Research from 2013 suggests black pepper may help boost nutrient absorption, as well as display prebiotic-like behavior, helping regulate intestinal microbiota and enhance gastrointestinal health.

Per the USDA, 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of black pepper has: Calories: 6 Carbohydrates: 1.5 g Dietary Fiber: 0.6 g Total Sugar: 0 g Added Sugar: 0 g Protein: 0.2 g Total Fat: 0 g Saturated Fat: 0 g ...

Whisk in onion powder, if using, and arrowroot (tapioca flour) mixed in with two teaspoons chilled water. Whisk for a further minute for the sauce to thicken. Serve over steak, roasted chicken or ...

In my recipes, when I say to “season,” I mean with kosher salt. Or, in some instances, with paprika, garlic powder, onion, powder or something along those lines — not black pepper.

But the research to date doesn’t support this. “Whether the amounts of black pepper used for culinary purposes have any health benefits—I think that’s unknown,” Singletary says.