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Chili Pepper; Nutritional Value, Chili Pepper Health Benefits

Chili Pepper Health Benefits,Chili pepper is the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Chili peppers are widely used in many cuisines to add spiciness to dishes. The substances that give chili peppers their intensity when ingested or applied topically are capsaicin and related compounds known as capsaicinoids.

Nutritional Value, Chili Pepper Health Benefits

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	166 kJ (40 kcal)

Carbohydrates	8.8 g
Sugars	5.3 g
Dietary fiber	1.5 g

Fat	0.4 g

Protein	1.9 g

Vitamins	Quantity%DV^†
Vitamin A equiv. beta-Carotene	6% 48 μg 5% 534 μg
Vitamin B6	39% 0.51 mg
Vitamin C	173% 144 mg

Minerals	Quantity%DV^†
Iron	8% 1 mg
Magnesium	6% 23 mg
Potassium	7% 322 mg

Other constituents	Quantity
Water	88 g
Capsaicin	0.01g – 6 g
Units μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams IU = International units
^†Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database

Chili Pepper Health Benefits

Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, psoriasis, shingles and nerve pain due to diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), when applied to the skin in the affected area – The active ingredient in topical preparations of capsicum, capsaicin, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these uses.

PossiblyChili Pepper Health Benefits

Back pain, when applied to the skin
Reducing painful tender points in people with fibromyalgia, when applied to the skin
Relieving symptoms of prurigo nodularis, a skin disease, when applied to the skin – It may take 22 weeks to 33 months of treatment to see a benefit. Symptoms may return after stopping use of capsicum.
Cluster headache, when used in the nose – Capsicum seems to reduce the number and severity of cluster headaches. It’s best to apply capsicum to the nostril that is on the same side of the head as the headache.
Relieving symptoms of perennial rhinitis, a runny nose not associated with allergies or infection, when used in the nose – Sometimes the benefit can last for 6-9 months.
Stomach ulcers – There is evidence that suggests people who eat capsicum fruit (chili) an average of 24 times per month appear to be less likely to have an ulcer than people who eat chili an average of 8 times per month. This applies to chili in the form of chili powder, chili sauce, curry powder, and other chili-containing foods.
Heartburn. Beginning research suggests that red pepper powder (containing capsicum) in capsules taken 3 times daily before meals reduces symptoms of heartburn. But in some people, symptoms get worse before they get better.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – Early evidence suggests that capsicum fruit taken by mouth doesn’t help symptoms of IBS.
Hay fever – There is conflicting evidence so far about the effectiveness of capsicum for reducing hay fever symptoms.
Polyps in the nose – Putting capsicum in the nose seems to improve symptoms and airflow.
Swallowing difficulties – Some people, especially elderly people or those who have suffered a stroke, are more likely than other people to develop “aspiration pneumonia.” This is a kind of pneumonia that develops after food or saliva is sucked into the airways because the person couldn’t swallow properly. There is some evidence that dissolving a capsaicin-containing lozenge in the mouth of elderly people with swallowing problems before each meal can improve their ability to swallow.
Colic.
Cramps.
Toothache
Blood clots.
Fever.
Nausea.
High cholesterol.
Heart disease.
Migraine headache.
Muscle spasms.
Laryngitis.