Hot chili pepper beneficial properties. Chili peppers are the food of long-livers! How to select and store hot peppers

If your life lacks thrills, try adding some hot peppers. It will not only add piquancy to your favorite dish, but will also make your brain work better, strengthen your hair and relieve you of stress. You can grow hot peppers both in the garden and on the balcony or window.

On this page of the site for beginners, we decided to consider the most popular chili pepper varieties. Photos and descriptions, we hope, will help you choose what you need. Isn't it time to add some spice to your life?

Chili pepper - what do we know about it?

Its homeland is considered to be tropical America from the times when it was inhabited by the indigenous population - the Indians. Today it is mainly grown in India and Thailand. Several varieties of hot peppers are called chili peppers. Although it is translated as “red,” the fruits can actually have yellow and even dark shades.

The spiciness of chili peppers comes from the unique substance it contains - capsaicin. Its amount is measured in Scovilles and designated as SHU. Bell peppers have zero Scovilles, the least hot peppers chili contains from 100 to 500 scovilles, and the hottest one (it was included in the Guinness Book) - more than 1 million scovilles. Fresh milk fights the pepper fire in the mouth most effectively.

The most popular varieties of chili peppers - description, photo

Burning bouquet

A plant up to half a meter high with 10-centimeter fruits, which, as gourmets describe, have a special peppery aroma. Burning bouquet is an early variety; it can be grown outdoors and in shelter.

Double Abundance

Long (18-20 cm), trunk-shaped, thick-walled pepper. The variety in question has three main advantages: high yield, resistance to viruses and strong summer heat.

Chinese fire

Pepper pods are long - up to 25 cm and have a particularly strong pungency. The plant grows up to 65 cm and exhibits good disease resistance.

Indian elephant

Trunk-shaped, thick-walled, semi-sharp peppers, each of which weighs about 30 g. The height of the plant can reach 1.3 m. The variety is very productive and very aromatic.

Jalapeño

The height of the bush is usually approximately 1 m, the length of the peppers is 10 cm. On average, 35 peppers ripen on each plant. To get a full harvest, it is better to grow this pepper in protected ground. Jalapeños are picked without waiting for ripeness.

Habanero Tobago Seasoning

The pepper has a somewhat “bruised” appearance and can be not only red, but also have other colors (yellow, brown, pink). Average weight - 15 g, has a fruity flavor. There are up to 1000 bright peppercorns on one bush.

Cayenne red

The fruits are thin, each approximately 12 cm long, and the sharpness is medium. A one and a half meter bush requires a garter. Very productive variety pepper - you can pick about 40 peppers from one bush.

7 Pot Brain Strain Red

Vizier

The fruits are very unusual in appearance (see photo), with a wall thickness of 3 mm, medium-sharp. The bush is quite tall and spreading. Vizier - very productive late variety.

Tabasco

A high-yielding, late-ripening variety of chili pepper. One and a half meters is the usual height for this plant, 5 cm is its usual length. The heat is medium. This variety is resistant to many diseases.

Jati Jolokia

We have brought to your attention the best varieties chili pepper. Photos and descriptions should help you make your choice. Spice up your fasting life with hot and healthy chili peppers!

Chili pepper is a small annual subshrub with bright red pods when mature. Mexico is believed to be its homeland. It came to European countries in the mid-sixteenth century thanks to Christopher Columbus, and then spread to other continents.

Possessing a wide range of useful properties, it is used not only in cooking, as a hot seasoning. It is also widely used in folk medicine to treat diseases and in cosmetology.

Breeders have obtained several varietal types of chili, differing in the shape of the pods and the pungency of taste. Some of them are so beautiful that they are grown on garden plots as ornamental plants.

Let's talk about red hot chili pepper: its benefits, potential harm to health, beneficial properties for men, women and children, contraindications, areas of application.

How to choose a good product and store it correctly

When purchasing fresh chili you need to examine it carefully. It should have a rich, uniform color and shiny skin. The pods must not contain stains, wrinkles, or any mechanical damage.

The fruits should be elastic and dense. The soft ones have most likely already begun to deteriorate.

Dry pods should also be elastic, evenly colored. They should not show signs of cracking. Spots of yellow or light orange color indicate improper drying or microbial damage.

Ground product- free-flowing powder of red or dark orange color without the presence of lumps. It should have a pronounced peppery smell and a very hot taste.

Fresh pods Can be stored in the refrigerator for about one week. Later they lose their original density.

Dried fruits It is better not to grind it in advance, as ground pepper quickly loses its taste. It is best to collect them in garlands and place them in a dry, cool room.

Before use, you can lightly fry in a dry frying pan to enhance the aroma, and grind. Or you can soak it in water for one hour. This will make them look like roasted peppers, allowing them to be sliced ​​beautifully.

Also for long-term storage fresh product can be preserved in vinegar or any vegetable oil.

You can freeze them. To do this, the chili must be washed, dried and placed in plastic bags. Such peppers will contain fewer nutrients than fresh ones.

Composition, calorie content, nutritional value and glycemic index

Calorie content of chili quite low - 26 kilocalories per hundred grams of product. Glycemic index – 15.

