November 21, 2017
Why Chili Peppers Are Better Than You Think
Peppers are native to Mesoamerica, the region that extends from Central Mexico and Central America to the northern of Costa Rica. The name of this indigenous pepper (chilli) comes from Nahuatl (language of the aztecs). Chili pepper is the fruit of the plant capsicum, from the family solanaceae, also known as nightshades.
In 1493 the first pepper seeds were imported into Spain by Diego Alvarez Chaca, a physician who accompanied Columbus in his second expedition, and the first who wrote about chili medicinal properties. In 1506 he published a medical treatise entitled “Para curar el mal de Costado” (The treatment of Pleurisy).
Chili pepper spread rapidly to other countries of Europe, as well as regions in the continents of Asia and Africa; soon becoming the national spice in the form of paprika in many countries.
There is a wide variety of peppers, the most tasty and colourful dishes around the world come from countries like Mexico, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand, among others, all of which have pepper as a staple ingredient in their cuisine.
In Mexico, chili pepper is not only used to season the main dishes, but also to make traditional treats such as:
Candies
Combining fruits such a tamarind and mango with chili pepper powder made of dried red chili, cayenne, paprika and spices.
Fruit cocktails
It is also very common to see street vendors of fruits offering slices of watermelon, pineapple, jicama, quince, oranges, cucumber or fruit cocktail, sprinkled with this chili powder.
Corn
A delicious whole corn seasoned with butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, lime, and of course hot pepper powder.
Chili pepper is so versatile that it is even used in personal care products like:
Shampoo
Cayenne pepper helps to enhance blood circulation in scalp and prevents hair loss. Chili shampoos are often combined with some other herbs extracts such as ginkgo biloba, Romero and Rosemary, and vitamin E or C, to promote strength and elasticity.
Topical formulations
Capsaicin cream, gel or ointment, helps to relief nerve pain. It alleviates sore muscle, joints and lower back pain. It’s useful in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Health benefits of capsaicin
Peptic Ulcers and Gastritis
- We must start by debunking the myth that spicy food causes ulcers and gastritis; studies have recently found that gastritis is caused by many other factors such as:Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Long term use of certain medication NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin and ibuprofen).
- And, the most common cause, infections either of helicobacter pylori, which is a bacteria that lives in the mucous lining of the stomach, or other bacteria and viruses.
- Investigations have revealed that “capsaicin compound found in chili peppers is not the cause for ulcer formation but a benefactor. Capsaicin does not stimulate but inhibits acid secretion, stimulates alkali, mucus secretions and particularly gastric mucosal flow which help in the prevention and healing of ulcers”.
Cancer
- Capsaicin contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has even shown some promising potential in the fight against many types of cancer. The Nottingham University study showed that “the family of molecules to which capsaicin belongs, the vanilloids, bind to proteins in the cancer cell mitochondria to trigger apoptosis, or cell death, without harming surrounding healthy cells”.
- Another study stated that “capsaicin is a potent anticancer agent, induces apoptosis in cancer cells and produces no significant damage to normal pancreatic cells, indicating its potential use as a novel agent for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer,” according to Dr. Srivastava, Ph.D., lead investigator and assistant professor, department of pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
- The Division of Hematology/Oncology from the University of California reported that “Capsaicin, a component of red peppers, inhibits the growth of androgen-independent, p53 mutant prostate cancer”.
Other uses
Cayenne pepper powder is the most convenient form for the use of capsaicin, and its properties are very useful in the treatment of many chronic and degenerative conditions, helping to:
- Reduce atherosclerosis
- Regulate blood pressure
- Lower high cholesterol
- Prevent heart attack or stroke
- Promote good digestion
- Strengthens the hair follicles
- Reduce menstrual cramps
- Prevent and heals ulcers
- Relief pain
- Stimulate saliva production
- Reduce inflammation
- Detoxify the system
- Measuring the heat (concentration of capsaicin in chilli peppers)
Bell or sweet peppers are the only members of the genus capsicum that do not contain capsaicin (the spiciness of peppers), that is why they are not hot at all, but studies have shown that they contain capsiate, in the form of CH-19 sweet extract, which has been reported to increase body temperature and oxygen consumption in humans.
Peppers are low in calories and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
1 cup of raw sweet peppers (149 g):
Contain only 46 calories
Vitamin C 317% DV
Vitamin A 93%
Vitamin E 12%
Vitamin K 9%
Folate 17%
potassium 9%
manganese 8%
Iron 4%
Fiber 13%
Loving the burn!
Approximately a third of the people around the world eat spicy food every single day, probably because it is just part of their culture and they started eating it since they were kids, and others because once they tried it they liked the fresh taste and juicy texture added to their food. You can try preparing fresh homemade sauces Authentic Mexican Sauces.
You may start by adding a bit of pepper to your food. I promise, after a while you are going to get used to it, and your mouth will even get watery just thinking about it.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16540674
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6244715.stm
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/41022.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1692411/pdf/medlibhistj00007-0022.pdf
