Nothing kicks up your meal a notch like adding a spicy pepper to the recipe! Aside from their ability to turn even the most bland dish into a tantalizing surprise for your tastebuds, peppers such as cayenne, poblano, habanero and jalapeno have numerous positive benefits for your health.
Boosts Metabolism and Helps with Weight Loss
By producing thermogenic processes that help to generate heat in our body, spicy peppers increase the metabolic rate. This can utilize our energy levels which burns additional calories and suppresses our appetites. Spicy peppers rev up the metabolic rate by generating the thermogenic processes in our body that generates heat. Some studies have shown that capsaicin, the active ingredient in many spicy peppers, can selectively destroy nerve fibers that send signals from the stomach to the brain reducing food intake.
Reduces Flu Symptoms and Increases Immunity
Spicy peppers contain beta carotene and antioxidants that work to support the immune system to fight off flu and cold symptoms. Plus, capsaicin helps clear out the nasal passages and reduces congestion caused by colds and flu. Some nasal sprays even contain capsaicin to help decrease congestion. The heat in peppers that increases body temperature may also activate the immune system to fight these viruses. Eating spicy peppers are known to reduce fungal pathogens which fight fungal strains as well.
Improves Digestion
Spicy peppers help reduce the acidity in the digestive tract which can lead to ulcers. The antioxidants aid digestion and help to reduce symptoms of cramps, ulcers, diarrhea, intestinal gas and stomach aches. By stimulating the glands that produce saliva and activating gastric juices, it naturally improves digestion.
Promotes a Healthy Heart
Hot peppers help the circulatory system by dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood flow. They also work to lower blood serum cholesterol and reduce lipid deposits. These are known to cause blood clotting.
Topical Pain Reliever
Some ointments actually contain capsaicin to help reduce pain. It helps to numb the pain by interfering with chemical P, a neurotransmitter in the spinal cord and brain. Used topically, it can numb the area where the pain is felt. It is typically used for relief of muscle and joint pain. Although some use it to help treat the skin condition psoriasis. Psoriasis creates itchy, dry patches on the skin. Studies have shown that spicy peppers helps to reduce these auto-immune skin lesions and neuropathic issues.
Now that you know some of the major health benefits of spicy peppers, you can feel confident in adding hot peppers to your next meal. A little heat in your dish never hurt! In fact, a little spice can help!