Nutritional value per 100 g of product:

• proteins – 1.9 g;
• fats – 1.2 g;
• carbohydrates – 5.5 g;
• dietary fiber – 1.4 g;
• water – 90 g.

Chemical composition quite diverse, it is rich:

Beneficial and healing properties for health

Due to its varied chemical composition chili - very useful product . Its pungency helps to cheer up, restore strength, and get rid of many diseases using traditional medicine recipes.

It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties, helps normalize metabolic processes in the body.

Regular consumption of chili in moderation helps:

The “Live Healthy!” program will tell you whether chili pepper is healthy and why:

Potential dangers and contraindications

With all the beneficial properties product if used incorrectly may harm the body.

Its juice can burn the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes. If this happens, you need to rinse them immediately big amount cold water.

Gloves should be used when cutting fresh fruit.

What is good for the body

Adult men and women

Chili brings great benefits to women's health: contributes to the settlement menstrual cycle, improving ovarian activity.

Improves the condition of hair and nails, burns excess fat.

It is no less useful for men. Increases potency, eliminates genitourinary problems, enhances libido.

Pregnant and nursing

Very often, along with sweet and salty foods, pregnant and lactating women want something spicy. This is explained by the fact that hormonal levels change, resulting in a lack of gastric juice.

That's why Eating a small amount of hot chili will be beneficial. This will improve blood circulation and stimulate the secretion of gastric juice.

Serotonin will be produced, which relieves depression, which often occurs during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Food lightly seasoned with spices will help cope with toxicosis and reduce the likelihood of thrombosis.

Will also strengthen the immune system , which will reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases and improve the condition of hair and nails. It will help maintain the normal condition of teeth during pregnancy.

Before you start eating chili, you should consult your doctor, who will determine the permissible amount.

This is necessary because abuse of this product is accompanied by heartburn, flatulence, problems with the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.

A constant feeling of thirst may occur, and during pregnancy, excess fluid in the body causes swelling and disrupts the functioning of the heart and kidneys.

Children

Moderate consumption of chili has a beneficial effect on the body of children. His chemical composition useful for the proper development and growth of the skeleton and soft tissues. The spice strengthens the immune system and protects against infections.

Maintains the normal condition of teeth and gums, normalizes sleep, improves brain function, preserves vision.

Helps combat hyperactivity. But it can be introduced into the diet of children no earlier than twelve years of age.

Contraindications - individual intolerance, allergic reactions. This is a very spicy product, and it should be introduced into the diet of children carefully and in minimal quantities.

Elderly people

It will give a boost of energy, relieve chronic fatigue, and normalize metabolism, which is especially important for people in this category.

What are the benefits of hot chili pepper seasoning? With the help of traditional medicine recipes, you can treat many diseases, which are sufficient at this age.

Before you start using chili regularly, need to consult a doctor. This is a rather aggressive product. In old age, in addition to its benefits, it can cause harm to health.

Chili is consumed raw, dried, salted and pickled.. It is added to various dishes and preparations for the winter.

It should not be added to food after cooking: it is best to do this at the very beginning of cooking or five to ten minutes before the end.

The product can be consumed daily at any time.

The daily norm is fifteen grams. Larger amounts may cause gastrointestinal irritation.

In cooking

In cooking, chili is used as a spicy seasoning for fish, meat and vegetable dishes. It is added to soups, sauces (Tabasco, adjika), gravies and marinades, and hot salad dressings are prepared.

The pods can be chopped or ground, or used whole. To do this, they are dipped into the dish being prepared for five minutes and then removed.

Among other seasonings, chili goes best with cardamom, coriander, fennel, curry, basil, bay leaf and. Pepper gives it a spicy and peppery taste, and the rest of the ingredients give it a wonderful aroma.

If you need to reduce the heat of pepper, clean it of seeds and white veins. To slightly neutralize the spiciness of dishes, it is recommended to wash them down with fermented milk products.

Video recipe for making Chili Con Carne:

When losing weight

The effectiveness of using chili for weight loss is based on its ability to accelerate all metabolic processes in the body. It is added not only to food.

If you add a little chili to your morning coffee(powder) and a pinch of cinnamon, this drink will promote weight loss and give strength to the body for the whole day.

Nutritionists advise drink a glass of kefir a day with the addition of a small amount of the product (in powder).

Together with diet and exercise, this technique allows you to quickly lose extra pounds, recharge your batteries and improve your body’s health.

To get rid of excess fat deposits, it is useful make wraps with chili powder. To do this you will need:

All components must be thoroughly ground, lubricate the problem areas with the composition, apply a film on them and wrap them with cloth. Lie under a warm blanket for about half an hour, rinse off the composition with warm water.

Procedures are carried out every two days. There are eight wraps per course. Then you need to take a break for two weeks and, if necessary, repeat the course.

• take two chili pods, chop them well;
• place raw materials in glass jar, pour half a glass of any vegetable oil;
• send the container to a dark room for two weeks;
• strain the resulting mixture and store it in the refrigerator;
• Rub the product into sore spots.

