Red pepper is its properties. What are the benefits and harms of red capsicum: the composition of the fruits and contraindications for eating. To improve appetite

The plant is up to 60 cm high with branched stems, elliptical leaves, large white or grayish flowers with purple spots. These fruits are berries with a small pericarp from spherical to proboscis, from yellow and red to black-olive. Hot (red) pepper has a strong spicy aroma and taste ranging from spicy to hot and even very hot (due to the content of the phenolic compound capsaicin, which is not found in bell peppers). Some varieties of hot red peppers are so hot that one touch is enough to irritate the skin.

Hot red peppers are obtained from the ripe fruits of the Capsicum frutescens plant. These red peppers are smaller than regular red bell peppers. They differ from each other depending on the variety. After drying, the pods turn dark red or orange-red. Peppers are dried in natural conditions, after which they shrivel, then they are separated from the cup and ground.

Currently, about 2000 varieties of pepper have been bred, which differ in shape, color, and pungency.

The most famous chili pepper is cayenne pepper, named after the city of Cayenne in South America.

Useful properties of hot peppers

Their fruits contain a large amount of oils (essential, fatty), wax, dyes, vitamins, B1, B2,.

Hot peppers contain pungent capsaicin, which is 20 times the amount of capsaicin in bell peppers. It can even burn your skin when touched. Traditionally, Europeans use hot peppers to a lesser extent than the inhabitants of the tropics.

Hot peppers are a good appetite stimulant. For this, it is most appropriate to use an alcoholic tincture of the fruit. It should be taken 10-15 drops before meals. But there is one "but": this tincture should be used only by those who have healthy esophagus, stomach, kidneys and normal heart activity.

Pepper is an indispensable remedy for those who suffer from intestinal disorders, as it has a fairly high bactericidal effect. Pepper is taken externally and with myositis, rheumatism, polyarthritis, gout, with catarrh of the upper respiratory tract in the form of rubbing in a tincture or ointment that you can prepare yourself. For example, to make an ointment, you will need one part tincture and 3 parts vegetable oil. Alternatively, you can use the pepper patch as a skin irritant and distraction. The ointment is also good for mild frostbite.

The fruits of hot peppers are added when canning vegetables, ground fruits are included in the mixture of spices "curi". One of the hottest sauces "Tabasco" is prepared from canned chopped fruits, on the basis of saline or vinegar solution. Hot peppers are very popular in South American cuisine and are used in meat, fish, soups, eggs and vegetables.

Dangerous properties of hot peppers

The pungency, which can be good for some people, sometimes seems like harm for others. So, hot pepper can harm patients with angina pectoris, arrhythmia, hypertension, as well as unhealthy liver and kidneys. People with ulcers and gastritis, with problems of the intestinal tract can get bleeding, burns and even end up in the hospital. Therefore, it is dangerous to add this spice to food in large quantities.

In addition, there are varieties that can easily irritate the skin just from touching them. Therefore, if you are cooking some kind of dish with pepper, then try not to touch your eyes. Wash dishes and hands thoroughly. Eaten hot peppers, by negligence, are useless to wash down with water, it is advised to "cool the heat with yogurt" or milk, although you can easily interrupt the pungency with sour ones - for example, lemon.

This video will tell you how to cook hot peppers for the winter. The author describes the whole process in detail. The video will be especially interesting for culinary specialists.

All over the world, the seasoning, which has a unique pungency and special piquancy, is very much appreciated. Red hot pepper has healing properties, it is very useful to eat it, but only in very limited quantities. Anyone who loves its bitterness will never give up the pleasure of adding it even to dessert. Its nutritional value, like the calorie content, is low. But it stimulates the appetite well.

Benefit

All the benefits of hot pepper are in its multivitamin composition. The alkaloid capsaicin gives it a burning taste, in addition to it, it contains fatty oils, minerals and vitamins. There is especially a lot of vitamin C in the described vegetable. In 100 grams of red fruits, for example, it contains 300 mg. This is several times more than in lemons.

Can the product be called dietary

The described product can easily be called dietary. 100 grams contains 40 calories. This is 1.8% of the daily value of an adult. Most of all in pepper are easily digestible carbohydrates: 100 gr. - 7.2 g., Proteins - 1.3 g., Fat - 0.3 g. In reasonable quantities, hot pepper speeds up metabolism, enhances the secretion of gastric juice, improves bowel function, helping to get rid of even chronic constipation. Therefore, it will be useful to anyone trying to keep their weight in check.

What are the beneficial properties of the product

It is hot peppers that boast the highest concentration of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in antioxidants, lycopene and rut.

Recent scientific developments have shown that hot peppers stimulate the production of endorphins. They are good at damping pain and reducing negative consequences after severe stress.

