Chilli Peppers: Impressive Health Benefits & Nutrition Facts

Chilli pepper is the fruit of the plant capsicum annum. These peppers grow in southern North America and even in Asia. 
We use chillies as spices, and spice blends, in various sauces and dishes.
Despite the burning taste, it contains many health benefits. 

This article gives you a piece of complete information about Chilli.

In daily household activities, we use it as a red chilli powder known as paprika.

As we talk about Chilli, we should know about its nutritional value.

NUTRITION FACTS

1 tablespoon (15 grams) of raw, red chilli peppers contains

Calories: 6

Water: 88%

Protein: 0.3 grams

Carbs: 1.3 grams

Sugar: 0.8 grams

Fiber: 0.2 grams

Fat: 0.1 grams

Additional Contents

Dietary fibres
Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and vitamin E.
Minerals like Potassium, Sodium, Copper, Iron, Chlorine etc are present

And many bioactive compounds such as Capsanthin, Lutein, Capsaicin, Sinapic acid and Ferulic acid.

Our health experts consider chilli peppers on the list of healthy spices.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Here are some health benefits, and facts regarding chilli.

Red (mature) peppers contain higher nutritive value than green (immature) peppers.

1. BLOOD CIRCULATION

It maintains the fluid balance of the body. It contains vitamin K, which helps to balance blood circulation and maintain the fluid of the body.

2. EYESIGHT

Chilli contains bio-carotene. Bio-carotene helps to make Vitamin A in the body.
Vitamin A Keeps the eyes healthy and improves eyesight and also prevents night blindness.

3. DETOXIFY & METABOLISM

Chilli contains various toxins which help to remove harmful waste products from the body through the excretion mechanism. It helps to maintain the metabolism of the body and keeps the body healthy.

4. RELIEVE CONSTIPATION

Chilli also acts as a negative agent. It relieves constipation by having natural dietary fibres and enhances bowel movements and helps to get easy motions.

5. NOSE BLOCKAGE

Chilli pepper is a rich source of Vitamin C. With the richness of Vitamin C, it prevents the nose blockage by helping all the secretions out from the nose and prevents the nasal catarrhal conditions.

6. IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA

Chilli powder contains natural iron. It helps to produce more haemoglobin in red blood cells. It helps to recover from iron-deficiency anaemia as it improves iron absorption in the gut. 

7. IMMUNITY

Chilli enhances the immune response of the body. It helps to fight against many diseases.

8. WEIGHT LOSS

Chilli pepper contains zero calories in it. It is helpful in losing weight. The burning taste doesn’t make you take an extra bite.

9. COGNITIVE FUNCTION 

It provides a good blood circulation to our brain because of which our brain gets more oxygen and works more effectively.

10. GOOD CHOLESTEROL

Chilli has an abundant Vitamin B complex, which helps to maintain good cholesterol and reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the body.

OTHER NOTABLE INGREDIENTS

ANTI-OXIDANTS

Chilli contains several antioxidants as well such as

Capsanthin 

Capsanthin is responsible for the red colour of chilli. It is a powerful antioxidant that may fight cancer.

Violaxanthin 

We find the major carotenoid antioxidant in yellow chilli pepper. It has a significant protective effect against many diseases.

Lutein

Green (immature) chilli peppers contain Lutein which improves eye health.

Capsaicin

It is the most important antioxidant of chilli. Capsaicin has a pain reliever tendency which binds with the nerve endings and helps to relieve the pain. There are various pain reliever ointments that carry this ingredient because of its analgesic property.

Ferulic acid

This antioxidant helps to prevent various chronic diseases.

The hotness and pungent smell of chilli have many health benefits but its burning sensations are sometimes unpleasant for some people.
So, our health experts recommend you include it in your diet according to your tolerance level.
It may cause digestive distress, like loose motions, diarrhoea, and severe burning in your stomach.

So, the person who is likely suffering from a stomach problem should avoid chilli. Take according to the tolerance level of your body.