For colds, bronchitis, and bronchial asthma, take a mixture prepared according to this recipe:

• cut ten aloe leaves, place them in the refrigerator for ten days;
• chop, squeeze out juice;
• mix it with the same volume of freshly squeezed viburnum juice;
• add two hundred grams of liquid honey, two hundred grams of red wine and one fresh, medium, crushed chili fruit to the mixture;
• mix the composition, transfer to a clay pot, cover with a lid and place in an oven preheated to one hundred and twenty degrees for three hours;
• chop five fresh medium-sized peppers along with seeds;
• place the raw materials in a dark glass jar, pour two glasses of alcohol;
• place the container in a cool, dark place for two weeks;
• Filter the tincture and use as directed.

A tincture prepared by yourself will leave no doubt about its quality.

• Combine two teaspoons of any hand cream with 1 tsp. chili, two teaspoons of lemon juice and one tsp. honey;
• add a few drops of vitamin A and E to the mixture;
• mix the composition thoroughly, simmer in a water bath for ten minutes;
• apply the mask to clean nails, wrapping them in film and covering your hands with a warm towel;

Chili peppers are one of the most controversial ingredients in cooking. Some people cannot live without it, while others swear off trying it at least once in their lives. From the point of view of the benefits and chemical composition of the product, pepper is a real storehouse of useful nutrients that must be included in the diet of a healthy person. Meanwhile, there are a number of contraindications to eating chili. Is pepper really good for you, can it dramatically affect your health, and who definitely shouldn’t get carried away with the spicy product?

Ingredient varieties

Let's look at the most common types of peppers, their main uses and taste characteristics.

Guero

Painted in a bright yellow shade. Gives a burning (medium) sweetish taste and rich aroma. Used to prepare sauces for meat and fish dishes. It is this variety that is most often dried. The pepper becomes darker and is added to the famous mole negro sauce.

Green chili

An unripe form of traditional red pepper. The taste and heat of red and green peppers are almost identical. The significant difference is vitamin composition. The unformed green fruit does not have time to receive the required amount of vitamins and microelements, therefore, in terms of benefits, it is inferior to red chili.

Kashmiri pepper

The name is due to its territorial affiliation. Pepper is grown in the Indian state of Kashmir. This variety is called the most aromatic and soft of all known. Indeed, Kashmiri pepper is not hot, but sweetish-spicy. The piquant taste will add variety to even the most boring dish. Are you joining the multifaceted world of spices? Start with Kashmiri pepper.

Traditional red pepper

It is this chili that we see every day on supermarket shelves and introduce into culinary experiments. The main rule of eating red chili is to remove the seeds. They concentrate unpleasant bitterness, and they have the unpleasant property of sticking to tooth enamel. Pepper is consumed not only fresh: it is dried whole, crushed into flakes, and ground into powder.

Pickled/Canned Chili

Sold in cans and, unfortunately, rarely attracts consumer attention. The spicy accent of pepper will play perfectly in vegetable stew, baked or stewed vegetables. Pickled or canned chili can make a dramatic change to any sauce.

The marinade can be overly spicy and chemical. Manufacturers do not always care about the quality of their products, so check the composition and wash the peppers before serving. So you will wash away upper layer marinade and get rid of excess acid.

Habanero

One of the hottest varieties of pepper in the world. There is a special scale that determines the heat and spiciness of peppers. It is called the Scoville scale. In 1912, Wilbur Scoville (pharmacist) was the first to decide to measure the hotness of all varieties of pepper and create a special hierarchical table. In this hierarchy, habanero occupies one of the places of honor with a mark of 35,0000 units. The habanero taste has light fruity notes. Unlike other peppers, habaneros must be removed from the dish before serving. In a short period of time, the chili will impart the necessary heat to the food, so take care of your guests and remove the ingredient in time.

Jalapeño

Mexican peppers have become synonymous with the word "explosion" in popular food culture. It has a strong green skin that is quite, but not excessively, hot. Fans of savory dishes prefer to stuff jalapenos, bake them in the oven, preserve them, and add them to sauces and soups.

Poblano (ancho/mulato)

Poblano tastes very much like a slightly spicy prune. Fresh poblano is sold in 2 states:

• green (unripe, with tubercles on the skin);
• red (ripe, with a smooth and soft skin structure).

Poblano chilies are used for mole sauces and as a separate dish (stuffed peppers).

Chipotle

These are dried jalapeno fruits that have been smoked. Chipotle is preserved in a spicy sauce (adobo sauce based on Mexican herbs and spices), which adds notes of smoke, tobacco and even dark chocolate to the pepper.

Serrano

A fiery variety of chili, geographically located in Mexico. Cooks work with serrano with gloves, using minimal doses of the ingredient. According to the already known Scoville scale, the severity different types Serrano ranges from 10 to 23 thousand. For comparison: bell pepper The Scoville scale measures 0 units. The local population of Mexico adds serrano to fresh tomato sauces and consider chili to be the main component of traditional local cuisine.

Useful properties of the product

The benefits are determined by the amount of chili you consume per day. Be guided by your own feelings and do not consume large amounts of pepper per day. If there are contraindications, it is necessary to completely exclude the ingredient from the diet.