Endorphins simultaneously accelerate blood circulation, preventing the development of atherosclerosis and the formation of blood clots. In small amounts and in moderate doses, hot peppers improve digestion and increase appetite.

How does the product affect the functioning of the body

Scientists have recently proven that hot peppers are able to fight sleep disorders, they have confirmed that it is effective in fighting cancer. The benefits of hot pepper in the treatment of various allergic reactions, especially bronchial asthma, were revealed in a completely unexpected way.

Thanks to its special multivitamin composition, it helps to increase the strength of blood vessels, strengthen the heart muscle, fight depression and diabetes.

Vitamin C is known to help strengthen the immune system. And the presence of minerals makes chili indispensable in the fight against osteoporosis and anemia. The alkaloid capsaicin normalizes the work of the pancreas, increases blood pressure. Hot pepper also activates human brain activity.

Does the product affect a person's appearance?

The described product also affects appearance person. In cosmetology, for example, extracts from it and tinctures are used to treat hair. They help to increase blood circulation where the dormant bulbs are located, as a result of which there is an active stimulation of the growth of curls.

As an irritating and warming component, hot pepper is added to creams and oils used in anti-cellulite massage. It is also effective for strengthening nails and tooth enamel. Pepper also successfully heals small wounds on the gums.

Harm

The harm of hot pepper affects those who have stomach problems, who suffer from inflammation of the mucous membrane of internal organs. Healthy people should also eat hot peppers in moderation and avoid overeating the insidious vegetable.

Since the alkaloid is contraindicated in exacerbation of chronic renal and hepatic diseases, you should not even include hot pepper in the diet of people prone to such ailments.

Is the food high in saturated fat?

It is impossible to argue that hot peppers have an increased content of saturated fat; one hundred grams of hot peppers contains only 0.3 grams. fat. This is only 0.014% of the daily value of an adult.

Is it possible to argue that the product has a high carbohydrate content

The daily intake of carbohydrates for an adult is 400 grams. 100 grams of hot pepper contains 7.2 grams. This means that it is impossible to argue that the described product contains a high content of carbohydrates.

Does the product contain any substances that are considered harmful

There are no harmful substances in a pure product, but hot pepper, like any other subspecies of it, is a crop that is prone to the accumulation of pesticides. And the use of a vegetable, "stuffed" with chemistry, is fraught with human health. Therefore, you need to carefully select the pods.

Can a product contribute to the development of cancer?

There are no carcinogens in hot pepper. But there are substances that help slow down the growth of cancerous tumors. But here's the paradox. Overdose and excessive use of hot spices often leads to the opposite effect. Therefore, the product must not be abused.

Calorie content

The calorie content of hot peppers is low (in 100 grams - 40 calories). The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in percentage terms is distributed as follows. Proteins in one hundred grams - 19%, fats - 10%, carbohydrates - 73%. Moreover, carbohydrates are quickly assimilated. The following table helps to calculate useful rates.

Hot peppers can be eaten in any form. You can eliminate its excessive bitterness if you remove the seeds and plates on which they are held.

When processing a vegetable, it must be remembered that essential oils, which it contains, can provoke skin burns.

Considering the large number useful properties, we must not forget about the dangers of the product.

The nutritional value

Hot peppers are high in protein and carbohydrates, while being low in calories.

Vitamins

Minerals

Presented tables chemical composition once again confirm that hot peppers are very useful.

Many people like to season the dish with something spicy. Even familiar foods start to sound different when red pepper is added to them. Like any plant product, it does not load the body with chemical elements. Although the benefits of red pepper are not always straightforward.

Spice composition

The familiar ground red pepper is obtained from the dried fruits of a plant belonging to the nightshade. The main variants of its name are the words:

• Red;
• Kenyan;
• spicy;
• chilli;
• burning.

To get a quality product, the pods of the plant must be dried naturally. If moisture remains, then during grinding the powder will not have the desired qualities and may deteriorate.

In the composition of red pepper, there are:

• essential oils;
• alkaloids of capsaicin;
• vitamins (B 1, B 2, C, P);
• wax;
• natural dyes.

What diseases and ailments does the spice cope with?

The benefits and harms of red pepper in Russia have been known since the 16th century. An organism that has received a certain amount of this product then gives a signal about the need to speed up various internal processes. If you periodically add ground pepper to food, you can expect the following results:

• metabolism accelerates;
• immunity increases;
• creates a feeling of hunger, which can be used for people experiencing apathy for food during times of stress;
• the work of the pancreas is activated;
• food products are better absorbed, since certain enzymes begin to be produced in the stomach;
• blood vessels are cleaned, and their elasticity increases;
• the risk of cardiovascular diseases is reduced;
• efficiency increases.

