Medically Reviewed By:
Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Many Indians love their cuisine, just like how they love to eat chilli paneer and chilli chicken. Green chillies offer a distinct kick to food. They not only contribute flavour to cuisine but also provide a lot of goodness due to their various health benefits. Consuming them on a regular basis can do wonders for your health, although it may not suit everyone’s taste buds.
Green chilli is a popular ingredient in Indian, Mexican, and Thai cuisines, with over 200 different species of chillies identified. It contains casaicin, which is the active compound responsible for the warmth and spiciness of the chilli. When consumed, the body produces sweat, which has a cooling effect on the body, making it a popular ingredient in hot and humid locations.
Health benefits of green chilli
Rich in micronutrients
Chillies are rich in vitamin C and other vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and minerals such as potassium, copper, and so on.
- Vitamin C: Aids in the treatment of scurvy, improves immunity against infectious agents, and helps remove pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
- Vitamin A: Antioxidants, such as vitamin A, protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals produced during stress and illness situations.
- Vitamin B6: The human body requires Vitamin B6 for optimal brain growth as well as the health of the neurological system and immune system.
- Vitamin K: Aids in the production of proteins required for blood clotting as well as the development and preservation of bones.
- Potassium: A mineral found in cells and bodily fluids that aid in the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure.
- Copper: It helps to perform a variety of metabolic processes, including the formation of energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels.
Anti inflammatory
Several studies have found capsaicin, capsaicinoids, and capsinoid compound in chillies including green chilli which have benefits to the human health as they have anti-inflammatory properties. Capsaicin’s action inhibits growth of bacterial toxins, ischemia-induced retinal damage (a disease caused by a lack of adequate blood supply to the retina), and Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis. It also aids in the prevention of neuro-inflammatory illnesses.
Source of antioxidants
Green chilies are a natural source of antioxidants, which protect your body from diseases caused by free radicals. According to the findings green chilli has significant antioxidants such as Vitamins A, B, and C. They perform free radical scavenging activity due to its high phenolic content. These components have biochemical and pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammation, anti-allergy, and anti-oxidation activities, hence lowering the risk of degenerative diseases.
May help in weight loss
There are several ways in which capsaicin has been shown to reduce obesity, including thermogenesis, satiety (overeating), fat oxidation, and increased energy expenditure. Green chilies enhance metabolism by 50% making weight loss much easier and faster. Green chilli has a strong thermogenic value due to capsaicinoid components (capsaicin), which stimulates the production of lipolytic peptides, boosts metabolic rate, and thus aids in weight loss.
May help in lowering cholesterol
Green chilli has shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. High levels of cholesterol in the blood leads to development of heart disease. Chances of Atherosclerosis gets higher with high cholesterol caused by free radicals. As a result, it is found that consuming green chilli regularly can help lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can help to improve heart health.
Anti-cancer properties
Capsaicin has been found to cause the death of cancer cells. It may prevent multiplication of such cell by preventing cancer cell-cycle, including colon cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, cutaneous-cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and multiple myeloma. Capsaicin is a potential chemotherapeutic agent that can prevent cancer cells from dividing and developing, causing tumours to diminish in size.
Pain relieving properties
Capsaicin significantly improves pain relief when administered intravenously, subcutaneously, or topically. High-dose topical capsaicin formulations can help reduce neuropathic pain by slowing down nerve cell damage. Capsaicin appears to be effective in treating moderate pain in osteoarthritis patients with clinically diagnosed disease. It provides effective long-term pain relief and reductions in both the area and intensity of pain in patients with chronic pain.
Lowers risk of gestational diabetes (Pregnancy-related diabetes)
Women with gestational diabetes mellitus cannot use insulin because of hormones secreted by the placenta. As a result, this may have a significant impact on the long-term health of females and their babies. Pregnancy-related health problems such as hypertension and obstructed labour, affect women with GDM. Supplements containing capsaicin significantly improves fasting sugar and postprandial hyperglycemia in pregnant women.
Conclusion
Green chillies are a well-known spice in many parts of the world due to its spicy, pungent flavour. They have a lot of health benefits as they are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Capsaicin is the reason that gives a burning sensation to your tongue. Capsaicin has been related to both positive and negative health consequences. On the one hand, when consumed, it helps in weight loss and pain relief. On the other hand, it generates a burning feeling in many people, especially those who do not use green chillies. It has also been connected to stomach issues.
When consuming green chilli, be aware of your personal tolerance levels. Individuals who have digestive problems should avoid them.
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