Health Benefits of Chili Peppers

Weight loss

Chili peppers can help you to lose weight. Japanese studies have shown that chili stimulates fat burning and also has a regulatory effect on appetite. Chili peppers increases you metabolism and curb your appetite for sweets and fatty foods.

Increases your metabolism

Research has shown that Capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers hot, increases your metabolic rate by 30 percent for several hours after your meal. Although you will get better effect if you increase the amount of chili peppers, you should be careful. Start slowly, especially if you are a woman. Since women have more taste buds per centimeter on their tongue, they are more sensitive to chilly. However, if you eat chili peppers frequently you will increase your tolerance.

Anti-inflammatory

The substance Capsaicin in red chili peppers has also been shown to stimulate endorphin release and is an anti-inflammatory compound. This substance has been used as a treatment for certain types of chronic pain.

Headaches and Migraines

Chili peppers can also relieve headaches and migraines. The Capsaicin inhibits the key brain pains transmitter, called Substance P (a neurotransmitter related to the sensation of pain).

Lower High Blood Pressure

Chili peppers help adjusting the blood pressure fluctuations, by strengthening our blood vessels. Chili peppers also make us sweat, which causes fluid loss. This fluid loss will temporarily reduce the overall blood volume.

Protect Your Heart

According to studies, people around the world who use red peppers liberally in their diet have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke than cultures that don’t eat as much chili peppers. Studies show that Capsaicin may prevent blood clots and may also protect the heart by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides and platelet aggregation..

Nutrients

If you include Chili peppers in your diet you will get a lot of important nutrients and antioxidants. Chili peppers are naturally high in vitamin A and vitamin C. Chili pepper contains more vitamin C than an orange so if you need some extra vitamin C, add some chili pepper to your diet.

Chili peppers also contain vitamin K, Bioflavonoid,   Phytonutrients and fiber.

Cold Feet

A well-known effect of chili-flavored food is that your body will get warm. Capsaicin, a component in chili peppers, has been used as a remedy for cold feet. You can place powdered peppers inside stockings to alleviate cold feet. This will definitely keep you warm during those cold winter nights.