contained in pepper. Piperine is one of the reasons why pepper also brings many beneficial effects to our body. However, it has one more excellent property. When piperine meets curcumin Piperine is essentially a kind of ticket for curcumin to enter our bloodstream. According to some studies, it can amplify the effect of curcumin on our body by up to 2,000 percent. This means a much stronger effect of curcumin and a much more positive impact on our physical body. Experts have not yet agreed on what exactly causes this mutual symbiosis of the two substances. While some believe that piperine facilitates the passage of curcumin through the intestinal wall directly into the bloodstream, others lean more towards piperine's ability to slow down the breakdown of curcumin in the liver, which allows more of it to remain in the liver. Whatever the truth may be, it does not change the fact that consuming pepper and turmeric can help in treating various inflammatory conditions in your body or prevent their onset, care preventively for the digestive tract, and also treat arthritic conditions. Some studies even speak about prevention and treatment of cancer. However, always remember that in the case of any ailments, you should primarily consult your doctor and not rely solely on the power of natural substances.

Spring is slowly but surely knocking on the door, and along with it begins the period of general cleaning, which sweeps through all rooms from the basement to the chimney. However, spring is also a great opportunity to tidy up the purely personal temple that is our body. And why not use the power of pepper for that? Piperine arranges many things Pepper is one of the most widespread spices, but who would have thought that it can work magic in the intestines of our body in a far more interesting way than on our tongue. Peppercorns owe this mainly to their wrinkled skin, which contains a significant amount of a substance called piperine. It is this substance that is responsible for the sharp pungent taste of pepper and its characteristic aroma. After consuming pepper, piperine is released into the body, where it stimulates the mucous membranes but primarily functions as a strong antioxidant. It alleviates the effects of free radicals and prevents the negative impacts of oxidative stress. This stress affects cells in the human body and accelerates their aging, causing an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, which in the worst-case scenario can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, or stroke. How to supplement necessary vitamins and trace elements with pepper? By consuming piperine contained in pepper, you can cleanse your body and rid it of harmful substances. At the same time, you can also increase the amount of effective substances that your body will better absorb. Piperine significantly enhances our body's ability to absorb substances such as selenium, vitamins B and C, coenzyme Q10, beta-carotene, and others. Interestingly, pepper has been used for centuries by healers together with turmeric. It strengthens the effects of curcumin contained in turmeric — by up to a thousand percent. Curcumin boasts many beneficial effects on human health, but it is primarily a very strong antioxidant that can also drive pain out of your body. So if you decide to use pepper during your body's cleansing, don't forget to add a bit of turmeric as well. Keep in mind that these are beneficial health benefits of pepper, not medical effects. In case of real health problems, please consult your doctor.

Did you know that really high-quality pepper can be used for medical and cosmetic purposes not only internally but also externally? One of our customers, a respected doctor, even buys our red Kampot pepper by the kilogram and makes an ointment for rheumatism from it. Allegedly, our pepper contains as much piperine as no other. And it is precisely piperine that is a beneficial substance that helps with various ailments. 1. Pepper, for example, has the ability to effectively clear sinuses. Just add a little eucalyptus and liquid pepper, which is offered in some specialized health food stores, to boiling water. You will see that a blocked nose immediately clears up. 2. Sinus issues, as well as sore throats, can be fought by gargling with pepper. Boil it with a little salt in water, add a clove of garlic, and the elixir of immortality is ready. Afterwards, you just need to brace yourself and start gargling, which will bring relief because the solution acts as an antiseptic. 3. Gargling with pepper mixed with water can also alleviate toothache. You achieve this by adding pepper to hot water, letting it cool, and then rinsing your mouth. However, do not forget to visit your dentist afterwards to have the problematic tooth checked. 4. Pepper is also suitable to mix with oil in which it is macerated. This ointment can be used, for example, for headaches. Pepper should at least somewhat relieve the pain and induce a pleasant feeling. 5. A similar ointment works very well on sore muscles. Just mix pepper with rosemary or lavender oil and massage the affected area with it. The essential oils pleasantly relax and increase blood flow to the muscles, helping them regenerate faster. 6. Pepper can also serve as a pleasant peeling, through which you can get rid of acne or cellulite. Coarsely crush peppercorns and mix with water. Then apply to the face and other problematic areas and cleanse them. If you mix pepper with ghee, you can apply it to eczema, rashes, and other skin ailments. Do not forget that pepper can help but is not a guaranteed cure. In case of more serious complications, it is always better to talk to your doctor about your ailments and then apply any pepper treatment as a supplement to the treatment procedure recommended by them.