Did you know that hot chilli peppers have more Vitamin C than oranges? Health benefits of the popular spice
Eating a variety of healthful foods will ensure that you get different vitamins and minerals your body needs to keep you fit and healthy. The human body requires a long list of nutrients to help you live longer by preventing or reducing the risk of certain conditions, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, etc. Most nutrients have more than one function and, fortunately, you all are available from foods of major food groups. One of the safest and most effective nutrients is vitamin C, which supports your immune system and keeps the body functioning. This potent antioxidant nutrient is found in a number of fruits and vegetables - and the hot pepper is one such vitamin C-rich food linked to several health benefits.
Chili peppers contain more Vitamin C than oranges
In fact, hot peppers can offer some super-hot health benefits, ranging from stopping migraine pain and calming cold symptoms to extending your life. Turns out, the spice can give you more vitamin C than an orange. These fiery peppers beat oranges 3 to 1 in terms of the immune-boosting nutrient. It is said that a half cup of chopped or diced chili peppers can deliver 107.8 mg of vitamin C.
Health benefits of chili peppers
- Immune function: chili peppers are very high in vitamin C, which can help strengthen immunity and reduce your risk of chronic conditions, including heart disease. There’s also good evidence that vitamin C help with cold and flu symptoms and reduces the risk of developing further complications such as pneumonia and lung infections. Peppers also packed with vitamins A, B, E, and K, copper and potassium, etc. They also contain several plant compounds that have been linked to various health benefits. Capsaicin, which gives the spice its pungent (hot) taste, is one of the most studied antioxidant plant compounds in chili peppers.
- Weight loss: Some studies suggest that chili peppers may help with weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing the process of fat burning. For instance, one study involving 24 people showed that taking capsaicin before a meal led to reduced calorie intake, which is an important factor for weight loss.
- Arthritis: One study found that capsaicin reduced discomfort from arthritis and fibromyalgia by half in just a few weeks. However, some studies suggest that capsaicin may work best when coupled with another pain reliever. Capsaicin is being used as an ingredient in many creams, lotions, and patches.
- Cancer: Lab studies suggest that the spicy chemical could kill cells linked to more than 40 types of cancer - such as colon, liver, lung, pancreatic cancers, and leukemia. According to the researchers, capsaicin may even change how some genes linked with cancer cells act and prevent them from growing. However, more research is needed here as some studies link chilli consumption with an increased risk of cancer.
- Longevity: Taking chili peppers has been linked to a longer life expectancy. According to a large study, adults who consumed at least one fresh or dried hot red chili peppers a month for at least 20 years cut their risk of death by about 13 per cent. While researchers aren’t sure why, they believe the beneficial effects may be due to the nutrients in peppers and their ability to fight inflammation and other conditions like obesity and heart disease.
The bottom line is, chili peppers are a popular spice all over the world. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may help boost your immunity, speed up metabolism and fight inflammation. They are natural antimicrobials, which means they can kill germs and other microorganisms that can spoil foods. Using them as a spice in your diet may be a healthier option, while paying attention to your own tolerance levels.