Health Benefits of Chillies:
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Improves blood circulation
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Helps prevent abnormal blood clotting
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Lowers systemic blood pressure
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Inhibits some types of detrimental
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bacteria (due to the Capsaicin and Dihydrocapsaicin content.)
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Increases the bodys’ BMR
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Alleviates fatigue
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Beneficial for the relief of pain (stimulates the release of Endorphins)
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Alleviates Asthma
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Helps to prevent the onset of Bronchitis
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Protects the Gastric Mucosa from the toxic effects of Alcohol
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Myths Dispelled:
Chillies do NOT damage the stomach or intestines (to prove this, researchers sprayed liquid chilli directly onto a human stomach and observed absolutely no damage to the stomach or its lining).
The capsaicin in the chillies irritate the pain receptors in the nose and mouth. As soon as the brain receives the pain message it causes the release of the chemical ( substance P ) to counteract the condition.
Repeated stimulation of the pain receptors leads to diminished sensitivity, which is why people who eat chillies regularly are far less susceptible to chilli burn than those who don't.
It is also a fallacy the men can tolerate hotter food than women. The ability to withstand a chilli burn has nothing to do with gender, but largely on the distribution of taste buds on the tongue.
But if you are desperate to cool down have a glass of milk or eat some yoghurt or a slice of bread.
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Chillies contain these substances:
(mg of Substance per 100 grams)
Although many of Chilli's benefits are attributed to its constituent Capsaicin, scientific studies have proven that whole Chillis are more effective than isolated Capsaicin for the therapeutic benefits listed above.
Alkaloids: Capsaicinoids* 700, Capsaicin 400, Dihydrocapsaicin 200, Homocapsaicin 33, Homodihydrocapsaicin 33, Nordihydrocapsaicin 34
Carotenoids: Capsanthin, Capsorubin
Lipids: Steroid
Saponins: Capsicidins#
Vitamins: Vitamin C
Volatile Oils:
* Responsible for the burning sensation caused by the consumption of Chillis.
# Capsicidins are found in Chilli Seeds and Chilli Root only.
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About chillies.