There are studies indicating a positive effect of the spice on the organs of vision.

In medical practice, pepper itself or its inclusion in other preparations for external use is actively used. After all, a vegetable is able to increase local blood flow, warm up the body, which allows you to fight:

• diseases of the joints;
• inflammation of the tissues;
• upper respiratory problems and common cough;
• gout and rheumatism, etc.

In hot countries, the pod is also used in everyday life, so that mushrooms do not start on the surfaces of furniture or walls.

In order for the effect to be stronger, it is necessary to pay attention to the color of the pepper. It should be deep red or red-orange. It is good if the pods are ground together with the seeds. There are much more vitamins and active substances in such a product.

Lose weight with red pepper

Acceleration of metabolism in general or locally is very important in the fight against excess weight. Therefore, nutritionists and cosmetologists include ground red pepper in their programs to get rid of unnecessary pounds.

There are the following options:

• adding pepper to drinks;
• the inclusion of seasoning in hot and cold dishes (additives in soups, side dishes or salads are common);
• creating desserts with a spicy vegetable;
• adding the crushed pod to body creams or oils to increase blood flow and promote fat burning.

For those who will use ground red pepper in the process of losing weight, it is important to know that its amount in the diet should not be large. Otherwise, you can burn the mucous membranes.

How can a hot spice harm?

If you overdo it with the amount of consumed pepper, then instead of a healing effect, you can provoke new diseases.

• The most common problem is burning of the stomach lining, which further leads to ulcers.
• The provocation of the development of oncological diseases cannot be ruled out, therefore, the use of the spice should be reasonable and careful.
• If you already have diagnoses such as gastritis, ulcers, inflammation of the duodenum, then you should not use ground pepper.
• The first signs that the process of using the spice is not beneficial are heartburn, increased gas production, and stomach pain.
• Thin skin can get burned from an ointment, patch, or red pepper mask. If it begins to burn unbearably, and the redness has become very severe, it is worth stopping their use.
• The plant's ability to raise blood pressure will not benefit those with similar problems.
• It is strictly forbidden to apply products with pepper to areas of the skin where there are open wounds.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also not include ground red pepper in their diet. It changes the taste of milk and can cause gestosis, which will lead to premature termination of pregnancy or premature birth.

I must say that for residents of Asian countries or the Caucasus, such recommendations are not very relevant. Their body is so used to spicy seasonings that it does not react negatively to spices, even in a weakened state.

How to apply so as not to harm?

The easiest way to prevent red peppers from harming them is to set their daily allowance. As such, it is customary to take no more than 5 g per day.

If you want to change the taste of a dish, then you can proceed as follows:

• place a pod of red pepper in a bowl where the dish is prepared;
• hold it for 5-7 minutes;
• take out the pod and mix the contents.

To speed up the metabolism in a gentle mode, you can use the following recipe:

• Pour 20 g of chamomile flowers with 100 ml of hot water;
• add half a teaspoon of red pepper to the resulting broth;
• mix thoroughly and let it brew for 20-30 minutes.

You need to use the resulting mixture after straining. Half a glass of the remedy is used on an empty stomach for a month. The course, if necessary, is repeated when 2-3 months have passed. Instead of chamomile, you can use calendula or rose hips. Their number should be 30-40 g.

The unique properties of the southern plant make it possible to find different ways of using it, taking advantage of the positive therapeutic and cosmetological effect. If you act carefully, then negative consequences will not.

The benefits and harms of red hot pepper are of interest to many lovers of hot spices. Chili pepper is used not only for culinary purposes, but also for the treatment of ailments, so it is especially important to study its properties.

The chemical composition of hot peppers

A hot 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 vitamins of subgroup B;
• vitamins E, K and PP;
• minerals iron, phosphorus, copper and zinc, magnesium and calcium;
• natural acids;
• Omega-6;
• sterols.

Also in the composition of hot chili there is an alkaloid capsaicin - a useful substance that gives the product a burning taste.

Nutritional value and calorie content of hot pepper

The nutritional value of 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 is occupied by carbohydrates, 2 g is from proteins, and only 0.2 g is allocated to fats.

The benefits of red hot pepper

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

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

A burning and spicy vegetable serves as a good prevention of cancer, it inhibits the growth of malignant cells.

For women

The benefits and harms of chili peppers for women are expressed in the fact that the product helps to 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, with an overdose of chili, abdominal pain and increased bleeding during menstruation may occur.

