Hot red peppers: health benefits and risks

Humans' love of spicy food is difficult to explain scientifically, but a quarter of the world's population consumes this fiery vegetable from the pepper family daily. While it's generally believed that the seeds are the hottest part, the white membranes inside actually contain the most capsaicin. When this alkaloid binds to receptors on the tongue, it causes a burning sensation on the mucous membrane, and the higher the capsaicin level, the more painful the sensation.

In nature, birds carry the seeds, and surprisingly, they lack the receptors that prevent mammals from enjoying the vegetable. However, humans have managed to "tame" red hot peppers and, by studying their composition, have been able to minimize the harm caused by their consumption, as the hot spice's health benefits are immense.

75% of pathogenic bacteria that cause intestinal poisoning are neutralized by the active substances of the fiery seasoning. Moderate consumption helps improve health and rejuvenate the body, while uncontrolled consumption will cause significant damage to health.

Chemical composition and health benefits of hot red peppers

Hot peppers have a very rich chemical composition, and the amount of some elements covers the body's daily intake. The vegetable is rich in the following substances:

• Vitamins:
  • B vitamins – it's difficult to specify a daily dose for this vitamin, as it's influenced by many factors, including age, gender, occupation, season, etc. Increased anxiety in modern society indicates that this vitamin is essential for everyone, as it affects the normal functioning of the nervous system. Cell growth and division also depend on the availability of these substances in sufficient quantities;

    

  • Ascorbic acid (C) is an antioxidant that activates immune processes and is essential for protecting against infections. It also plays a role in hematopoiesis, tissue growth, and metabolic processes. The average daily intake is 70-90 mg, but it depends on many factors, so it can vary. Higher doses are necessary during breastfeeding, pregnancy, and in the elderly. Smokers of any age also fall into this category, as one cigarette destroys 25 mg of the vitamin.
    Interesting!

    The amount of this vitamin in 100 grams of hot pepper exceeds the daily requirement by 2.5 times;
  • Tocopherol (E) is an antioxidant that slows cellular aging and provides them with more intensive nutrition. It is responsible for cell regeneration, blood circulation, muscle function, and much more. It is especially important during pregnancy planning and pregnancy. The daily requirement for adults is 8 mg for women and 10 mg for men.
  • PP is essential for the proper functioning of many systems in the body. It reduces the risk of heart disease, including heart attack. It is involved in hormone synthesis, enzyme production, and protein digestion.

    

  • K – maintains healthy blood clotting parameters, prevents calcium deposits in blood vessels, and serves as a preventative measure against liver and prostate cancer;
  • alpha-, beta-carotenes – prevention of ophthalmological diseases;
  • Lutein and zeaxanthin improve cognitive function and vision. When combined with other vitamins, they also improve lung and heart function and lower cholesterol.
• Macronutrients:
  • Potassium – has a beneficial effect on the heart, brain, soft tissues, reduces swelling by regulating the content of salts and acids in the body;
  • Silicon – affects the health of bones, hair, nails, skin, and blood vessels. It helps absorb a large number of salts and vitamins;
  • magnesium – is responsible for the cardiovascular system, thyroid function, helps cleanse the body of heavy metals and toxins;

    

  • Sulfur is an essential macronutrient involved in key bodily processes: the synthesis of hemoglobin, collagen, keratin, and insulin. Just 20 grams of the product is enough to replenish the required amount of this element;
  • Calcium, sodium, and phosphorus are contained in small quantities.
• Microelements:
  • Boron – participates in metabolism. Increases estrogen levels in the blood and maintains the necessary calcium levels;
  • Cobalt is a vital element. It is involved in hematopoiesis, metabolic processes, and the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates;
  • lithium – has psychotropic and immunomodulatory properties, removes radioactive elements, ethyl alcohol and heavy metal salts from the body;
  • manganese – participates in cell division, the functioning of the pancreas, brain, and nervous system;
  • Pepper also contains small amounts of aluminum, iron, iodine, copper, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, fluorine, chromium, and zinc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJNo_VHNQzA

The chemical composition also includes 9 essential and 9 replaceable amino acids, 18 types of fatty acids, as well as purines and sterols.

Based on its chemical composition, hot pepper has the following health benefits:

• lowers cholesterol levels;
• has antibacterial, antiviral, immunostimulating and analgesic effects;
• improves the condition of blood vessels, bones, cartilage and soft tissues;
• serves as a preventative measure against many cardiovascular diseases;
• prolongs youth due to antioxidant action;
• has anti-cancer properties;
• improves blood circulation in the brain.

The main contraindications and harm of hot peppers for the body

Chili pepper is a very hot spice, so it has a number of contraindications that prevent regular consumption of the seasoning:

• Gastrointestinal diseases, even in remission. The product's components irritate the mucous membrane, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, or nausea;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• liver diseases in the acute stage;
• kidney diseases;
• individual intolerance to the components, which may result in an allergic reaction of varying severity;
• childhood.

