CHILLI

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.