Wellhealthorganic – Red Chilli You Should Know About Red Chilli Uses, Benefits, Side Effects
As a general rule, consuming too much red chilli powder can cause side effects. These include sore throat, gastritis, and blisters on the skin.
The heat of red chilli is measured in Scoville units. It contains the compound capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and pain in joints, muscles, and skin.
1. Rich in Vitamin A
You Should Know About Red Chilli
Aside from being a hot and spicy spice, red chilli provides several health benefits. The pepper is rich in Vitamin A which is known to improve your immune system and also reduces the risk of cancer.
It is also rich in potassium, riboflavin and niacin that help lower blood pressure. Its antioxidant properties also help prevent heart ailments.
It also promotes digestive health as it stimulates gastric juice secretion and alleviates constipation. It also helps in reducing harmful bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and liver cirrhosis.
2. Boosts Immunity
The human immune system is responsible for protecting the body against a range of infections and illnesses. A weak immunity can result from various factors like a poor diet (consuming highly processed foods), chronic stress, lack of sleep and obesity.
Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet that includes plenty of antioxidants can boost the immune system and help it function properly. Certain immune-boosting foods include citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and whole grains.
Red chili peppers are a good source of beta-carotene and pro-vitamin A, which helps the body fight infection. They also promote healthy mucus membranes in the lungs, nasal passages, and urinary tracts.
3. Reduces Cholesterol
Red chilli powder is a powerful natural remedy for reducing cholesterol levels. It contains capsaicin, which reduces triglycerides, bad cholesterol, and platelet aggregation in the blood. It also prevents blood clot formation.
A recent study has found that people who eat chili at least four times a week are less likely to die of heart disease or stroke than those who don’t eat it often. The research is based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Red chilli also helps reduce high cholesterol levels by improving the function of endothelin, which controls how arteries relax and expand to increase blood flow. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and prevents chronic illnesses.
4. Helps in Weight Loss
A spice with a fiery taste, red chilli has been linked to weight loss and other health benefits. Its capsaicin content helps in increasing the body’s metabolism rate which directly burns calories.
In addition, red chilli helps in suppressing appetite and reducing hunger pangs. It also increases energy expenditure and promotes fat oxidation.
Besides, it reduces inflammation and pain in the body. Capsaicin binds to nerve endings which sense pain in the body and helps to alleviate discomfort.
Another surprising red chilli benefit is its ability to reduce the risk of diabetes. This is because it has a blood sugar lowering effect.
5. Prevents Cancer
Besides being delicious, spices are good for health. They have been used as medicinal herbs for centuries.
Red Chilli is rich in Vitamin C and it helps to strengthen the immune system. It also reduces free radicals that can cause cancer, and promotes a healthy skin and hair.
It also improves eye sight and prevents night blindness. The antioxidants and lutein in chilies help to fight against oxidative stress and keep the eyesight healthy.
The capsaicin in chilies triggers a response in cells around cancerous growths, killing them. Research suggests that this can be helpful in fighting leukemia, prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers.