If you have oral mucosal conditions, pepper in your meals can cause a severe burning sensation and worsen the condition. The severity of the pain will depend on the type of pepper. To reduce the burning sensation, it is recommended to hold ice in your mouth or drink cold milk, kefir, or yogurt.

Excessive amounts of hot peppers in the diet can cause the following harm:

• burn of the gastrointestinal mucosa;
• increased stress on the heart;
• increased blood pressure;
• development of stomach diseases (even oncological ones) with a constant inflammatory process.

It's best to use gloves when handling this spice to avoid the risk of damaging the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose if hands are not properly washed after contact with the spicy spice. Also, particularly hot varieties can cause skin burns and severe pain.

During pregnancy, adding hot pepper to your diet can help relieve nausea associated with morning sickness and normalize hormonal balance. However, all the beneficial effects are only achieved in small doses.

When breastfeeding, the spice should be completely avoided, as it will affect the quality of milk. During infancy, the vegetable should also be completely avoided to avoid damaging the developing intestines.

Use in folk medicine

Traditional medicine has long used hot pepper as a treatment, and since ancient times, this spice has been credited with near-magical properties. This is not surprising, as its uses are so broad, from pain relief to the treatment of serious internal disorders.

Alternative medicine practitioners recommend keeping chili powder and tincture in your medicine cabinet, as an open wound sprinkled with the dry powder is simultaneously disinfected, pain-relieved, and healed. The tincture can calm the nerves, support the heart, and fight viruses.

How to make pepper medicine for external use

Pepper-based hair products are widely used to combat hair loss, promote growth, and strengthen hair. When preparing hair at home, it's important to follow the dosage and choose the minimum dosage for the first few treatments.

To do this, pour a glass of vodka over two pods, weighing approximately 100 grams, and store them in a cool, dark place for a week. Afterward, the tincture is ready to use: water, tincture, and burdock oil are mixed in a 1:1:1 ratio and applied to dry hair roots. It's best to apply the mixture to unwashed hair to prevent the alcohol from drying it out. Cover your head with a plastic shower cap, and after an hour, rinse the entire mixture with warm water and shampoo.

For massage treatments for conditions such as paralysis or muscular dystrophy, you can prepare the following oil tincture: heat one part toadflax and three parts vegetable oil in a water bath for 30 minutes under a tightly closed lid. Let it steep for 24 hours. Repeat this process three times. Strain and add red hot pepper. Calculate the amount of pepper as follows: add a quarter of a pod to 500 ml of the herbal mixture. Rub the tincture into the affected area twice daily.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu0wRsNJaWs

Medicinal recipes for internal use

This hot spice is widely used in alternative medicine, but the medication and dosage are selected depending on the symptoms.

Red hot pepper for hypertension

Red pepper has a pronounced hypotensive effect, surpassing many other herbal remedies. Alternative medicine practitioners recommend drinking freshly squeezed pepper juice, diluted with water. Start with just one drop and monitor your body's response and blood pressure. A more gentle remedy is "fire" tea. In this healthy drink, the capsaicinoids in the spice are enhanced by bioflavonoids from the tea leaf, which also have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

To make hypotensive tea, pour 2 grams of green tea leaves and a pinch of spice into hot water. Add lemon and honey to taste. Let steep for 15-20 minutes.

Benefits for men

Hot red pepper is a favorite spice for many men. And for good reason, as it's especially beneficial for them:

• Improves the quality of sexual life. Has a beneficial effect on potency;

• regulates the amount of testosterone, which is responsible for determination, activity and enterprise;
• reduces the load on the liver due to the presence of lithium, which helps remove toxins and ethyl alcohol;
• It's been scientifically proven that men are more susceptible to baldness. This spice helps slow this process and preserve hair follicles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MwgMSerA5I

Hot peppers in cooking

Chili peppers are used in many countries and their national dishes. Their flavor is hot and pungent. Heat intensity varies by variety and is measured using the Scoville scale. Bell peppers score 0 on this scale, while the Habanero variety scores 350,000 units.

The spice is used both in dry and fresh form:

1. The dried ground form of the vegetable is often used as a seasoning in soups, mixtures, marinades, sauces and other dishes.
2. The dried fruits can also be used in soups and sauces, and to flavor vegetable oils that are then used in salads.
3. Fresh pods are used in small quantities in salads, fish marinades, and sauces. The most popular hot sauce is adjika.

Particular care should be taken when preparing vegetables for cooking:

1. Be sure to use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after removing them.
2. Do not touch your face and especially your eyes with gloves.
3. Remove all seeds before placing in a dish and do not forget to wash the knife after cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

This hot, spicy condiment is very popular around the world: Tabasco sauce, adjika, and Naga Viper are all made with this pepper. But few people know that this fiery vegetable not only adds a piquant and distinctive flavor to dishes, but also produces a pleasure hormone, prolongs youth, and improves health.

With just two ingredients and a few basic rules, you can prepare a versatile remedy that can be used both internally and externally. But if chili has become a common kitchen staple, it's important to know proper handling techniques, wear gloves, and keep a glass of milk handy in case of a mouth fire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIunOqn4Xn4