The health benefits of hot peppers are well-documented, and their popularity in various forms of cuisine is increasing rapidly. The chemical responsible for both the heat and the health benefits is called capsaicin.
Before the invention of refrigeration, adding spicy elements to food was a common practice in warm climates to prevent spoilage. Capsaicin, found in spicy ingredients, has anti-microbial properties that can hinder up to 75% of bacteria growth. Cultures that relied on spices for survival passed down their spicy recipes to future generations, resulting in a preference for flavorful and spicy food.
Even with the modern practice of refrigerating food, adding hot peppers, hot sauces, and hot powders can still protect us from food poisoning. For optimal health benefits, consuming the spiciest pepper available would enhance these effects.
What is Capsaicin?
Let’s start by understanding capsaicin, which is a chemical compound found in peppers that gives them their heat. It is present in the oil of the pepper or seed and is responsible for the burning sensation that lingers on your tongue. Interestingly, capsaicin is also used in medical creams and patches to relieve pain from conditions such as muscle sprains, strains, migraines, and arthritis. Find more interesting facts about different species of spicy peppers on holisticwow.com.
Benefits of Spicy Peppers for the Digestive Tract
It may seem counterintuitive, but peppers containing capsaicin can actually act as an anti-irritant. While people with ulcers have been advised to avoid spicy foods, research has shown that peppers can actually be beneficial for ulcers. Pepper powder contains trace amounts of antioxidants and other helpful chemicals that aid in digestion, reduce intestinal gas, heal upset stomachs, cure diarrhea, and act as a natural remedy for cramps. This is achieved by decreasing the acidity in the digestive tract that causes ulcers, as well as by stimulating the production of saliva and gastric juices to aid in digestion.
Spicy Peppers Promote a Healthy Heart
Consuming hot peppers or spicy food can have a positive impact on your heart’s health by aiding the circulatory system. It reduces lipid deposits and lowers blood serum cholesterol, thereby preventing heart disease and reversing excessive blood clotting. The capsaicin in chili peppers fights off inflammation, which is a known factor for heart issues, and reduces the damaging effects of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as bad cholesterol. Capsaicin also clears away artery-narrowing lipid deposits, which, in turn, increases the size of arteries and blood vessels, promoting better blood flow. Your heart will thank you for this!
With Spicy Peppers, You Can Mitigate Migraines
Have you experienced pain that occupied your entire attention until you encountered another, more severe pain? It’s like the initial pain vanishes as your mind shifts focus to the new one. This effect is similar to what occurs when you eat hot peppers to alleviate a migraine. The peppers desensitize your body to the migraine, reducing the overall sensation of pain.
Relieve Joint Pain by Consuming Spicy Peppers
Peppers contain capsaicin, which has powerful pain-relieving properties. When applied to the skin, it can reduce the chemical P, which carries pain messages to the brain. After prolonged use, the pain receptors become exhausted, and the capsaicin then acts as a pain reliever. It has been found effective for treating shingles, HIV neuropathy, and other types of pain.
You Can Improve Your Metabolism
Eating spicy peppers can increase your metabolism by triggering thermogenic processes in your body that generate heat. This process uses energy and burns extra calories, which can aid in weight loss. Consuming hot peppers at breakfast can also suppress your appetite throughout the day, further contributing to weight loss. Research suggests that capsaicin, a compound found in spicy peppers, may even alter proteins in your body to combat fat accumulation. Additionally, capsaicin has been studied as a holistic method for weight loss, as it can selectively destroy nerve fibers that send messages from the stomach to the brain.
Spicy Peppers Can Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Pepper contains capsaicin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that it may be effective in fighting cancer by reducing the growth of prostate cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. Additionally, consuming large quantities of peppers has been found to be effective against breast, pancreatic, and bladder cancers, with a recommended intake of 8 large habaneros per week.
Fights Every Flu, Cold, and Other Infections With Spicy Peppers
Eating hot peppers is great for your immune system and can help fight off colds and the flu because they contain beta-carotene and antioxidants. Studies have shown that using nasal sprays with capsaicin, a component found in hot peppers, can help reduce congestion. Additionally, the heat from hot peppers can trigger your immune system to fight off viruses like the norovirus and flu. Peppers can also reduce fungal pathogens and fight against 16 different fungal strains.
Spicy Peppers Prevent Bad Breath
If you want to maintain your partner’s attraction towards you, consuming hot pepper powder can help to disinfect the air you exhale and enhance the freshness of your breath.
They Also Prevent Allergies
Hot peppers contain capsaicin which has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in preventing allergies and their symptoms. Therefore, if you are experiencing any type of allergies, try this natural medicine.
Extend Your Life
Consuming a hot red chili pepper could potentially increase your lifespan. According to a significant research study, individuals who ate fresh or dried chili peppers at least once a month for approximately 20 years lowered their risk of death by 13%. Although scientists are unsure of the exact reason, it is believed that the nutrients found in peppers may contribute to their ability to combat inflammation and obesity.
Soothe Arthritis With Spicy Peppers
Many creams, lotions, and patches contain capsaicin, a powerful ingredient that provides heat to alleviate arthritis and neuropathy pain quickly. In a study, capsaicin was found to reduce discomfort from arthritis and fibromyalgia by 50% in just a few weeks. Some studies suggest that capsaicin works better when used in combination with other pain relievers.
