The benefits and harms of capsicum red pepper

The benefits and harms of capsicum red pepper

Today, there are a large number of products that are eaten not only for their unique taste, but also in the light of a huge number of beneficial properties for the human body. A rather remarkable representative of such crops is red capsicum.

Nutritional value and composition

Hot pepper in everyday life is called differently, among the most commonly used names are such epithets as hot, bitter, capsicum, chili and so on. However, the characteristics of the culture do not change at all, therefore hot pepper varieties are used as a seasoning all over the world in various traditional dishes, which acquire the sharpness and piquancy valued by real gourmets. At the same time, the plant is native to the American tropics. As studies have shown, the ancient peoples who inhabited this continent were engaged in the cultivation of a spicy culture for later consumption, and also used the healing properties of pepper to get rid of various ailments.

And despite the claims of doctors and nutritionists regarding the negative impact of peppered dishes on health, it is red hot pepper that remains a favorite among a huge list of seasonings.When used sensibly, seasonings do not cause health problems associated with digestive discomfort, and in some cases there is a completely opposite reaction, the result of which is healing and well-being.

Ripe fruits can be eaten not only fresh, but also crushed or dried. The concentration of palatability of pepper falls on the inner plates and seeds. Based on these features, in order to eliminate an excess of bitterness, too sharp components from the fruit are usually removed before its use.

However, peeling the fruit requires certain precautions to avoid contact of the skin and mucous membranes with pepper essential oils.

The crop is represented by elongated fruits, which, depending on the variety, may have a different shade. The taste of pepper can also vary from spicy to hot. As for the zoning of pepper, the culture has no special restrictions, but the main suppliers of the product today are still Asian regions.

Biologically mature fruit, in addition to excellent taste, contains the maximum amount of useful vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Harvesting fruits is recommended to be carried out precisely in the phase of physical ripeness of peppers. Work on the collection of sharp pods is carried out in several stages, such a scheme makes it possible to reduce the risk of shedding of the ovaries, in addition, the crop yield increases. Pepper stands out for its good keeping quality, therefore, under the right conditions, it retains its organoleptic qualities and consumer attractiveness for about two months.

The main components of capsicum have a tonic and strengthening effect on the body. It has been established that the culture is able to compensate for the deficiency of certain vitamins in the body - among them it is worth highlighting vitamins A, B, K, PP, E.

Do not forget about the main component of the pods - the alkaloid capsaicin, which is not only responsible for the main taste qualities of pepper, such as pungency and bitterness, but also has an analgesic and antibacterial effect.

In addition to a balanced fortified composition, the pods contain a fairly large amount of minerals, on average, in different varieties their number reaches four dozen.

Among the most important components for human health, it is worth highlighting the following (per 100 grams of product):

  • calcium - 18 mg;
  • selenium - 0.44 mg;
  • magnesium - 25 mg;
  • sodium - 7 mg;
  • potassium - 330 mg;
  • iron - 1.22 mg.

It should also be noted that about 0.33 grams of omega-6 acid is present in 100 grams of pepper.

In order to get the most complete picture regarding the composition of the vegetable, it is necessary to note the low calorie content of the product - 100 grams of red pepper contains no more than 40 kcal.

At the same time, the nutritional value is represented by the following ratio of BJU:

  • proteins - 1.9 grams;
  • fats - 0.4 grams;
  • carbohydrates - 7.3 grams.

What is useful?

It has been proven that red peppers promote the production of endorphins, and these hormones increase the pain threshold, as well as reduce stress levels. Among the list of functions of such compounds, it is also worth noting the acceleration of blood circulation, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of blood clots.

In reasonable quantities, the spicy vegetable improves the functioning of the digestive system, and also stimulates the appetite.

It has already been proven that the fruits of bitter pepper contribute to the normalization of sleep, there is a positive trend in the use of pepper and in the fight against oncological neoplasms in the body. Good results are demonstrated by a diet using pods in the complex treatment of ailments such as allergies and bronchial asthma.

