Chilli; Capsicum
The plant is herb/shrub,
up to 2m tall. Its flowers are white with a purple tinge & grouped in the
forks of leaves. The fruits are conical or elliptical. They are orange, red or
yellow at maturity & contain numerous seeds. There
are many species of chillies, ranging from large to small & vary in hotness
from mild to incendiary-like potency. Chewing of chillies may cause a burning
sensation of the tongue & mouth but is normally harmless. For all eye exposures, just rinse
with water for 15 minutes, followed by medical help.
Chilli
can contain as much as six times the amount of vitamin C as a single orange.
They also contain high amounts of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which supports
the cardiovascular system & as well as helps maintain the health of the
eyes & skin, and immune system. Green chillies also contain vitamins B
& E and are a good source of iron & potassium.
The
study by the researchers at the University of Tasmania (published in the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 2006) reported that the regular
consumption of chillies can help our body control insulin levels (by up to
about 60%).
Health
& Medical Benefits:
1.
Capsaicin
(contains a neuropeptide) – anti-inflammatory agent.
2. Eating chili is
good to sinus congestion, sinus pain & headaches and provides pain relief
for migraines/cluster headaches.
3.
Study (Cancer
Research, March 2006) concluded that capsaicin could stop the spread of
prostate cancer.
4.
A
Berkley neurobiology research reported that capsaicin/chilli consumption to be
‘protective against stomach cancer’.
5.
Eating chilli could also lower the cholesterol
level.
6. Studies have shown
that eating chilli kills 80% of prostrate cancer cells & can even prevent
them forming.
7. Eating chilli can
ease the pain caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), because it contains a
pain-killing neuropeptide.
8. When applied
topically, capsaicin provides pain relief from osteoarthritis & may help
ease pain from diabetic neuropathy.
9. Eating chilli can
prevent blood clotting.