How moderate consumption of pepper will affect the body:

1. Improved appetite.
2. Normalization of work digestive system, “restart” and acceleration of metabolism.
3. Beneficial effects on liver function and brain activity.
4. Helps the body fight colds, bronchial asthma, epilepsy, atherosclerosis and hepatitis.
5. Normalization of sleep and prevention of insomnia.
6. Slowing the growth of cancer (both malignant and benign).
7. Increasing the level of resistance to stress and increasing the pain threshold due to the production of endorphins.
8. Improved blood circulation.
9. Strengthening the protective function of the immune system.
10. Prevention of diabetes development.

Chemical composition of the product

Use of the ingredient in cosmetology

In cosmetology, a special extract is used, isolated from pepper pulp and peel. The extract maintains the balance of vitamins/nutrients and will be useful not only for our digestion, but also for beauty.

Pepper extract has a beneficial effect on local microcirculation (accelerates it), warms the skin, and dilates blood vessels. The ingredient starts the process of breaking down fat cells and enhances local metabolism. Application special means with pepper on problem areas of the body will help cope with cellulite and excess fat deposits. The warming effect of chili helps with joint pain, decreased skin elasticity and a feeling of heaviness in the legs.

Remember: physical imperfections can be completely removed only by intense exercise and a rational balance between consumed and expended energy. Chile will help speed up the process so that the results will delight you and motivate you to new achievements. As the only possible remedy Pepper will not be effective in dealing with problem areas.

Let's shift the emphasis on the benefits of chili from the body to the hair. Pepper can stimulate the scalp, hair growth, and strengthening. The ingredient prevents dandruff, hair loss, and weakening of the hair follicle structure. Pepper will help in the fight against excessive oiliness of the scalp and additionally saturates the dermis with useful active substances. The main thing is not to overdo it with pepper. Sensitive scalp may react with a rash, worsening of the condition, and additional hair loss. To avoid irritation, get examined by a trichologist and agree with him on the rationality of using pepper.

Use of the ingredient in cooking

Pepper is one of the most common spices in the world. It is used raw, crushed into flakes or ground into powder. Whole fruits are canned, pickled, stuffed with meat/fish/vegetable filling and baked whole in the oven. Chili makes an excellent variety in salads, main courses, soups, cheese plates, baked goods and alcohol. The introduction of chili into desserts and sweet dishes is gaining popularity. The closest example to our culinary practice is dark chocolate with pepper.

Remove seeds from peppers. They create the notorious pepper heat and make you rush from one glass of ice water to another. Don't be afraid that peeled peppers will lose their piquancy and spiciness. On the contrary, you will feel the most revealed and organic taste palette.

Recipe for spaghetti with garlic, oil and chili pepper

We will need:

• spaghetti – 500 g;
• – 8 cloves;
• chili pepper – 2 pcs;
• greens to taste – 50 g;
• olive oil – 100 ml;
• – ½ fruit;
• and pepper to taste.

Preparation

Boil the spaghetti until al dente. 5 minutes before the pasta is ready, heat the pan. Finely chop the garlic or crush it with a special device, chop the chili pepper to large chips. Pour olive oil onto a hot surface and fry the garlic and chili. Once the garlic has become soft and pliable, remove from heat. Add chopped herbs to the pepper-garlic mixture and mix thoroughly.

Drain the water from the pan in which you cooked the spaghetti and pour the pasta into the pan with the spicy sauce. Place the pan on low heat again and simmer the contents for several minutes. Add lemon juice to the pan, add salt and pepper, stirring the dish thoroughly until cooked.

This is one of the most dietary options pasta. The dish is perfect for breakfast or lunch. Serve immediately after the pasta is ready with a light vegetable salad.

Guacamole recipe

Guacamole – a traditional dish Mexican culinary tradition. Can be used as a snack or sauce. To get a bright, rich taste of guacamole, you need to turn Special attention on the ingredients. They must be fresh, high quality and ripe. Green chilies or overripe ones can easily transform a dish from savory snack into a bitter, inedible porridge.

We will need:

• chili pepper – 1 piece;
• avocado – 3 pcs;
• tomatoes – 2 pcs;
• onion – 1 head;
• cilantro – 1 bunch;
• /lemon – 1 piece;
• garlic – 1 clove.

Preparation

Cooking secret (1): to maintain the consistency and color of the dish, add a few tablespoons of lemon or lime juice.

Peel the tomatoes. To do this, place the tomatoes in boiling water for a few seconds. The skin will become soft, pliable and can be easily removed with a knife from the scalded vegetable. Finely chop the peeled tomatoes, chili peppers (after removing the seeds), garlic, onions and cilantro. Using a blender or mortar, the ingredients need to be turned into a homogeneous green mass. Add lime or lemon juice, 1-2 tablespoons of ice water to the prepared mixture, lightly salt and mix again.

Remove the pit from the avocado, peel the thin skin and finely chop into small cubes. Add the avocado to the vegetable mixture, mash the avocado and “beat” it into the mixture.

Cooking secret (2): the consistency of the dish depends on your preference. If you mash the mixture with a fork, you will get a snack with whole pieces of some ingredients; if you use a blender, you will get a real liquid sauce.

