Spicy Peppers Health Benefits
“The only pain in pleasure is the pleasure of the pain.”
– Anne Rice
“Pain and pleasure are universal feelings experienced by everyone. We prefer pleasure over pain; however, they are sequential, one after the other, and neither exists without the other. Pain causes torment;
pleasure induces delight. The feelings of pain and pleasure command our brain to produce
neurotransmitters to ease the pain by increasing endorphins to relieve pain and feel joy.”
Imagine being in an endless cycle of pain and pleasure?
Well, you can. According to numerous medical studies, capsaicin, the principal bioactive plant compound in hot chili peppers, is responsible for their different, spicy taste and amazing health benefits.
A popular belief is that Capsaicin is a flavor; it is not. It is an irritant that goes beyond the five tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory). Capsaicin ignites up the pain receptors on your tongue. The assumption is that the initial pain of eating something spicy makes your brain release endorphins (our body’s natural painkillers). Endorphins bind to opioid receptors (yes, the same receptors that opiates like opium seek). In a way, spicy peppers filled with Capsaicin give you a mild high (similar to a runner’s high).
Capsaicin in hot chili peppers goes beyond a simple rush of pleasure. There are many benefits of adding more hot peppers to your diet. Here are five:
1. Cardio Boost
Capsaicin defends your heart by preventing LDL cholesterol oxidation by increasing blood flow, which causes more oxygen and nutrients through our cardiovascular system.
2. Age Suppression
A group study in China from 2004–2008 found that men and women who ate more spicy food lived longer. Among the study participants, there was a 14% risk reduction in total mortality for those who ate spicy food 6–7 days a week, compared to those who ate spicy food less than once a week. Association doesn’t prove causation – it could be that people who live longer are more attracted to spicy food. But when you consider that capsaicin and other capsinoids in peppers are potent antioxidants, the idea that they promote longevity makes sense.
3. Pain Relief
Capsaicin binds with pain receptors, which are nerve endings that sense pain. This induces a burning sensation but does not cause any real burning injuries. However, high consumption of hot chili peppers may desensitize your pain receptors over time, reducing your ability to sense the burning flavor of chili.
The desensitization effect is not permanent, and one study noted that it was reversed 1–3 days after capsaicin consumption stopped.
4. Relief of Migraines and Headaches
Capsaicin may also counter migraines and cluster headaches. People with migraines who took capsaicin intra-nasally (up to their noses) saw a 50–80% reduction in pain. Apparently, the burning inside the nose wasn’t that bad, and no one dropped out of the study because of it.
5. Weight Lost
Obesity is a severe health condition that increases the risk of many chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Studies show that 10 grams of red chili pepper can significantly increase fat burning in both men and women.
Capsaicin may also reduce calorie intake. A study of 24 people who consume chili regularly discovered that taking capsaicin before a meal led to reduced calorie intake. Another study recognized a significant reduction in appetite and calorie intake only in those who did not regularly consume chili.
Nutritional Facts
The nutrition facts for 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of raw, fresh, red chili peppers are:
- Calories: 6
- Water: 88%
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Carbs: 1.3 grams
- Sugar: 0.8 grams
- Fiber: 0.2 grams
- Fat: 0.1 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Chili peppers are rich in vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C. Chili peppers are very high in this powerful antioxidant, essential for wound healing and immune function.
- Vitamin B6. A family of B vitamins, B6, is critical in energy metabolism.
- Vitamin K1. Also known as phylloquinone, vitamin K1 is essential for blood clotting, healthy bones, and kidneys.
- Potassium. An essential dietary mineral that serves various functions, potassium may reduce your risk of heart disease when consumed in adequate amounts.
- Copper. Copper is and for strong bones and healthy neurons.
- Vitamin A. Red chili peppers are high in beta carotene, which our body transforms into vitamin A.
Best Way to Eat Spicy Peppers
Since I can remember, I have been eating spicy chili peppers almost every meal. The best way to enjoy them is fresh; take a bite to feel the instant sensation of pleasurable pain. Mexican Picante Salsa is a good option, but Salsa Brava Colibrí is your best choice. The ancient inhabitants of Mesoamerica blended peppers with tomatoes, thus discovering salsa for flavor, convenience, and health benefits.
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treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice. It is the
responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health. Salsa Brava Colibrí recommends that you
consult with your healthcare providers regarding any disease or condition diagnosis and treatment.