Introduction

Chillies are a member of the pepper family. Peppers are a great source of A, some of the B vitamins, C, vitamin E (a fat-soluble vitamin that is an antioxidant), K, beta-carotene, potassium, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

The active component of peppers is capsaicin and there are high levels of this in hot peppers. The hot pepper family includes chili, cayenne, and jalapeño.

Health Benefits

Peppers contain the antioxidant vitamins A and C, these help to prevent cell damage, cancer, and diseases related to aging, they are also known to support immune function. Inflammation like that found in arthritis and asthma can also be reduced by vitamins A and C.

Vitamin K helps strengthening of bones, proper blood clotting, and protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Capsaicin

This ingredient has been credited with higher endorphin levels and improving mood. It is also known for helping the body with pain control. It does this by first stimulating and then decreasing the intensity of pain signals in the body.

After peppers have been eaten it can be demonstrated that the body’s heat production and oxygen consumption are increased for about 20 minutes.

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Speed Metabolism and Weight Loss

You can speed your metabolism with chili because of how it affects your body.

Hot peppers can reduce your appetite by making you feel full faster by activating your digestion. A meal containing chili pepper reduces the amount of insulin required to lower the bodies blood sugar levels.

Capsaicin enhances circulation and raises body temperature by making blood vessels widen. This in turn leads to the bodies metabolism rising. This effect also reduces body fat accumulation.

Heart Health and Cholesterol

Contained in peppers are vitamins A and C, powerful antioxidants which help to wipe out free radicals that oxidize cholesterol and lead to heart disease.

Hot peppers act as a thinning agent by helping prevent blood clots. They do this by helping dissolve fibrin, an insoluble protein (necessary for blood clots to form) that can build up in blood vessels.

Bad cholesterol (LDL) will resist oxidation for a longer period of time when chili is added to the diet. Delaying this is a benefit as oxidation is a major risk for cardiovascular disease.

They help the blood vessels strengthen and become more elastic, thus they are able to better cope with blood pressure fluctuations.

Red peppers are a great choice for heart health because they are rich in lycopene. Green peppers contain soluble fiber which is effective at lowering cholesterol.

There is a higher risk of heart disease when your homocysteine levels are high, peppers contain folate and B6 which can lower these levels.

It should be noted that cultures who use consume a large amount of hot peppers have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke.

Help Prevent Cancer

It is believed that lycopene which is contained in red peppers can help prevent the following cancers: prostate; bladder; cervix; and pancreas. Beta-cryptoxanthin also found in red peppers is being investigated to help prevent lung cancer.

Studies performed on animals have shown that small doses of chili result in tumour shrinkage. The cause of cancer cell death appears to be coming about because capsaicin attacks the mitochondria (respiratory centers of cells).

Help Vision

Red peppers are loaded with beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin C. Beta-carotene is essential for night vision and along with vitamin C helps reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Lutein helps lower the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes.

Orange peppers contain zeaxanthin which is known to protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.

Anti-oxidant

Hot peppers contain beta-carotene, which works as an antioxidant that prevents or repairs the damage caused by free radicals.

Inflammation

Hot peppers possess anti-inflammatory properties and can potentially reduce arthritis, rheumatism, and headache pain.

Stomach Health

Capsaicin can help kill bacteria in the stomach such as H. pylori which can lead to ulcers. Not only this but the capsaicin also helps stimulate the muccosal cells to release mucous to coat the intestines with a protective layer.

Hot peppers also help eliminate excess gas in the stomach.

Lungs and Sinuses

If you want to clear out the nose and lungs mucus membranes then consuming hot peppers will help. You also get the added benefit of sweating out some of the toxins the body is eliminating. They can even help asthmatics breathe more easily.