Chili Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects (2024)

FAQs

Does chili pepper have any health benefits? ›

Studies show that the capsaicin in hot peppers can reduce inflammation and decrease the chances of heart disease. If you're one of the many people in the world with obesity, you may be interested to know that chili peppers are thought to stimulate weight loss.

May cause diarrhoea

Some people may experience abdominal pain or painful diarrhoea. If you are prone to digestive issues, eating it regularly may worsen symptoms so you might want to cut back.

Fiery peppers pack major health perks. In terms of vitamin C, they beat oranges 3 to 1. They're also stuffed with vitamins A, B, and E. Some studies suggest capsaicin acts as an antioxidant to protect your cells and helps tamp down inflammation.

They bring a lot of flavor, a little (or a lot) of spice and add a pop of color to your dish. But did you know that chili peppers are also considered a superfood for the health benefits that they provide to your diet? Chili peppers originate from the Americas, but are now cultivated all over the world.

New research shows that the daily consumption of capsaicin, the active compound of chilli peppers, was found to have beneficial effects on liver damage.

Let's take a look. For all their health benefits, eating hot chillies may cause a bit of discomfort. This includes swelling, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, heartburn from acid reflux, and headaches.

Pepper is a popular spice that is used in a variety of dishes. However, there are certain negative health effects of eating too much pepper, such as stomach pain, burning sensations in the throat, asthma, and mouth problems.

Red peppers pack the most nutrition, because they've been on the vine longest. Green peppers are harvested earlier, before they have a chance to turn yellow, orange, and then red. Compared to green bell peppers, the red ones have almost 11 times more beta-carotene and 1.5 times more vitamin C.

Although spicy foods don't cause ulcers, they can trigger abdominal pain in some people. One study specifically highlighted that frequent consumption of spicy foods can trigger upper gastrointestinal symptoms in some people with dyspepsia (or, indigestion).

It's all about a chemical compound in peppers called capsaicin. Capsaicin binds to pain receptors on our nerves. So, why do so many people enjoy spicy food? In response to the pain, your brain releases endorphins and dopamine which makes you feel euphoria similar to a runners high.

Are chili peppers good for high blood pressure? ›

It has been proven that consuming spicy foods from peppers that contain capsaicin can help lower blood pressure. Statistics show people who consume spicy food on a daily basis have a 14 percent lower risk of death, diabetes and cancer than people who consume it less than once a week.

Capsaicin, the fiery substance found in chili peppers, can elicit intense short-term symptoms, like stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting in those who consume extreme amounts. This occurs due to overstimulation of the nervous system. The good news is no permanent damage is done to the intestinal lining.

Chili peppers get their heat from a compound called capsaicin, which may help dampen inflammation and other harmful processes involved in the buildup of fatty plaque in arteries, according to the authors.

Natural anti-inflammatory: Capsaicin, the substance that gives chili peppers their characteristic hotness, appears to have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne and other dried chilies spice up sauces, marinades and rubs. Tip: Chilies can be hot, so start with just a dash or two.

It may spice up your libido

Even testosterone, the hormone tied to libido, can be increased by eating spicy food. A recent study from the journal Physiology and Behavior confirms that eating spicy leads to higher levels of testosterone.

Purges the Liver

The capsaicin in hot peppers activates a process called autophagy, the healthy degradation and recycling of cells, in the liver. In an animal study, researchers discovered that frequently eating cayenne pepper promotes the breakdown of fat stored in the liver.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts may help increase the liver's natural detoxification enzymes, protect it from damage, and improve blood levels of liver enzymes.

Herbs and Spices

Want to protect your liver and your heart at the same time? Sprinkle on some oregano, sage, or rosemary. They're a good source of healthy polyphenols. An extra benefit: they help you cut back on salt in many recipes. Cinnamon, curry powder, and cumin are good ones to try, too.

Although usually enjoyable in our food, too much hot pepper can result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and a burning sensation when ingested. During meal preparation, if capsaicin-containing oils get on the skin, it can lead to pain and redness with irritation.

Does chilli clean your stomach? ›

The Benefits of Spice

According to studies, chili, ginger, and other spices can reduce inflammation and treat gastric infections.

Several studies have found that spicy chilli peppers and jalapeños can boost metabolism by four to five percent per day, potentially making fat burning and belly fat loss easier.

"Hot peppers, or even green or red peppers, are able to reduce heart disease and reduce death from heart disease," says Dr. Fairweather. Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties.

Meta-analysis showed no significant effect of red pepper/capsaicin on SBP (0.43 mmHg, 95% CI: -1.15 to 2.01), DBP (-0.45 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.14 to 1.24), and HR (-0.60 bpm, 95% CI: -1.97 to 0.78).

Due to the cayenne pepper's highly medicinal properties it makes the perfect detoxifier, helping to flush toxins from the body, while stimulating circulation and neutralising acidity in the body.

Red peppers are a great source of vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, and other phytochemicals, Allidina says. “One cup of red peppers provides three times more vitamin C than an orange. It's best to eat red peppers raw – the heat in the cooking process depletes the vitamin C content.”

The chili pepper is a spicy food, and excess consumption may damage to colonic mucosa. The long-term damage is related to the occurrence of CRC. In addition, capsaicin may play the weak carcinogenesis role in causing CRC.

Is it good to eat peppers every day? If you like peppers, enjoy them as much as you like—you can eat them every day or even at every meal, says Rizzo. However, it's important to eat everything in moderation.

Capsaicin in spicy food irritates pain receptors in the digestive tract. To protect itself, the gut speeds up to get rid of the capsaicin quickly. This leads to diarrhea.

