Ajit Karn
Unbelievable Health Benefits Of Green Chillies, Green chillies are essential to Indian cuisine. The green vegetable imparts the characteristic fiery, spicy flavor of Indian cuisine. Capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the pepper’s bright green color and spicy flavor, is also responsible for a number of other health benefits. Learn more about the health benefits of green chillies by reading the following text.
About Green Chillies
Despite being a vegetable, green chili is commonly used as a seasoning. It is known by its scientific name, Capsicum Frutescens. The vegetable is grown throughout the entire year. Green chillies come in nearly 400 distinct varieties, each with a unique level of heat.
Green Chilli Nutrition
The green chilli benefits are linked to the high nutritional value of green chilli.
Every 100 gm of green chillies contains:
- Carbohydrates – 9.46 gm
- Proteins – 2 gm
- Fats – 0.2 gm
- Fibre – 1.5 gm
- Sugar – 5.1 gm
- Iron – 1.2 mg
- Calcium – 18 mg
- Phosphorus – 46 mg
- Magnesium – 25 mg
- Potassium – 340 mg
- Copper – 0.174 mg
- Zinc – 0.3 mg
- Sodium – 7 mg
- Manganese – 0.237 mg
- Vitamin C – 242 mg
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – 0.09 mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – 0.09 mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 0.95 mg
- Vitamin B6 – 0.278 mg
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) – 0.061 mg
- Vitamin A – 59 IU
- Folate – 23 IU
Green chillies are also rich in several plant compounds namely, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, essential oils, tannins, steroids, and capsaicin.
Benefits of Green Chillies
The nutritional value of green chilli, along with several plant compounds, has various health effects. Here are 7 Unbelievable Health Benefits Of Green Chillies:
1. Protecting from Chronic Diseases
The primary benefit of green chili is its high antioxidant content. Green chillies’ flavonoids, phenols, and proanthocyanidins protect the body from free radicals and halt the oxidation process. It is known that free radicals in the body cause DNA damage, alter genetic structure, and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain tumors.
2. Helpful Against Diabetes
Capsaicin, the chemical abundantly present in green chillies, helps reduce blood sugar levels. Capsaicin is also known to promote insulin secretion, increase insulin sensitivity, which helps in controlling blood glucose levels.
3. Helping Cure Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition characterized by insufficient haemoglobin levels and iron deficiency. Iron is naturally abundant in green chillies. In addition, green chillies are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for iron assimilation.
4. Antimicrobial Properties
The bioactive compounds in green chillies have high antimicrobial properties. Regular ingestion of green chillies thwarts the growth of several disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
Also read: 7 Potential Health Benefits of Cabbage
5. Promoting Healthy Skin
Green chillies provide numerous benefits to the epidermis. Vitamins C and E are exceptionally abundant in the vegetable. Vitamin E reduces the indicators of aging while Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen. The antioxidant compounds in green chillies aid in the fight against free radicals, which are harmful to the epidermis. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of green chillies safeguard the skin against acne and skin infections.
6. Aiding Weight Loss
Capsaicin, the active compound in green chillies, is known to boost metabolism. Upon ingestion, capsaicin produces heat which boosts the metabolism. Faster metabolism leads to the melting down of accumulated fat which leads to weight loss. To top it up, green chillies are a zero-calorie food. The presence of Vitamin B5 helps in the breakdown of fatty acids.
7. Increasing Body Temperature During Winters
The bioactive compounds in green chillies directly induce thermogenesis, converting energy into heat. This helps raise the body temperature and keeps you warm during winter. Thermogenesis also helps in burning body fat.
8. Reducing Stomach Ulcers
Plant compounds present in green chillies reduce the secretion of stomach acids which are responsible for stomach ulcers. Green chilli extract also improves tissue health. This reduces the risk of stomach ulcers.
9. Ensuring Effective Cold Relief
Capsaicin in green chillies produces heat within the body. This stimulates the mucus membranes in the nose, causing the mucus secretion to become thinner. This promotes easy drainage and helps in unblocking respiratory passage and improving cold and cough symptoms.
10. Potent Pain Reliever
Green chillies have anti-inflammatory compounds. They cut down inflammation in the body and provide effective relief from joint pains. Health benefits of green chillies are particularly seen in people with arthritis and osteoporosis. Furthermore, the heat produced by chillies acts as an active pain reliever.
11. Boosting Immune Health
Green chillies contain high amounts of Vitamin C and beta-carotene. These nutrients strengthen immune defence as they support various cellular functions. This improves both innate and adaptive immunity.
12. Promoting Eye Health
Vitamin C in green chillies helps form collagen, a protein that provides structure to the eyes. The vitamin protects the eyes against cataracts. Furthermore, beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A, which maintains eye health and prevents several eye conditions.
13. Boosting Mood
Upon digestion, green chillies release endorphins, the chemicals released by the body when it is in pain or stress. These are potent pain relievers and reduce stress, uplift mood, increase positivity, and promote overall well-being.
14. Lowering Body Temperature
Ingesting enough capsaicin stimulates the hypothalamus, the cooling centre in the brain. As the hypothalamus is activated, it sends signals to the sweat gland to produce more sweat. This cools off the body and lowers body temperature during hot weather conditions.
15. Helping Prevent Osteoporosis
Green chillies are rich in Vitamin K. Optimum levels of Vitamin K in the blood increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures. Vitamin K also strengthens bones by binding calcium to the bones.
16. Promoting Digestion
Green chilli benefits the digestive system. The vegetable is loaded with dietary fibre, which helps in colon cleaning. The high fibre content bulks up the stool, which allows healthy bowel movements. This prevents constipation and allows the body to get rid of toxic waste.
17. Promoting Hair Health
Green chillies are a good source of Vitamin C. The nutrient helps in the formation of collagen, which makes the hair stronger and healthier. Vitamin C also facilitates iron absorption, which ensures an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood in hair follicles. This prevents breakage and split ends. Green chillies also contain natural silicon that promotes a healthy scalp.
Side Effects of Green Chillies
The green chilli benefits and side effects go hand-in-hand. While a moderate intake of green chilli is good for health, there are disadvantages of eating green chillies too. These are:
- Green chillies can cause skin and eye irritation upon direct contact.
- Chewing green chillies directly can irritate the inner lining of the mouth and trigger a burning sensation.
- Prolonged exposure to capsaicin can cause blisters and swelling on the skin. Capsaicin in the eyes can cause extreme redness and tears.
- Excessive consumption of green chillies can negate the benefits against stomach ulcers. Instead, it can damage the stomach lining and raise the risk of ulcers.
- Excessive intake of green chillies can damage the liver and kidneys and lead to brain toxicity.
- The heating effect of green chillies can cause intestinal distress in some people. It can lead to painful cramps and diarrhoea.
- Excessive consumption of capsaicin can trigger abnormal cell growth. This can increase the risk of cancer, especially in the stomach and gallbladder.
- Direct chewing of raw chillies can increase the risk of mouth and throat cancer.
Conclusion
Throughout the world, green chillies are extensively used. They impart a spicy, piquant flavor to the food. In addition to heightening flavor, green chillies provide weight loss, enhanced skin and hair quality, increased immunity, and protection against a number of diseases. These health benefits are associated with green chili’s nutritional value.
Green chillies are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and a variety of plant compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, essential oils, tannins, steroids, and capsaicin. Capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the pepper’s glossy appearance and spicy flavor, contributes to these health advantages. However, there are also disadvantages to consuming green chillies. Therefore, they must be utilized with caution and ingested in moderation.
