Chili-Capsaicin Pepper is a type of red slender pepper which contain capsaicin (an alkaloid pungent compound which gives them strong spicy pungent character) and produces a burning sensation upon contact with the skin or eaten.
Plant Description
History
Varieties of Chili Pepper
Capsicum annuum
(paprika, wax, chili cayenne, jalapeños, and the chiltepin)
Capsicum frutescens
(malagueta, tabasco, thai pepper, piri piri, and malawian kambuzi)
Capsicum chinense
(naga, habanero, datil and scotch bonnet)
Capsicum pubescens
(south american rocoto peppers)
Capsicum baccatum
(south american aji peppers)
Different Chili Pepper & Difference in Phytochemicals
Red Habanero
red habanero pepper contain beta-Carotene
Green Serrano
green serrano pepper contain capsanthin
Jalapeno
jalapeno-pepper contain capsanthin
Yellow Habanero
yellow habanero pepper contain lutein, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene
Scotch Bonnet
scotch bonnet pepper contain lutein, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene
Orange Habanero
orange habanero contain antheraxanthin, capsanthin and zeaxanthin
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
Directions of Preparation
Recommended Dosage
Its Active Constituents:
Chili Peppers main bioactive Plant Compounds:
• Capsanthin – The main Carotenoid in red chili Peppers (responsible for their red color), accounting for up to 50% of the total Carotenoid content, has powerful anti-oxidant properties which may act against Cancer.
• Violaxanthin – The major Carotenoid anti-oxidant in yellow chili Peppers, accounting for 37-68% of the total Carotenoid content.
• Lutein – Most abundant in green (immature) chili Peppers, the levels of Lutein decrease with maturation. High consumption of Lutein has been linked with improved Eye Health.
• Capsaicin – An active ingredient in hot Peppers which is known to suppress appetite, frequent in pain-relieving creams ingredients and vasodilator. The most studied Plant Compounds in chili Peppers, responsible for their pungent (hot) flavour and has many health effects.
a) Helps to Fight Migraines and Headaches, and nasal Congestion and Sinus Infections.
b) Depletes substance P (a chemical that transmits pain messages to the brain)
c) A frequent ingredient in pain-relieving creams as it produces a feeling of warmth when applied to the Skin.
d) Capsaicin is a vasodilator, which enhances circulation and increases body temperature.
e) Produces a burning sensation upon contact with the Skin.
• Sinapic (sinapinic acid) acid – An anti-oxidant which has a variety of potential health benefits.
• Ferulic acid – An anti-oxidant that may help protect against various chronic diseases.
• Chili-Capsaicin Pepper is excellent in Vitamin C.
• Chili-Capsaicin Pepper is very good in Potassium, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E, Vitamin K.
• Chili-Capsaicin Pepper has average trace of Dietary Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper, Manganese, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2.
Note:
* In general, the smaller and more pointed the Pepper is, the hotter the taste.
* Chilies may aggravate existing gastro-esophageal reFlux (GER) condition.
* Its initially elicits severe burning sensation when it comes in contact with mucusa of oral cavity, throat and stomach. Take cold Water to reduce irritation.
Precaution:
* Capsicum cause Irritant effect, due to its capsaicinoids content.
Health Benefits of Chili-Capsaicin Pepper
Cardiovascular System
• Capsaicin is a vasodilator (dilates The Arteries), which enhances circulation and increases body temperature.
• Potassium is an important component of cell and body Fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Circulatory System
• Cayenne is a potent warming herb that stimulates circulation and digestion.
Foods & Circulatory System
Digestive System
• Hot Peppers like Cayenne, Chili, and Jalapeno may actually protect The Stomach lining from damage.
Foods & Digestive System
Eye
• Capsaicin Peppers are rich in a host of nutrients, including Beta-Carotene, eye-friendly Carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin, and Vitamin C.
• Vitamin A is known for improving eyesight, preventing Night Blindness and macular degeneration from developing as we age.
Foods & Eye
Immune System
• Its used as an herbal medicine to treat microbial Infection.
• Chilies are a good source of antioxidants (such as Vitamin A) and Flavonoids (like Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin) which help protect the body from injurious effects of free radicals generated during Stress, diseases conditions.
• Fresh chili Peppers (red and green) are an excellent source of Vitamin C which is required for the collagen synthesis inside the Human Body. Collagen is one of the main structural Protein required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, Skin, organs, and Bones.
• Vitamin C helps protect from Scurvy, develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity), and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
• Chilies contain Minerals like Potassium, Manganese, Iron and Magnesium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the anti-oxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
Note:
* Certain chemical compounds (like aflatoxin or fungal mold) found in spoiled chilies have been known to cause stomach, Liver and Colon Cancers.
Foods & Immune System
Infections
• Its capsaicin (the compound which gives Pepper the spice) also helps in lowering the pH of The Stomach and thereby prevents harmful bacteria from growing. Other compounds present in Peppers (such as Quercetin, Kaempferol and Caffeic Acid) has an innate ability to stiffen the outer layer of the bacteria, thereby blocking all absorption of Energy resulting into its death.
Foods & Infections
Metabolism
• Hot Peppers (and their powders) may act as a Metabolism booster (aid digestion and stimulate the appetite).
• In fact, they stimulate the lining of The Stomach to secrete powerful protective juices that may help prevent ulcers by killing bacteria.
Foods & Metabolism
Musculoskeletal System
• Chili powder eases pain and have been in use in the treatment of arthritic pain, post-herpetic neuropathic pain, sore muscles, etc.
• Capsaicin (active ingredient in Peppers) depletes substance P (a chemical that transmits pain messages to the brain) hence, is a frequent ingredient in pain-relieving creams as it produces a feeling of warmth when applied to the Skin.
• Vanilloid compound that is the active ingredient in chilies is known for its thermogenic properties (capsaicin causes Sweating, followed by a cooling of body temperature through the evaporation of Sweat) which in effect also ease pain.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Respiratory System
• Capsaicin Pepper‘s Vitamin C content is probably the reason they have been used as a popular natural remedy for Colds and Coughs.
Foods & Respiratory System
Weight Management
• Consumption of Chili Pepper has a beneficial effect on insulin levels (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2006).
• They contain the capsaicin (an ingredient which is known to suppress appetite). Cayenne Peppers, habaneros, and Jalapenos are some mainstream choices.
• Major capsaicinoids (dihydrocapsiate and capsaicin) found in chili Pepper that nominally increases thermogenesis which increases both fat and calorie burning.
Foods & Weight Management
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Chilli Peppers
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Red Chilli Peppers
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Green Chilli Peppers
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Serrano Peppers
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Pimento (Cherry Pepper)