When capsaicin triggers the TRPV1 receptors in your intestines, it makes your GI system cramp up. Basically, your GI system is stimulated more than normal and gets things going faster – making you need to poop ASAP.

Is chilli good for gut bacteria? ›

Capsaicin is also good for your gut bacteria.

If that's not enough for you, capsaicin also helps to strengthen the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract and protect against ulcers and other kinds of gut injuries. In fact, capsaicin can even protect against alcohol-induced damage to the gut.

Spicy foods may lead to indigestion and reflux symptoms, which may disturb your sleep. Eating spicy foods before bed may lead you to feel warm, which can negatively affect sleep.

One should not have more than 12 to 15 grams of chilli in a day. Overeating this spicing ingredient can lead to acidity, burning sensation in the gut, cramps and pain diarrhoea.

Chili Peppers

Eating a super-spicy chili pepper (probably on a dare) will probably leave you sweating profusely and feeling queasy, but won't kill you. Eating a whole bunch of them, on the other hand, could. That's because of a chemical within peppers called capsaicin, the active ingredient used to make pepper spray.

However, in this study, we found adverse effects on cognition among older adults,” notes Zumin. The researchers found that people who ate more than 50 grams of chili per day on a regular basis had almost twice the risk of cognitive decline of people who ate less than this amount of chili.

Chillies boast high levels of vitamins and minerals, including niacin and vitamin B, which are known to help reduce stress. Chillies can also help boost the body's production of feel-good hormones, such as serotonin, which can help reduce anxiety, calm nerves, and give your mood a boost.

Seniors may be surprised to learn that spicy foods can provide them with various health benefits. Therefore, home health providers encourage seniors to eat jalapenos, cumin, red hot chili peppers, and other spicy foods in small quantities.

Green chillies exhibit a broad spectrum of a beneficial effect on the heart. It particularly lowers the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering blood cholesterol and triglycerides levels. In addition, green chillies are effective in preventing the formation of blood clots, which can cause heart attacks or stroke.

High-fiber foods, such as bell peppers, slow down how quickly sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream. The vitamin C abundant in bell peppers may also help reduce elevated blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.

An earlier study has shown that chilli consumption helps lower the heart rate and reduces the amount of insulin required to control blood sugar.

Can hot peppers damage your liver? ›

These scientific evidences show that hot red pepper possesses some chemical and pharmacological properties which are capable of inducing liver damage. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, the excessive consumption of red pepper is capable of inducing liver damage and so should be avoided.

Benefits Your Digestive Tract

While it could be a touchy subject, you should know that the capsaicin in hot peppers act as anti-irritant. Chili peppers are rich in antioxidants and other compounds that can soothe digestive issues such as ulcers, upset stomachs, cramps, intestinal gas, and even curing diarrhea.

Spicy Food Strengthens Connections Between Brain Cells

Red peppers contain a compound known as apigenin, which has been shown to strengthen connections between brain cells. Other research has shown that apigenin, a flavonoid, may also be a a powerful agent in preserving key brain functions such as memory and learning.

Spices, including ginger, pepper, chili, and cinnamon may help protect against clogged arteries ( 30 ). These and other spices have anti-inflammatory properties and may help scavenge free radicals, improve blood lipid levels, and reduce the clumping together of platelets in the blood ( 30 ).

Apples and citrus fruits are two wonderful choices that are both high in rutin. In addition, leafy greens play an important role in healthy circulation. They help form red blood cells, which circulate oxygen. Greens including spinach are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which also help build strong veins.

Red bell peppers are the most nutrient-dense, which makes them the healthiest pepper. This is because they've been on the vine for longer when compared to orange, yellow and green peppers, and in that order too.

Chili pepper has preventive and therapeutic properties for many ailments such as different types of cancer, rheumatism, stiff joints, bronchitis and chest colds with cough and headache, arthritis, heart arrhythmias and many other ailments.

The poblano pepper is the winner! Iron helps to metabolize protein and help eradicate different forms of fatigue. The poblano pepper is also a source of Vitamin A (69%) and Vitamin B-6 (30%).

One should not have more than 12 to 15 grams of chilli in a day. Overeating this spicing ingredient can lead to acidity, burning sensation in the gut, cramps and pain diarrhoea.

What color of peppers is the healthiest? ›

The nutritional value changes as well. Red peppers contain 11 times more beta-carotene (an antioxidant associated with cancer-fighting properties), eight times more vitamin A, and 1.5 times more vitamin C than green peppers. Yellow peppers have more vitamin C than green peppers, but less vitamin A and beta-carotene.

Let's take a look. For all their health benefits, eating hot chillies may cause a bit of discomfort. This includes swelling, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, heartburn from acid reflux, and headaches.

Capsaicin in cayenne pepper possesses blood purification properties that help the body to get rid of toxins. Capsaicin is the compound that gives pepper and chillies their spicy kickoff. The Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry revealed that capsaicin is also potent in destroying some carcinogens.

All chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids. These are what give the spicy fruit its anti-inflammatory properties. Chili pepper is widely considered to be a powerful anti-inflammatory spice, so be sure to include a dash in your next dish.

People who eat chili peppers on a regular basis appear to lower their risk of dying from heart disease, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed the diets and health records of more than 22,000 people living in southern Italy and followed them for a median of just over eight years.

In general, chili is seen as a healthy food since chili contains ingredients from key food groups. If you want to build a healthier bowl of beef chili, choose lean ground beef. Reducing the fat content in the meat is important for heart health and can lower your risk of developing diabetes.