Serve immediately after cooking (or store in the refrigerator for several days) with chips, or your favorite kind.

Contraindications and possible harm of the ingredient

Eating chili should be approached as responsibly as possible. If pepper gets on damaged mucous membranes (sores in the mouth, microcracks on the lips), it will cause severe pain and burning. To get rid of the unpleasant sensations you will have to try and kill a lot of time (the degree of burning depends on the type of pepper).

Methods of applying ice, drinking cold liquid or work. But The best way combating such consequences is a warning. If you are not sure of your own safety, avoid eating chili.

Pepper is prohibited from being included in the diet of patients with gastrointestinal pathologies. Pepper will become an irritant, which will add work to already exhausted organs. Patients complain that pepper provokes attacks of heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea.

Chili is an ingredient that is only available healthy people and only in small quantities. Thrill-seekers should understand that excessive consumption of such an active product will sooner or later lead to disturbances in the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract. Take care of your health and always think ahead about the consequences. Approach the issue of consumption sensibly and rationally in order to preserve your health and not get overly hot and spicy impressions from the meal.

Chili pepper has been honored by the World Health Organization to list it as one of the TOP 10 foods that are important to eat to maintain health and prolong life. Is hot pepper really useful and what are its benefits and harms? Let’s try to figure it out in the article.

Calorie content, nutritional value and chemical composition of chili peppers

Among all types of peppers, it has the sharpest and hottest taste and the brightest flashy color. Chile. If you describe in words what a chili pepper looks like, then it is a small fruit in the form of a pod up to 4 cm in length, bright red, green, yellow, orange. It grows on small bushes up to 60 cm high. It is used in raw and dried form. Widely used in cooking (in salads, vegetable and first courses, pickles, sauces, spice sets), in folk and traditional medicine, in cosmetology.

Did you know? Chili pepper, or, as it is also called, hot, bitter, is grown in tropical and subtropical regions, most of all in Thailand and India. Tropical Africa is considered its homeland. Chili was discovered by the Spanish and Portuguese for Europeans.

Chili pepper contains about 40 vitamins, including vitamins A, B6, B2, C, K and 20 minerals: zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, as well as thiamine, niacin, etc. Its main biologically active component is a phenolic compound capsaicin.

Concerning nutritional value, then hot pepper contains 17% proteins, 4% fats and 79% carbohydrates, in terms of grams - this is 1.87 g of proteins, 0.44 g of fats and 7.31 g of carbohydrates for every 100 g. The calorie content of 100 g of product is 40 kcal.

What are the benefits of chili peppers for the body?

Chili peppers have a number of beneficial properties. The presence of the alkaloid capsaicin, which gives the spice its pungency, gives it antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulating effects. Bacteria and infections die when they interact with the spicy juice. Chili, when ingested by a person, can kill up to 75% of harmful bacteria.

Hot pepper is good for people who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, as it can improve its functioning, improve appetite, and prevent poisoning. In addition, it helps to better digest food that is difficult for the stomach.

The benefits of hot pepper for men are obvious, since it improves potency and is considered an aphrodisiac.

Hot peppers have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and cardiovascular system. It improves blood circulation, preventing the development of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of blood clots, strengthens and makes the walls of blood vessels more elastic. It is also known how chili pepper affects normalization blood pressure. By dilating the blood vessels, it thereby leads to a decrease in its high levels to normal levels.

Eating chili leads to the release of an increased amount of endorphin in a person - a hormone that improves mood, relieves depression, insomnia, and therefore has a positive effect on the central nervous system. This hormone is also capable of relieving pain of various types.

The usefulness of chili pepper is also manifested in its sweat-producing and laxative effects.

There are no official statistics yet, but there is a lot of information that hot peppers, when consumed regularly, can reduce the risk of cancer.

Research by scientists from Australia proves that this vegetable lowers blood sugar levels and can be included in the menu to prevent this disease.

The vegetable is actively used in traditional medicine: recipes with chili pepper are recommended for people suffering from arthritis, radiculitis, and rheumatism. Compresses and tinctures are made from it.

When applied externally, acting on the bulb, pepper promotes active hair growth.

Possible harm from chili peppers

Like any other product, when consumed in large quantities, Chili peppers can cause harm to the human body. There are also several categories of people who are prohibited from eating dishes with its addition or should use them with caution.

So, limit your consumption of this pepper. the better who have a history of gastrointestinal diseases (ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, diseases duodenum), liver. Chili pepper irritates the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, therefore, before consuming it, you need to know that eating it in excess (more than one pod daily) can cause heartburn, provoke gastrointestinal diseases, or aggravate them.

Pregnant women, children, and hypertensive patients should not eat hot peppers.

When preparing dishes or other manipulations with pepper, you need to remember that you should not touch or rub your eyes with your hands, since chili causes irritation of the mucous membranes and can even lead to a burn of the eye shell.

How to use chili peppers in cooking

So, we have learned what chili pepper is, now let's figure out what it is eaten with.