The red fruit is quite actively used as an ingredient in various tinctures and formulations that belong to traditional medicine. As a rule, preparations prepared on its basis are effective for sciatica and arthritis. The benefits of pepper are observed when the product is introduced into the diet - there is a positive trend in weight loss.

Red pepper treats colds and has a healing effect on the respiratory system, the product is also indicated as a diaphoretic that helps to eliminate phlegm.

Since pepper has anti-inflammatory properties, the vegetable is able to destroy pathogenic microflora in the intestines and relieve pain symptoms. The ground product is effective for diarrhea, in addition, the vegetable will help remove decomposition products from the intestines.

For women

As for the benefits of the product for the beautiful half of humanity, it is safe to say the following:

  • when it is used, the menstrual cycle is normalized;
  • hot spice acts as a certain barrier to infectious diseases associated with the genitourinary system;
  • Pepper acts as a prophylactic in the fight against ovarian cancer.

Capsicum can be consumed during pregnancy, but during this period it is necessary to control the amount of the product present in the diet of a young mother. It is worth noting that in Asian countries, a similar product for pregnant women is not considered as a vegetable that poses a threat to women and children during this period.

During breastfeeding, it is forbidden to use hot pepper in any form, since it can negatively affect the digestive organs of an infant through mother's milk.

For men

The fetus can also have a positive effect on representatives of the strong half of humanity, and such a favorable and healing effect is due to the presence of a certain number of vitamins and microelements that are necessary for the male body.

It is necessary to dwell in more detail on the main points regarding men's health:

  • first of all, the vegetable activates the production of the main male hormone - testosterone, which, in turn, has a positive effect on potency;
  • due to the increase in the amount of hormone produced, physical strength will proportionally increase, therefore, men who are professionally involved in sports are introduced to the diet with special teas and drinks containing hot peppers;
  • in moderation, pepper will have a beneficial effect on the liver;
  • By increasing the production of the male hormone, pepper will become an effective prophylactic in the fight against baldness.

In cosmetology

In addition to its main purpose, the spicy pod fruit can be used as an ingredient in cosmetic and hygiene products. Most often, pepper is added to the composition of shampoos for washing hair.Thanks to the fetus, hair growth is stimulated, in addition, their structure and strength are improved. Products containing pepper are divided into professionally made hair products and compositions that you can prepare yourself at home. Both include shampoos, balms, and hair tinctures, as well as blends and masks. As a rule, the composition of such products is a complex of vitamins, some fresh foods and ground pepper or vegetable seeds, which also have a positive effect on hair follicles, preventing baldness. There are varieties of hot peppers, such as Capsicum, that can be grown at home and used as a spicy condiment, for healing or for cosmetic purposes.

As a component of toothpaste, pepper will reduce bleeding gums, strengthening them.

Red pepper is present in cosmetics for hand skin care, because it helps to thicken the nail plate. Pepper is also part of most anti-cellulite complexes that allow you to burn fat mass.

Harm and contraindications

Due to its taste and composition capsicum has a number of restrictions regarding the use of vegetables in food.

  • It is worth refraining from introducing spicy seasonings into the diet with increased acidity of gastric juice.
  • Gastritis, stomach ulcers and other similar diseases require a certain diet. As a rule, all spicy foods and dishes are excluded from the diet, so red capsicum will be included in the list of restrictions.
  • Inflammatory and ulcerative processes, the concentration of which falls on the intestinal tract, will serve as a reason for refusing to use the fetus. Neglecting the recommendations will cause not only discomfort, but also more serious problems regarding the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • A disease such as diabetes mellitus requires strict adherence to a diet, which concerns the rejection not only of sweet and high-calorie foods, but also of spicy foods and seasonings. That is why those suffering from diabetes need to abandon the use of red hot peppers as a supplement to food.
  • Kidney dysfunction is an indication to limit the use of such a spice and exclude it from the diet.

