To continue my theme of spices for heart health month February, today’s selection are chili peppers. Spicy and oh so good for you!
Chili peppers whether dried or fresh have so many healthy benefits. They can help fight inflammation due to a substance in them called capsaicin, which gives the peppers their pungence from mild to spicy. Topical capsaicin is now recognized as a treatment for osteoarthritic pain. The cardiovascular benefits of red chili peppers, such as cayenne, have been shown to reduce blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and platelet aggregation, while increasing the body’s ability to dissolve fibrin, a substance integral to the formation of blood clots. Cultures where hot pepper is used liberally have a much lower rate of heart attack, stroke and pulmonary embolism. Heart healthy!
Spicing your meals with chili peppers may also protect the fats in your blood from damage by free radicals – a first step in the development of atherosclerosis. Capsaicin heat also stimulates secretions that help clear mucus from your stuffed up nose and congested lungs. Perfect timing during this cold and flu season! Chili peppers have quite a bit of vitamin C plus vitamin A, which is called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy mucous membranes which line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract. No wonder we feel like our nasal passages are clearing out from a dose of chilis or chili powder because they are! They also can help fight stomach ulcers by killing the bad bacteria ingested and by eating them you may lose weight. The heat produced from the chili takes calories to produce!
If you’re buying fresh be sure to choose chili peppers that have firm, glossy skin and have a vivid color. Dried chili peppers should still have a vivid color, the less colorful, the less flavor. If you buy them fresh, you can hang them in the sunlight to dry. You can make your own chili powder by grinding the peppers yourself. Dried peppers and chili powders should be kept in a tightly sealed jar, away from sunlight. Powdered chili pepper, such as cayenne pepper and chili powder, should be kept in a tightly sealed glass jar, away from direct sunlight.
Be aware that capsaicin can irritate or burn your eyes or hands. Chili oil can stick to the skin, so wash hands thoroughly after handling the peppers and be cautious about touching your hands to your eyes. Be aware that pepper dust from grinding dried peppers can irritate throat and eyes. You can protect yourself by wearing a dust mask and goggles.
If you find you can’t take the heat, cool off with a glass of milk. A protein in milk called casein can help douse capsaicin’s fire.
If you’re in the mood for some healthy heat, try some chili peppers. Add dried chili powder to chocolate in baking or savory for that extra kick and a few healthy benefits!
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=29
*Disclaimer:
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Kim Gerhardt, Certified Health Coach, does not take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
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