Health Benefits of Jalapeno Peppers: from Weight Loss to Headache Relief

Like chili peppers? Enjoy stuffing jalapenos? Can't go without a little cayenne powder sprinkled on your entrees? Buy chipotle flavored...everything? Well, peppers aren't just for pep. They're loaded with nutrition and offer several health benefits. What gives them their healthy edge? The same thing that scorches your mouth when you bite into a raw one: the heat, of course!

Capsaicin is the name of the chemical in peppers that gives them their hot edge. It's also the name of the thermogenic supplement in many weight loss pills. Guess what? That's the same chemical. Peppers are actually great for weight loss. Granted, if the pepper is stuffed with cheese and fried, the great nutritional value in the sliver of jalapeno is probably lost for good.

How does Capsaicin help you lose weight?

As I mentioned, Capsaicin is a thermogenic, meaning that it heats up your body by consuming energy. Where does you body get this energy? From fat. Capsaicin helps give your overall metabolism a boost, but unlike previously marketed stimulants (like the FDA squashed herb ephedra), Capsaicin is good for you heart and doesn't cause a high heart rate. In fact, it lowers cholesterol.

What else does Capsaicin do?

Capsaicin is being considered in the fight against some types of colon and stomach cancers as well. In statistics of countries that consume hot peppers on a daily basis, the rate of some cancers is significantly lower. Though studies haven't had a chance to prove that the low numbers are due specifically to Capsaicin, scientists in China and Japan have reported findings that conclude a substantial reduction in leukemic cells when Capsaicin is present.

Also, Capsaicin has been found to work against the pain-carrying Substance P that's abundant in arthritis pain and in headaches, and Capsaicin also works as an anti-inflammatory. It's anti-inflammatory properties are part of the reason it's been involved in recent research involving intestinal disease. Researchers believe that Capsaicin might aid against some bowl problems.

Most of us will be happy to know that, because of it anti-bacterial properties, Capsaicin also fight sinus infections and helps to naturally clear aching congested sinuses.

Consider adding more hot pepper to your diet and reap the nutritional rewards. And remember, the hotter the better.

For more info on studies of Capsaicin or more information on the many health benefits of different chili peppers I've listed here, visit these sites.

Sources:

http://www.jalapenomadness.com/chili-pepper-health-benefits.html

http://www.happyjalapenos.com/health.html

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/09/13/the-six-healthiest-staple-foods-in-mexican-cuisine.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermogenic

Also, for some tips on how you can add jalapeno peppers to your favorite foods, visit my article How to Add Jalapenos to Your Favorite Dishes , and keep an eye out for my upcoming article on how to make your favorite Mexican-inspired pepper dishes, such as the Poblano Chili Relleno, healthier.