Everyone knows the use of chili peppers in cooking.
Indeed, nothing like to bring more flavors to a recipe.
But did you know that chilli is also a precious health ally ?
Indeed, studies prove that eating chili once a month prolongs life expectancy.
In addition, hot peppers contain 3 times more vitamin C than oranges!
Here are the 8 health benefits of chili peppers that everyone should know . Watch:
Spraying a chilli-based spray in the nostrils?
Of course, it tingles!
And yet, this type of spray relieves migraines.
These sprays are based on capsaicin , the organic compound in chili peppers responsible for their pungent flavor.
However, capsaicin has an anesthetic effect on the trigeminal nerve of the brain.
It is in this part of the brain that certain types of migraines and severe headaches begin.
In one study, 7 out of 10 people experienced complete relief from their migraines and headaches after using a capsaicin-based nasal spray (source 1).
All the interviewees are formal...
Despite the tingling, the treatment is definitely worth it!
To discover: Headache ? 5 Essential Oils To Eliminate Them In 15 Minutes Chrono.
Eating chili peppers regularly might just help you live longer.
How much pepper should you eat to increase your life expectancy?
According to a large study, it is enough to eat 1 red pepper per month, fresh or dried.
Researchers found that those who ate chili pepper monthly over a 20-year period reduced mortality risk by 13% (source 2).
Some believe this is due to the high nutrient content of chili peppers, and their anti-inflammatory properties.
In another study, researchers also found that eating chilli helps fight obesity (source 3).
Do you keep sneezing and have a runny or stuffy nose?
This is what doctors call non-allergic rhinitis.
This condition is characterized by a constant runny nose, but this is not due to a cold, allergies or cigarette smoke.
Again, a simple spritz of capsaicin spray into your nostrils, and you're done.
According to the researchers, it is enough to relieve the symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis (source 4).
Certainly, at the beginning, it tingles!
For some people, it can even make the situation seem worse.
But rest assured, within a very short time, the capsaicin begins to work its magic.
In a very short time, your nose will stop running. And quite often, the effect lasts several months.
To discover: 29 Natural Tips To Unclog Your Nose FAST.
You know that feeling of heat in your body when you eat a hot pepper?
Well, know that it's more than just a feeling.
This is because the capsaicin in the chili pepper increases how quickly the body heats up.
It also stimulates a sensory neuron, TRPV1.
The latter serves to prevent fat storage and also regulates your appetite (source 5).
Therefore, this combined action increases the body's metabolism , which could also help you lose weight (source 6).
In fact, researchers hope to one day be able to use the metabolic benefits of peppers to regulate weight gain.
To discover: The 14 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism and Weight Loss.
Capsaicin triggers a feeling of warmth.
Including sensory neurons, which allow your body to detect pain.
Except that with capsaicin, these neurons are wrong!
And instead of transmitting the message of pain, they transmit another message to the brain:"It's hot! ". (source 7).
It's a little trick that has been used for centuries to relieve pain naturally.
To discover: 44 Amazing Uses For Tiger Balm (That Nobody Knows).
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in many creams, balms and warming patches used to quickly relieve pain .
In one study, capsaicin reduced arthritis and fibromyalgia pain by half (source 8).
And this, in just a few weeks.
But, in other studies, the results are unfortunately less convincing.
Thus, researchers believe that capsaicin only works best when combined with pain medication.
In addition, capsaicin-based treatments must be renewed regularly.
To discover: Arthritis:6 Emergency Foods to Avoid (and What to Eat Instead).
Hot peppers have natural antibacterial properties .
Researchers have found that they can kill germs and bacteria.
Including microorganisms that spoil packaged and canned foods (source 10).
Thus, manufacturers are investigating the use of chilli extracts as an alternative to artificial preservatives.
This would make it possible to have fewer preservatives in the products we eat every day.
To discover: 10 Food Ingredients You Should Never Eat Again.
Hot peppers have many nutritional benefits.
For example, they contain 3 times more vitamin C than oranges.
They are also rich in vitamins A, B and E.
According to studies, capsaicin has antioxidant properties , to better protect the cells.
They also help reduce inflammation (source 11).
To discover: Guide to Vitamins:What Are Their Benefits and Which Foods Have The Most?
1. Capsaicin binds to sensory receptors on the tongue.
2. The brain cools the body by sweating, salivating and producing mucus.
3. Sensory receptors in the esophagus trigger a burning sensation in the chest.
4. Irritated phrenic nerves can act on the lungs and cause hiccups.
5. Pains and cramps occur in the stomach.
6. The speed of intestinal transit increases, causing diarrhea.
7. There is a risk of pruritus ani (or itching of the anus).
Eating a chilli too much strong can be dangerous!
Especially if you are not used to it.
In fact, by breathing it in, chili can even cause asthma attacks in some people.
What to do when a pepper is too hot?
First of all, avoid drinking water!
Instead, drink small sips of milk.
Or eat ice cream or cottage cheese.
Why ? Because water does not dissolve capsaicin , unlike milk fat.
If you don't have milk on hand, all is not lost!
Try eating bread crumbs, or another starchy food.
If you get hot pepper on your skin or in your eyes, rinse the affected area thoroughly with warm water.
Chilli or bell pepper:know that these plants are the same.
Moreover, our Spanish neighbors call both "pimiento".
The only thing that differentiates them?
You probably guessed it:it's capsaicin!
Bell peppers contain very little, if any.
Opt for regional varieties. There is, of course, the famous Espelette pepper.
But there is also the Landes pepper, red and elongated, which surprises with its great sweetness.
If you are sensitive, avoid hot peppers, such as the famous "bird's tongue" peppers.
To discover: 10 Market Gardening Tips To Grow Beautiful PEPPERS.
Did you know that there is a scale to measure the spiciness of peppers?
It's called the Scoville scale.
This scale measures the level of capsaicin according to the amount of sugar water needed to neutralize the heat.
This scale ranges from 0 to 1,641,183 Scoville units.
For example, a pepper has a value of 0-100 Scoville units, paprika 100-150.
The best score? This is the famous "Pepper X".
With 3,180,000 units on the Scoville scale, it is the hottest pepper in the world!
Do you have trouble with hot peppers?
So a little advice:be aware that dried peppers are stronger than fresh peppers.
The thin the stem , the hotter the chilli.
A touch of chilli enhances and complements any dish.
Keep some on hand in the freezer, finely chopped or sliced.
So you can easily add color and enhance the flavors of your favorite recipes.
For example, cut fresh chilli into pieces to enhance pizzas and pasta dishes.
For a sweeter and more fragrant pepper, remember to remove the seeds .
To vary the taste, you can also grill or roast the peppers.
Remember to always wear rubber gloves when handling hot peppers.
Eating too much pepper can also lead to health problems.
Which ones? Here is the list:
- stomach pain,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- burning sensations in the intestines.
Some children have even ended up in the emergency room after eating too many spicy snacks.
Instead of buying chilli snacks, it is better to prepare your own recipes.
So you control the dosage!
For example, you can sprinkle a little Espelette pepper on popcorn or sweet potato fries. Yum!
Capsaicin is the compound in peppers responsible for their pungent flavor.
Studies have proven that it prevents sinus infections.
Capsaicin also has anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps relieve stomach upset and metabolizes fat.
Here is a summary of the powerful benefits of capsaicin :
- Pain relieving effect
- Prevents sinusitis
- Burns fat and facilitates weight loss
- Relieves intestinal diseases
- Protects the heart
- Reduces the risk of ulcer
- Preserves bone health
- Sleep aid
- Reduces inflammation
- Can warm the feet