In cooking almost all over the world, hot peppers are primarily used as a seasoning, which gives dishes a spicy and piquant taste. It is added to meat vegetable dishes, sauces, marinades. Ground pepper is used to season first courses, salads, kefir, and yogurt.

Chili has found use in raw and dried forms. Whole pods are placed in borscht and soups, in stews and pilaf, and even in chocolate. When cooked, the vegetable does not lose its properties. Finely chopped fresh peppers are added to the pasta and fish. Dry pepper is used to flavor vinegar and olive oil for dressing.

Did you know? When the internal partition and seeds in hot pepper are removed, its pungency is reduced by an order of magnitude.

The most popular dishes that include chili are Mexican soup “Chili con carne”, adjika, Mexican stew, oriental soups, pickled and stuffed pepper, chili paste, hot chili sauce.

The peppers are stored hanging, strung on a string, or frozen.

Important! If the pepper turns out to be very hot, and you have what is called a fire in your mouth, try eating a spoonful of yogurt or a piece white bread, cheese. Water in such cases will only worsen the discomfort.

How chili peppers are used in medicine and cosmetology

Probably one of the most well-known facts about the benefits of chili pepper is that it improves metabolism, speeds up the digestion process, causing increased heat in the body, and burns calories. This means it can be recommended to people who are overweight or want to lose weight. Thus, hot peppers can help you be healthy and beautiful at the same time.

Regular use will help you lose weight systematically. In addition, there are many different diets where chili pepper is the main ingredient for weight loss. For example, many have heard about the so-called “Mexican diet” or about the miraculous properties of a dish called “Tomato Chili Soup” that allows you to effectively get rid of extra pounds.

Pepper tincture is also widely used for weight loss, which is prepared from one teaspoon of dry chili, poured with a glass of boiled water and infused for an hour. By taking one teaspoon of this tincture before meals every day, while washing it down with water, you can bring your body to a comfortable weight.

The benefits and harms of red hot pepper are of interest to many lovers of spicy seasonings. Chili pepper is used not only for culinary purposes, but also to treat ailments, so studying its properties is especially important.

Chemical composition of hot pepper

The fiery vegetable has not only a characteristic pungent taste, but also a wide range of useful elements. It includes:

• vitamin C and vitamin A;
• a large amount of B vitamins;
• vitamins E, K and PP;
• minerals iron, phosphorus, copper and zinc, magnesium and calcium;
• natural acids;
• Omega-6;
• sterols.

Hot chili also contains the alkaloid capsaicin - useful substance, giving the product a pungent taste.

Nutritional value and calorie content of hot pepper

The nutritional value of hot hot chili is very low - only 20 kcal per 1 pod, or about 40 kcal per 100 g.

The balance of nutrients is distributed as follows: about 9 g are carbohydrates, 2 g are proteins and only 0.2 g are allocated to fats.

The benefits of red hot pepper

Considering the benefits and harms of red hot pepper, we can highlight several of its characteristic properties.

• has analgesic properties, due to which it can alleviate the discomfort of heart, joint and toothache;
• accelerates blood circulation, therefore it is very useful as a prevention of thrombosis and heart ailments;
• reduces blood pressure - the substance capsaicin is of great benefit to hypertensive patients;
• has a beneficial effect on the digestive processes; if you consume the hot vegetable little by little, but regularly, you do not have to worry about constipation and diarrhea;
• increases immunity - the body's defenses are activated, and the risk of a cold is reduced.

The hot and pungent vegetable serves as a good prevention of cancer; it inhibits the growth of malignant cells.

For women

The benefits and harms of chili pepper for women are expressed in the fact that the product helps cope with diseases of the genitourinary system and eliminates infections. Hot peppers are actively used in home cosmetology recipes; the product helps women maintain their beauty.

As for the harm, an overdose of chili may cause abdominal pain and increased bleeding during menstruation.

For men

The benefit of red pepper for men is that the properties of the product have a beneficial effect on potency. Hot pepper enhances libido and increases testosterone levels, making a man more active and resilient.

The benefits of hot pepper for men are also expressed in their positive effect on the liver. Hot chili is especially valuable for those who often drink alcohol; pepper reduces the harm from alcohol. The product is an ingredient in anti-baldness products - hot pepper protects men from early hair loss.

For the elderly

When consumed regularly in old age, hot hot peppers promote longevity. The benefits of red capsicum is expressed in the fact that it relieves fatigue and protects older people from age-related ailments, supports the health of blood vessels and the heart. In small dosages, hot chili has a beneficial effect on digestion and prevents constipation.

Red pepper for weight loss

On a diet, hot peppers are very beneficial. First of all, the active substances in its composition start the fat burning process and do not allow incoming calories to be deposited in extra pounds.

Hot pepper suppresses appetite, but at the same time increases thirst. And this property is also very useful on a diet. The craving for prohibited foods becomes less, but you want to drink almost constantly, so it is possible to meet the daily norm of fluid intake without difficulty. If the body receives a sufficient amount of water, then metabolic processes are significantly accelerated, toxins and extra pounds disappear faster.

