Baking and Cooking Advice

Chilies contain a chemical known as capsaicin. Scientists have been studying this chemical for a long time, and they have made some discoveries about its potency and health benefits. Traditionally, spices were added to food to improve its flavour and also to preserve it, especially before refrigerators were invented. However, medical research is now proving that there is more than one reason that chillies should be a regular in your diet.

Main active ingredients

In addition to capsaicin, red peppers contain to other bioactive compounds, lutein and violaxanthin. Lutein is contained in highest concentrations in green chillies and tends to decrease as they ripen. Its consumption has been linked with improved eye health. Violaxanthin is mainly contained in yellow chillies and is a potent antioxidant. Capsaicin is found in high concentration in red chillies and is an effective antioxidant which acts against cancer. Chillies also contain small portions of ferulic acid which is also an antioxidant and protects the body against many chronic diseases. 

Rich in vitamins and minerals

Chillies contain the following vitamins: Vitamin B6, C, K1 and Vitamin A. They also contain potassium and copper. Potassium intake reduces the risk of heart disease while copper helps with the development of healthy neurons and healthy bones. Vitamin K helps improve blood clotting while Vitamin B6 aids in energy metabolism. The vitamin A which is contained in chillies is converted to Beta-carotene, which promotes skin health, vision and is an antioxidant in the body. 

Pain relief

Eating chillies is a pain for some people, but it has endless pain-relieving properties. The substance binds with the pain receptors that are nerve endings which sense pain. The pain is what people refer to as the burning sensation you receive when you eat chillies. However, over-consumption of chillies leads to impairment of pain receptors, and the user becomes to other types of burning sensations, such as the pain caused by acid reflux. 

Weight loss

Everyone wishes they were either a few kilos less or could maintain a healthy weight forever. Well, if you make chillies part of your diet, you may have to forget the fad diets completely. Capsaicin has been proven to reduce calorie intake and also increase fat burning.

Chilies are not only an exciting and tasty addition to food, but they also have many positive health benefits. Note that even in its dried form, chilli still offers these massive health benefits. For more information on where to buy chilli, contact your local food supplier.