Black pepper is the fruit of the black pepper plant from the Piperaceae family and is used as both, a spice and medicine. Since ancient times, black pepper is one of the most widely-traded spices in the world. Because of its antibacterial properties, pepper is used to preserve food. Black pepper is also a very good anti-inflammatory agent. Black pepper aids in weight loss, and treats sinus, asthma, and nasal congestion. It also reduces the risk of cancer, and heart and liver ailments. Antioxidants in pepper can prevent or repair the damage caused by the free radicals and help prevent many diseases. The chemical piperine, present in black pepper, causes the spiciness and found exhibiting antitumor activity for various types of cancer – breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. Consumption of pepper increases the hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach, thereby facilitating digestion. Proper digestion is essential to avoid diarrhea, constipation, and colic. The outer layer of black pepper assists in the breakdown of fat cells.  Therefore, peppery foods are a good way to help you shed weight naturally. According to researchers the piperine content of pepper can stimulate the skin to produce melanocytes pigment hence it helps to cure vitiligo, a skin disease that causes some areas of skin to lose its normal pigmentation and turn white. The antibacterial property of black pepper helps fight against infections and insect bites. Black pepper helps in transporting the benefits of other herbs to different parts of the body, thus maximizing the efficiency of the other foods we consume.