The benefits and harms of chili peppers for the body always depend on the dosage. You should not overuse spicy foods on a diet - it will cause harm. During weight loss, it is recommended to use the following useful remedy daily:

• a large spoonful of ground hot chili is diluted in a glass of boiling water;
• mix thoroughly and wait 10 minutes.

Drink the product three times a day, a teaspoon, with plenty of plain water.

Traditional medicine recipes based on red pepper

The benefits and harms of hot peppers for the body are highly rated traditional medicine. For a wide range of ailments, recipes based on a burning product are used, and they show high effectiveness.

Prevention of anemia and vitamin deficiency

To prevent vitamin deficiency and anemia, it is recommended to consume the following healthy dish:

• 200 g of rice are boiled for 20 minutes over moderate heat, and then mixed with a glass of tomato juice;
• add 2 chopped fresh tomatoes, 80 g pitted olives and a small amount of finely chopped hot pepper;
• Thin slices of soft cheese are placed on top;
• The dish is placed in the oven, preheated to 200 °C, for half an hour.

The finished dish is sprinkled with herbs. Not only pepper, but also other ingredients in a healthy casserole will improve blood quality and replenish vitamin deficiencies in the body.

For a cold

1. If you have a cold, you need to take a small piece of hot pepper, no larger than a fingernail in size, and pour a glass of milk.
2. After this, the product is put on fire and brought to a boil, and then the pepper is quickly removed from the milk.

Warm milk that has absorbed beneficial features hot chili, you need to drink in small sips. After this, it is best to go to bed and get some sleep.

For sore throat and pharyngitis

The benefits of chilli powder can help relieve a sore throat. To remove inflammation and difficulty swallowing, you need to combine half a teaspoon of hot ground pepper with 4 teaspoons of honey.

The ingredients are poured into 4 tsp. water and stir the product properly. You need to take the medicine twice a day, one spoon at a time.

For a runny nose

The benefits of red hot pepper are good for a runny nose. You need to take a quarter of a small pepper, chop it and pour a glass of hot milk. The product is infused for a quarter of an hour, and after that the chili is removed and the milk is drunk. The medicine has strong warming properties, thanks to this the swelling in the nasopharynx goes away, and breathing becomes much easier.

Use medicine best in the evening shortly before bed.

From helminths

1. 30 g of hot spicy vegetable are crushed and poured with 100 ml of alcohol;
2. After this, 400 ml of water is poured into the mixture;
3. Stir the product thoroughly and put it in the refrigerator for 3 hours.

The finished healthy tincture will need to be strained. Use it for 10 days, without exceeding the minimum dosage that does not cause harm - only 10 drops per day.

For arthritis and gout

The properties of ground red pepper will be beneficial for joint diseases - gout or arthritis. IN in this case The hot vegetable is best used externally in the form of a tincture.

1. 4 pods are poured with 500 ml of vodka or alcohol.
2. The product is infused for 2 weeks dark place, then filter the liquid.
3. The resulting tincture is mixed with 350 ml of sunflower or olive oil.

Use a healthy tincture with oil to rub your sore joints every evening; the properties of hot pepper will relieve inflammation and reduce pain.

For radiculitis

A tincture based on hot pepper helps well with exacerbations of radiculitis. It is prepared like this:

• 2-3 fresh pepper pods are immersed in 400 ml of ammonia;
• for 2 weeks, the product is infused, shaking thoroughly twice a day;
• Rub the prepared tincture on your sore back and lower back at night.

Also, for radiculitis, you can make useful compresses with hot pepper; to do this, soak a small piece of cloth or gauze in the tincture and fix it on the sore spot for about half an hour. Hot pepper warms up muscles and joints and significantly relieves discomfort.

For psoriasis

The properties of hot red pepper relieve inflammation, redness and peeling of the skin due to psoriasis. The substance capsaicin affects the nerve endings of the epidermis and reduces pain.

Use hot pepper like this:

• the hot chili pod is ground with a mortar into a homogeneous paste;
• mix with a small amount of water;
• Apply a thick paste to the affected area of ​​skin for 10 minutes.

Important! When used externally, products based on hot pepper do not last long, since the vegetable can leave burns on the skin.

To avoid harm, you must carefully adhere to the time intervals specified in the recipes.

For genital herpes

The benefits of hot pepper can be used for such a delicate ailment as genital herpes. Several hot pods are poured into a liter jar, filled with vodka to the very top and closed with a lid. In a dark place, the product is infused for 2 weeks, after which it is filtered and consumed twice a day, a large spoon.

The useful tincture must be diluted with water so as not to burn the mucous membranes of the esophagus. The properties of hot pepper will improve immune resistance, so you can get rid of herpes faster.

Other recipes for using red pepper in folk medicine

The benefits and harms of red pepper for the body are also used in some other proven recipes.

• The warming properties of hot hot peppers help with minor frostbite. After long stay when cold you need to mix pepper tincture and any vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 3, and then treat the affected areas of the skin with this product.
• The benefits of ground red pepper for the body will be in demand for heel spurs. If the disease is not accompanied by open wounds on the skin, then a pinch of pepper powder can be placed on the heel under a plaster or bandage. You need to keep this compress for about half an hour, the procedure is repeated regularly, hot pepper relieves pain and reduces inflammation.