Usage Tips

Since capsicum red pepper has a rather diverse and wide range of applications, it is worth following certain recommendations for the correct use of the product for various purposes.

Due to the fact that red pepper is a seasonal vegetable and most people do not have the opportunity to grow it at home or in a greenhouse, the product and its nutrients can be preserved by freezing.

The vegetable preparation process includes the following steps:

  • pepper must be cleaned of dirt and dried;
  • to minimize the sharpness of the fruit, it can be dipped in boiling water for several minutes;
  • it is necessary to freeze the fruits without seeds and internal veins;
  • the culture should be cut into the thinnest possible strips, which will help preserve useful vitamins and minerals;
  • all work on the preparation of the fetus must be carried out with gloves to avoid allergic reactions on the skin and not get burned.

Freezing peppers can be done in several ways, depending on the temperature in the freezer or other frozen food storage device. If the vegetable is stored at a temperature of 0-5 degrees above zero, it will not lose its properties for about two months. At a temperature of -18 degrees, pepper will be useful after thawing for two years. The product should be stored in containers.

Particular attention should be paid to the correct introduction of seasoning in the diet to reduce body weight. Since the product belongs to the category of low-calorie vegetable crops that have the ability to activate metabolic processes in the human body, and also perfectly breaks down fats and carbohydrates, you need to have an idea about its proper use without the risk of harm to health.

Good results regarding weight loss are obtained by drinking a tomato drink with the addition of pepper. Natural tomato juice in the volume of half a glass is mixed with half a teaspoon of germinated wheat grains and a small amount of salt. In the resulting drink, you must add chilli ground red pepper. To prepare a drink, you must correctly observe the proportions, and, in addition to homemade recipes, you can simply include this vegetable in your daily diet, which will bring the long-awaited effect as a result.

A positive effect regarding bowel cleansing can be achieved by introducing a small piece of vegetable wrapped in a crumb of bread into the daily diet.A similar variant of the use of capsicum demonstrates a prolonged result with a tendency to develop blood clots.

For colds, an infusion of milk and hot pepper is used. The vegetable will need a very small piece, which is poured with warm milk and brought to a boil over low heat in this state. After that, the pepper must be removed from the drink, and the milk should be drunk.

To reduce the temperature in young children, a small amount of ground spice is poured into socks before going to bed.

For adults, a mixture prepared according to the following recipe acts as an antipyretic based on hot pepper: honey and ground vegetable are mixed in a 1: 1 ratio. Such a diaphoretic is used one teaspoon as needed. Given the specific taste of the prepared composition, it is not forbidden to drink it with water.

As for the general rejuvenation of the body, red hot pepper is part of a large number of mixtures. To prepare a healthy product, you will need 200 grams of honey, about 2-3 grams of ground spices and about half a liter of olive oil. The resulting composition should be consumed no more than 5 times a day, one tablespoon. Similar wellness procedures can be carried out once every three months.

To maintain the beauty and health of the hair, the ground fruit, along with the seeds, is mixed with vegetable oil and applied as a nourishing mask to the scalp. To prepare the composition, you will need one medium pepper pod, as well as about 100 milliliters of vegetable oil. The mixture is kept on the head for no more than 10 minutes. The pepper mask is washed off with water and shampoo.To obtain a long-term effect from a prophylactic natural remedy, the procedure is performed once every seven days, the entire course should be about three procedures.

For the treatment of psoriasis, a quarter liter of olive oil is mixed with four teaspoons of spicy ground spice. The resulting composition is infused for six hours, after which the affected areas are lubricated with such a medicine and wrapped in natural tissue. The minimum course of treatment is two months.

For the benefits and dangers of red pepper, see the following video.

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The information is provided for reference purposes. Do not self-medicate. For health issues, always consult a specialist.

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