Red Chilli Benefits And Side Effects: Red Chilli gives special taste to the food but it is also especially healthy for the body and mind.
If you are a fan of spicy food, you will always gravitate towards Mexican or Indian cuisine. But do you know what makes these dishes so spicy? The answer is red chillies! The hot and spicy red chili pepper is one of the most commonly used spices and condiments in Indian and Mexican cuisine. Cayenne pepper is highly valued for its pungency and flavor in various cuisines around the world.
Red Chilli is believed to have originated in Mexico and is now grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the United States, India, Japan, Turkey and African countries. About 90% of chillies are produced in Asian countries.
The scientific name of Red Chilli is Capsicum annuum and it belongs to the Solanaceae family. Cayenne pepper is a great source of vitamins, flavonoids, phenolics, carotenoids and alkaloids, which play important roles in human health.
Nutritional Value of Red chilli:
Cayenne pepper is a rich source of various vitamins, minerals and proteins (amino acids) essential for human health. They also contain essential phytochemicals such as alkaloids (capsaicin), flavonoids and phenolics which are important antioxidants.
Red chilli Nutrients value per 100 grams
Carbohydrate: 8.81 g
Protein: 1.87 g
Fibre: 1.5 g
Fats: 0.44 g
Sugar: 5.3 g
Sodium: 9 mg
Potassium: 322 mg
Possible uses of red chilli:
Red chili is used as a spice and condiment. It is one of the most important plants used in different countries and old civilizations for the management of various ailments since a long time.
Health benefits of Red Chilli :
Cayenne Pepper Builds a Strong Immune System:
It is true, cayenne pepper strengthens the immune system. Fresh peppers contain three times more vitamin C than citrus fruits. The fruit thus strengthens the immune system, and it will protect against infection.
Red Chilli has antibacterial properties:
Pathogens such as bacteria or fungi are being defended. Cayenne pepper also improves the storage and sanitary conditions of food. That’s why food mixed with red chili lasts longer.
Chilli prevents gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea.
Eating spicy food kills the bacteria already present in the stomach. In addition, more gastric juice is produced. Foods that are difficult to digest, such as greasy pizza with lots of cheese, are thus broken down more efficiently and effectively. Also, acid and digestive juices have an antibacterial effect, preventing harmful microorganisms from reaching the intestines.
Chili stimulates blood circulation:
Capsaicin stimulates blood circulation and heats the body from within. Tip: helps against cold feet. Chilli has an expectorant effect on colds, as the fruit affects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. When the nose is free, it is easier to exhale.
Ointments or oils containing chili promote blood circulation. They help with joint and muscle pain, strains, strains, skin irritations, and rheumatism. Hence cayenne is an essential ingredient of heat patches.
Red Chilli is rich in vitamins:
Fresh chilies contain vitamins B1 and B6 and the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.
Chilli cleans teeth and mouth:
When spicy food is consumed, the flow of saliva is stimulated. The increased salivary flow cleans the teeth and mouth from food residues more effectively.
Burn Fat Cells with Red Chilli:
Chillies are said to help prevent excess weight. Capsaicin accelerates metabolism, increases energy turnover, and reduces the formation of fat cells. The cayenne pepper spice is also said to reduce appetite and increase calorie consumption.
Side Effects of Red Chili :
Disadvantages of Eating Red Chili: Large amounts of red chili can cause irritation or digestive problems on sensitive stomachs. People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome should also minimize the use of hot spices. Please keep small children away from spicy food too.
Capsaicin provides the spiciness in chilies. If you consume an excessive amount of chili, the substance can be dangerous. When consumed in excess, the body releases endorphins through pungency.
- Skin injury: Initial skin contact with cayenne pepper can cause severe skin irritation.
- Stomach upset: Consuming cayenne pepper in excess over a long period of time can cause stomach upset.
- Eye injury: Initial contact with the eyes may cause involuntary reflex closure of the eyelids.
- Nasal injury: Inhaling cayenne pepper powder can cause immediate swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
- Excessive injury: Cayenne pepper may contain aflatoxin (carcinogen). Aflatoxin contamination can occur due to poor cultivation, harvesting and post-harvest practices which can lead to undesirable effects on health.
Precautions:
NOTE: Red Chilli is safe to consume in moderation. However, due to side effects and drug interactions the usual precautions should be followed.
- People taking blood pressure medications should avoid cayenne pepper as their constituents may interact with these medications, resulting in decreased effectiveness of the drug.
- There are no large reports suggesting the safe use of cayenne pepper for pregnant and lactating women. Therefore, you should consult a physician before taking it as an herb as it contains some toxins that can affect your health.
- People should be extra careful when giving cayenne pepper to young children and older adults because cayenne pepper has side effects that can cause stomach upset in children and older people.
- People should not use cayenne pepper for self-medication. Doctor’s consultation is important to avoid further complications.
- Cayenne pepper can cause life-threatening poisoning. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risks associated with this herb and to make yourself aware of this unusual presentation of cayenne pepper affecting your health.