How red pepper is used in cosmetology

The beneficial properties of hot red pepper are used in home care recipes. The valuable substances in the spicy vegetable help improve the condition of hair and skin throughout the body, and also have a strengthening effect on the nail plates.

For hair

Hot pepper is one of the best home remedies for strengthening hair. To stop the loss, you need:

• mix a large spoonful of hot chili powder with the egg yolk;
• add a large spoonful of olive oil, 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 20 ml of cognac;
• Apply the mixture to dry hair and wrap your head with film and a warm towel.

The beneficial mixture is kept for about half an hour so that the properties of the mask are properly absorbed into the skin and hair, and then the curls are thoroughly washed with shampoo.

To strengthen nails

The vitamins and valuable minerals contained in hot peppers can quickly strengthen peeling and crumbling nails. Necessary:

• take a large spoon of hand cream and add 2 teaspoons of ground hot chili to it;
• dilute the product with half a teaspoon of lemon juice and 10 drops of water;
• Place the mixture in the microwave for 10 minutes, then cool and apply to your nails.

Wrap your fingers in cling film or wear thin plastic gloves. The burning mixture should be kept for a quarter of an hour, and then washed off with water without using soap.

You need to carry out the procedure weekly, then your nails will quickly gain strength and shine.

For cellulite

The healing properties of red pepper help get rid of cellulite on the legs, buttocks and abdomen. To prepare a useful product you need:

• mix 5 g and ground pepper;
• add 5 ml essential pepper oil, 1 large spoon of heavy cream and 2 large spoons of olive oil;
• Mix all ingredients with 100 g of liquid honey and distribute over problem areas with gentle massage movements.

After this, the body is wrapped in cling film and placed under a blanket for a quarter of an hour. To avoid harm to the skin, the mixture should be completely washed off at the end of the procedure. You need to do healthy wraps no more than twice a week.

Attention! To ensure that a beneficial procedure does not turn into harm, the skin must be absolutely healthy; the hot pepper mixture cannot be applied to abrasions, scratches and burns.

Also, the mixture should not be applied to the skin of the chest - this will harm the cardiac system.

Use of red pepper in cooking

The benefits and harms of hot pepper are actively used in cooking. It is used as a seasoning; it is especially useful for flavoring meat and fatty dishes with chili. Hot chili will speed up and facilitate their digestion and prevent constipation or diarrhea.

Hot chili is often mixed with other herbs and spices - nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, chocolate. The spicy product is found in sauces, it is added to alcoholic cocktails and warming drinks, and used in minimal quantities in baked goods.

The benefits of pickled chili peppers are high - this product is less hot than fresh chili, but its beneficial properties are retained in full.

Is it possible to eat hot peppers every day?

Since, despite all its beneficial properties, hot chili can irritate the stomach and intestines, it is not recommended to eat it every day. To avoid harm, hot peppers should be consumed no more than twice a week, then they will only bring benefits.

Which pepper is better: capsicum or powder?

From a practical point of view, ground hot chili is often easier to use. But hot peppers retain more beneficial properties.

In particular, the substance capsaicin is present in full; when grinding, a significant proportion of the alkaloid disappears. Therefore, in terms of value, fresh chili pods are far superior to pepper powder.

Harm of red pepper and contraindications

The health benefits and harms of hot red pepper are largely determined by the presence of contraindications. You should not consume chili even in small dosages:

• for gastritis and peptic ulcers;
• for severe kidney and liver diseases;
• with angina pectoris.

You need to be careful when eating hot chili; you should not allow it to get into your eyes. If this does happen, your eyes should be immediately rinsed with plenty of water.

Advice! If hot pepper was accidentally swallowed in too much quantity, and a burning sensation occurred in the mouth and esophagus, you should wash down the seasoning not with water, but with fermented milk products - milk, fermented baked milk, kefir.

Is red pepper safe for pregnant and lactating women?

It is better to avoid eating hot chili while pregnant. The fact is that the product can cause heartburn or abdominal pain and lead to increased muscle contractions. The effect of hot chili on fetal development is also ambiguous; it can harm the baby.

The same applies to the lactation period. Components present in hot chili, through breast milk will enter the baby's body and are likely to cause colic, heartburn and diarrhea.

Should you give red pepper to children?

The properties of red hot pepper can benefit a child only after 13 years of age; before this time, chili will only cause harm. Even teenagers are advised to offer mildly hot varieties of the product, otherwise burns to sensitive mucous membranes may occur.

Attention! Before using chili for the first time for children, you should consult with your pediatrician and make sure that the product will not cause harm.

How to select and store hot peppers

Choosing healthy chili in a store or market is quite simple. Fresh peppers should have a bright, uniform color and shiny, smooth skin. You should also check its elasticity to the touch - the product should not be too soft or too hard.

Fresh chili can be stored in the refrigerator for only about a week, but if treated with vinegar or oil, it can last up to a month. But dried peppers retain their benefits and valuable properties for about a year, and ground chili is stored for the same period.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of red hot pepper depend on careful use. If you take into account the presence of contraindications for the product and follow small dosages, pepper will bring undoubted health benefits.