Spices that Are Good for Your Health: Chili Peppers

Those who like it hot are going to love this: chili peppers do not only add spice to your favourite dishes, they are also good for your health. Here are 10 health benefits of chili peppers.

Chili peppers health benefit no. 1: arthritis
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a powerful anti-inflammatory that has been proven to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis. The good news for those who like spicy foods is that the hotter the chili pepper is, the more capsaicin it contains, so it looks like jalapeño pizza is back on the menu!

Chili peppers health benefit no. 2: psoriasis
External application of capsaicin is also thought to relieve pain in cases of psoriasis. Some progress still needs to be made on this condition as applying capsaicin to the skin is also accompanied by a burning sensation.

Chili peppers health benefit no. 3: heart disease
Chili peppers help lower blood cholesterol and reduce blood clots, the main causes of heart attacks and strokes, so a little spice is good for your heart's health.

Chili peppers health benefit no. 4: colds and flu
Consuming chili peppers can help clear congestion. Chili peppers are an excellent remedy that can be used to clear a blocked nose or congested lungs.

Chili peppers health benefit no. 5: boost immune system
Chili peppers are high in vitamins A and C, the antioxidants that protect the body against infections and viruses.

Chili peppers health benefit no. 6: prostate cancer
The capsaicin contained in chili peppers has been shown to kill prostate cancer cells.

Chili peppers health benefit no. 7: stomach ulcers
Chili peppers can kill the bacteria that trigger stomach ulcers as well as prevent further stomach ulcers.

Chili peppers health benefit no. 8: weight loss
Eating chili peppers makes the body burn a large amount of calories. Combined with exercise and a balanced diet, spice can help a person lose extra weight.

Chili peppers health benefit no. 9: diabetes
Eating foods that are rich in chili peppers can significantly reduce the need for taking insulin (the substance that helps stabilising natural blood sugar levels in the body) in type 2 diabetes sufferers. Chili peppers also help regulate the insulin produced by the body because they contain vitamin C and carotenoids.

Chili peppers health benefit no. 10: headaches and migraine
Chili peppers are a natural painkiller; the capsaicin contained in chili peppers can stop the swelling of the nerve fibers that cause pain to reach the brain, therefore chili peppers are excellent headache and migraine relievers.

Chili peppers are available in most food stores and the hotter the pepper is, the more capsaicin it contains but for those who do not like the hotness of this spice, milder peppers are also a good source of antioxidants. The hottest is thought to be an Indian chili pepper called Naga Jolokia. The over-consumption of chili peppers can cause stomach cancer so, as with all good things, moderation is recommended.