Here are the 8 health benefits of chili peppers that everyone should know about. Look :
And yet, this type of spray relieves migraines.
These sprays are based on capsaicin, the organic compound in chili peppers responsible for their pungent flavor.
However, capsaicin has an anesthetic effect on the trigeminal nerve of the brain.
It is in this part of the brain that certain types of migraines and severe headaches begin.
In one study, 7 out of 10 people felt complete relief from their migraines and headaches after using a capsaicin-based nasal spray ( source 1 ).
All the people questioned are formal …
Despite the tingling, the treatment is well worth it!
2. Increases life expectancy
Eating chili peppers regularly may well help you live longer.
How many chili peppers should you eat to increase your life expectancy?
According to a large study, it is enough to eat 1 red pepper per month, fresh or dried.
Researchers found that those who ate chili peppers monthly over 20 years reduced the risk of death by 13% ( source 2 ).
Some believe this is due to the high nutrient content of chili peppers, and their anti-inflammatory properties.
In another study, researchers also found that eating chili peppers helps fight obesity ( source 3 ).
3. Stop the runny nose
You keep sneezing, and you have a runny or stuffy nose?
This is what doctors call nonallergic rhinitis.
This condition is characterized by a constant runny nose, but it is not due to a cold, allergies, or cigarette smoke.
Again, just a splash of capsaicin spray in your nostrils, and you’re good to go.
According to the researchers, this is sufficient to relieve the symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis ( source 4 ).
Admittedly, in the beginning, it tingles!
In some people, it can even appear to make the situation worse.
But rest assured, in a very short time, capsaicin begins to do its magic.
In a very short time, your nose will stop running. And often the effect lasts for several months.
4. Boosts metabolism
Do you know that hot feeling in your body when you eat a hot pepper?
Well, know that it is more than just a feeling.
This is because the capsaicin in chili peppers increases how quickly the body heats up.
It also stimulates a sensitive neuron, the TRPV1.
The latter is used to prevent fat storage and also regulates your appetite ( source 5 ).
Therefore, this combined action increases the metabolism of the body, which could also help you lose weight ( source 6 ).
Researchers hope that one day they will be able to use the benefits of chili peppers on the metabolism to regulate weight gain.
5. Benefits of chili peppers for pain
Capsaicin triggers a feeling of heat.
Including at the level of sensory neurons, which allow your body to detect pain.
Except that with capsaicin, these neurons are wrong!
And instead of transmitting the message of pain, they transmit another message to the brain: ” It’s heating up! “. ( source 7 ).
It’s a little subterfuge that has been used for centuries to relieve pain naturally.
6. Benefits of chili peppers for arthritis
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in many warming creams, balms, and patches used for rapid pain relief.
In one study, capsaicin halved the pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia ( source 8 ).
And this is just a few weeks.
But, in other studies, the results are unfortunately less convincing.
For example, researchers believe that capsaicin only works best when combined with a pain-relieving drug.
In addition, capsaicin-based treatments must be renewed regularly.
7. Preserves food longer
Hot peppers have natural antibacterial properties.
Researchers have found that they can kill germs and bacteria.
Including microorganisms that spoil packaged and canned foods ( source 9 ).
So, manufacturers are now investigating the use of chili extracts as an alternative to artificial preservatives.
This would make it possible to have fewer preservatives in the products that we eat daily.
8. Contains lots of vitamins
Hot peppers have many nutritional benefits.
For example, they contain 3 times more vitamin C than oranges.
They are also rich in vitamins A, B, and E.
According to studies, capsaicin has antioxidant properties, to better protect cells.
In addition, they also help reduce inflammation ( source 10).
Side effects of chili peppers
- Capsaicin binds to sensory receptors on the tongue.
- The brain cools the body by sweating, salivating, and producing mucus.
- Sensory receptors in the esophagus trigger a burning sensation in the chest.
- Irritated, phrenic nerves can affect the lungs and cause hiccups.
- Pain and cramps occur in the stomach.
- The speed of bowel movement increases, causing diarrhea.
- There is a risk of anal pruritus (or itchy anus).
What to do when you eat too hot pepper
Eating too hot a pepper can be dangerous!
Especially if you’re not used to it.
When you breathe it in, chili peppers can even cause asthma attacks in some people.
First of all, avoid drinking water!
Instead, drink small sips of milk.
Or, eat ice cream or cottage cheese.
Why? Because water does not dissolve capsaicin, unlike fat in milk.
If you don’t have milk on hand, all is not lost!
Try to eat bread crumbs or some other starchy food.
If you get hot pepper on your skin or in your eyes, rinse the affected area thoroughly with warm water.
The different varieties of chili
Chili or pepper: know that these plants are the same.
Moreover, our Spanish neighbors call both “pimiento”.
The only thing that sets them apart?
You will surely have guessed it: it is capsaicin!
Peppers contain very little, if any, of them.
Opt for regional varieties. There is of course the famous Espelette pepper.
But there is also the Landes pepper, red and elongated, which surprises with its great sweetness.
If you are sensitive, avoid hot peppers, such as the famous “bird tongue” peppers.
How do you measure the hotness of peppers?
Did you know that there is a scale to measure the hotness of peppers?
It is called the Scoville scale.
This scale measures the level of capsaicin according to the amount of sugar water needed to neutralize the heat.
This scale ranges from 0 to 1,641,183 Scoville units.
For example, a bell pepper has a value from 0 to 100 Scoville units, paprika from 100 to 150.
The best score? This is the famous “Pepper X”.
With 3,180,000 units on the Scoville scale, it is the hottest pepper in the world!
Having trouble with hot peppers?
So a little advice: know that dried peppers are stronger than fresh peppers.
The thinner the stem, the hotter the pepper.
How to add spice to your recipes?
A touch of hot pepper enhances and complements any dish.
Keep some on hand in the freezer, finely chopped or sliced.
So you can easily add color and enhance the flavors of your favorite recipes.
For example, cut fresh chili peppers into pieces to enhance pizzas and pasta dishes.
For a smoother and more fragrant chili, consider removing the seeds.
To vary the taste, you can also grill or roast the peppers.
Always wear rubber gloves when handling hot peppers.
What are the dangers of chili peppers
Eating too much chili can also lead to health problems.
Which ones? Here is the list :
- stomach pain,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- burning sensations in the intestines.
Some children even ended up in the emergency room after eating too many spicy snacks.
Instead of buying snacks made with chilies, it is better to prepare your recipes.
So, you are in control of the dosage!
For example, you can sprinkle a little Espelette pepper on popcorn or sweet potato fries. Yum!
Conclusion
Capsaicin is the compound in peppers responsible for their pungent flavor.
Studies have shown that this prevents sinus infections.
Capsaicin also has anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps relieve stomach aches and metabolizes fat.
Here is a summary of the powerful benefits of capsaicin :
- Pain-relieving effect
- Prevents sinusitis
- Burns fat and facilitates weight loss
- Relieves intestinal diseases
- Protects the heart
- Reduces the risk of ulcers
- Preserves healthy bones
- Help to sleep
- Reduces inflammation
- Can warm the feet
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