The role of chili in the diet is usually associated with the seasoning of dishes that we want to spice up with spiciness. But that's not all, because chilies are also surprisingly rich in many vitamins, minerals and other useful substances.
It is true that strongly spicy peppers are used in small quantities and therefore the contribution to the daily intake is small, but by consuming less or non-spicy types of pepper, it can increase significantly. Below are some interesting facts about the beneficial substances in chili.
- Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that protects human cells from harmful radicals. It is important for the proper functioning of the immune system, healing processes and other systems in the human body. Chillies contain 2 to 4 times more of it than lemons or oranges!
- Carotenoids are substances that give chilies their characteristic colors. They are useful in the human body due to their antioxidant properties. Some carotenoids are converted in the body into vitamin A, which is important for the functioning of the immune system, growth and development, and better vision. There are more of them in ripe chilies, which are more intensely colored.
- Chillies also contain vitamin B6 , which plays an important role in the metabolism of nutrients and also affects general well-being. They also contain some essential minerals for the body, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and copper.
In addition to the nutritional benefits, the use of chili for medicinal purposes is also interesting. Capsaicin, the substance responsible for the spiciness, has some unique properties. It binds to pain receptors in the mouth, causing the well-known burning sensation. Eating large amounts of chilies eventually desensitizes pain receptors, reducing your ability to perceive the hot taste of chilies. The effect of reducing the sensitivity of receptors to pain can be used in some medical problems.
Creams containing capsaicin are used to relieve joint and muscle pain. There are even capsaicin patches to treat neuropathic pain - pain caused by nerve damage, such as in diabetes.
A spice known for its sharp and hot taste, popular in different parts of the world, it is rich in vitamins, minerals and various unique plant compounds. Their use can be healthy and quite pleasing to the tongue if you are mindful of your level of spiciness tolerance.