Almost everyone is familiar with capsaicin, if not necessarily by name but by the heat in peppers. The more capsaicin, the hotter the pepper. Due to its heat, it is perfect for adding flavour to food and has a number of therapeutic benefits. There are nutritional benefits of capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers. Chili peppers are known for their intense heat because of a chemical in them. Vitamins and minerals, as well as its antibacterial and anticancer characteristics, have also been recognised.
The heat you feel when eating hot peppers is brought on by the capsaicin in peppers. The amount of capsaicin in a pepper determines how hot it is. Specifically, bell peppers, jalapenos, cayenne peppers, and other chili peppers are among the Capsicum family plants that produce fruits that contain capsaicin. It’s not just unique; it also has health benefits.
Many Ghanaian dishes use chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) as a spice and condiment. Ghana produces chili peppers all year long and the crop thrives in all of the country’s regions. Currently, Ghana’s top vegetable export is chili peppers. There are several types of chilies, but the ones that Ghana exports are Legon 18, M 1.2, Scotch bonnet, Jalapeno, and Bird’s eye.
Besides adding heat to food, capsaicin has a number of advantages. Medical issues like arthritis pain, neuropathic pain, dermatological diseases, and even skin conditions can all be treated with capsaicin. Although eating peppers causes a small amount of pain, its chemical components can actually be used to relieve pain.
Many therapeutic ointments, gels, and patches used for pain treatment contain capsaicin as their principal active ingredient. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, capsaicin works well as a supplement to support heart health.
Hot peppers especially Bird’s eye is widely used in local medicine. It improves digestive health and metabolism, alleviates migraines. Capsaicin, the active ingredient, excites the mucous membrane of the mouth, stomach and bowels, which causes strong peristalsis.
Another benefit is sweating of the body, which is a relief in hot climates as it has a cooling effect, besides, it causes tingling of the tongues and cheeks and secretion of the eyes, nose and sinuses, people suffering from a flu experiences relief after consuming hot pepper. Capsaicin has shown some promise when it comes to helping maintain blood sugar and insulin levels.
In addition it is said that regular consumption is beneficial for vascular conditions and against hemorrhoids, varicose veins, anorexia and liver congestion. It also provides roughage of crude fibre which promotes digestion and helps thwart constipation.
Moreover, pepper has some insecticidal properties that are used as plant botanicals to curb insect pests.
Do your health a favour and jazz up your meals with peppers.