Health Benefits Of Red Chili

Chilli is considered as one of the best spices used in Kitchen. Chillies are used in cooking, pickles and chutney. Red chillies are used as dried as well as powder both in vegetarian and no-vegetarian cooking. Due to its universal use,  it is known as “the Queen of Spices”.

Fight Inflammation :-

Red Chili has the ability to fight against inflammation. The anti-inflammatory substance, Capsaicin found in red chili inhibits neuropeptide related with inflammatory processes. The amount of capsaicin contained in each chili has same proportion to its level of hotness. As it fights inflammation, it is used to treat some disorders like arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy. Ointments or creams containing capsaicin are utilized to treat arthritic pain.

Boosts Immunity :-

Foods rich in vitamin C help to boost the immune system. Red chilies have immunity boosting vitamins like vitamin A, B and C; all of which help to protect against certain pathogens that is responsible for disease. Vitamin C helps to treat Colds and Flu and to ward off symptoms of influenza. Vitamin A, the anti-infection vitamin is necessary for healthy mucous membranes, which line the lungs, nasal passages, urinary tract and intestinal tract. Thus, it serves as the body’s first line of protection against attacking pathogens.

Cardiovascular Health :-

Red chili peppers have been shown to help decrease blood cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, as well as platelet aggregation. As well, it raises the body’s capability to dissolve fibrin, which is an essential substance for the formation of blood clots.

Weight Loss :-

After eating red chili peppers, all that heat you feel consumes a lot of energy and calories to generate, which means red chilies have a thermogenic (heat production) effect, same way as exercise does. As well, red chili peppers help to accelerate digestion and metabolism.

Cancer Protection :-

Capsaicin found in red chili peppers prevents the spreading of prostate cancer cells by a variety of mechanisms. Maybe, it works by inhibiting the expression of PSA (prostate specific antigen). Red chili peppers also help to prevent stomach ulcers by killing bacteria that you have ingested. As well, they stimulate the stomach lining cells to secrete defensive buffering juices.

Vitamins and Minerals :-

Chili peppers are rich in various vitamins and minerals.

However, since they are only eaten in small amounts, their contribution to the daily intake is very small.

1. Vitamin C: Chili peppers are very high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, important for wound healing and immune function.
2. Vitamin B6: A family of B-vitamins, some of which have important functions in energy metabolism.
3. Vitamin K1: Also known as phylloquinone, vitamin K1 is essential for blood clotting and healthy bones and kidneys.
4. Potassium: An essential dietary mineral that serves a variety of functions in the body. Adequate intake of potassium may reduce the risk of heart disease (4).
5. Copper: Often lacking in the Western diet, copper is an essential antioxidant trace element, important for strong bones and healthy neurons.
6. Vitamin A: Red chili peppers are high in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.

Antioxidants :-

Chilli pepper is abundant with antioxidants such as vitamin A, flavonoids, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, zea-xanthin, and cryptoxanthin.  All these antioxidants helps to fight against free radicals thereby save the body from many diseases. Vitamin A is good for healthy mucous membrane.

They Bring Out Flavor :-

From pastas to salads, a dash of red pepper can brighten the flavor of other ingredients in a number of different dishes without adding that spicy kick. In small doses, red pepper flakes don’t overwhelm your food with spiciness, they add a hint of smokiness and bring out the flavor of other ingredients. Take it from someone who shies away from spicy food: red pepper flakes are a great addition to nearly any dish!

They Ease Congestion :-

Adding red pepper flakes to your diet can help clear your congestion during cold and flu season and allergy season. That’s because the spicy heat found in the flakes helps clear the mucus stuffing up your nose and lungs.

They Prevent Stomach Ulcers :-

Do peppers create stomach ulcers? Hardly! In fact, it’s the opposite — red pepper flakes and other members of the pepper family contain a chemical known as capsaicin, which helps kill bacteria in the stomach and helps protect the stomach lining itself.

They’re Great for Diabetics :-

If you’re a diabetic, or just want to prevent diabetes, red pepper flakes are your friend. That’s because the flakes, and other chili peppers, can help reduce hyperinsulinemia, or high levels of insulin in the blood stream.