For men

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

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

For seniors

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

Red pepper for weight loss

On a diet, hot peppers are of great benefit. 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 peppers suppress appetite, but at the same time increase thirst. And this property is also very useful on a diet. The craving for prohibited foods is becoming less, but you want to drink almost constantly, so you can easily keep your daily fluid intake. If the body receives a sufficient amount of water, then metabolic processes are significantly accelerated, toxins and extra pounds go away faster.

The benefits and harms of chili peppers for the body always depend on the dosages. You should not overuse a spicy product on a diet - it will do 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.

They drink the remedy three times a day for a teaspoon, washed down with plenty of plain water.

Traditional medicine recipes based on red pepper

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

Prevention of anemia and vitamin deficiency

To prevent vitamin deficiency and anemia, it is recommended to use such a healthy dish:

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

Sprinkle with herbs on the finished dish. Not only pepper, but also other ingredients in a healthy casserole will improve blood quality and make up for vitamin deficiencies in the body.

With a cold

1. In case of a cold, you need to take a small piece of hot pepper, no more than a nail in size, and pour a glass of milk.
2. After that, the agent is put on fire and brought to a boil, and then the pepper is quickly removed from the milk.

Warm milk, which has absorbed the beneficial properties of hot chili, should be drunk in small sips. After that, it's best to go to bed and get some sleep.

With angina and pharyngitis

The benefits of ground chili will help relieve a sore throat. To remove inflammation and difficulty swallowing, it is necessary to combine half a teaspoon of hot ground pepper with 4 teaspoons of honey.

The ingredients are poured over 4 tsp. water and stir the product well. It is necessary to take the medicine twice a day on a spoon.

From a runny nose

The benefits of red hot pepper work well for a cold. You need to take a quarter of a small pepper, grind it and pour a glass of hot milk. The remedy is infused for a quarter of an hour, and then the chili is removed and milk is drunk. The medicine has strong warming properties, thanks to this, the swelling in the nasopharynx area goes away, and it becomes much easier to breathe.

Use medicine best in the evening, shortly before bedtime.

From helminths

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

The ready-made useful tincture will need to be filtered. They consume it for 10 days, without exceeding the minimum dosage, which is not harmful - 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 this case, the hot vegetable is best used externally as a tincture.

1. Pods in the amount of 4 pieces are poured with 500 ml of vodka or alcohol.
2. The tool is insisted for 2 weeks in a dark place, then the liquid is filtered.
3. The resulting tincture is mixed with 350 ml of sunflower or olive oil.

A useful tincture with oil should be rubbed every night with sore joints, the properties of hot pepper will relieve inflammation and reduce pain.

With sciatica

Tincture based on hot pepper helps well with exacerbations of sciatica. They prepare it like this:

• 2-3 fresh pepper pods are immersed in 400 ml of ammonia;
• for 2 weeks, the agent is insisted, shaking well twice a day;
• the ready-made tincture is rubbed with a sore back and lower back at night.

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

For psoriasis

The properties of hot red pepper relieve inflammation, redness and flaking of the skin in psoriasis. At the same time, the substance capsaicin acts on the nerve endings of the epidermis and reduces pain.

Hot pepper is used as follows:

• a spicy chili pod is ground with a mortar into a homogeneous gruel;
• mixed with a little water;
• apply a thick paste to the affected area of ​​the skin for 10 minutes.

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

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

For genital herpes

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

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 the immune resistance, so it will be possible to get rid of herpes faster.

Other recipes for using red pepper in traditional 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 a long stay in the cold, you need to mix the pepper tincture and any vegetable oil in a ratio of 1 to 3, and then treat the affected skin with this agent.
• The benefits of ground red pepper for the body will be in demand with a heel spur. If the disease is not accompanied by open wounds on the skin, then a pinch of pepper powder can be fixed on the heel under a plaster or bandage. You need to keep such a 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 peppers are used in homemade self-care recipes. The valuable substances in the spicy vegetable help to improve the condition of the 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 ground hot chili with egg yolk;
• add a large spoonful of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 20 ml of brandy;
• Apply the mixture to dry hair and wrap your head with plastic wrap and a warm towel.

The useful 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

Vitamins and valuable minerals in hot peppers can quickly strengthen flaking and crumbling nails. Necessary:

• take a large spoonful 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;
• put the mixture in the microwave for 10 minutes, and then cool and apply on nails.

Fingers are wrapped with cling film or thin polyethylene gloves are put on. The burning mixture must 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 the nails will quickly gain strength and shine.

Cellulite

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

• mix 5 g each and ground pepper;
• add 5 ml of essential pepper oil, 1 large spoonful of heavy cream and 2 large tablespoons of olive oil;
• Mix all components with 100 g of liquid honey and distribute to problem areas with gentle massage movements.

After that, the body is wrapped with cling film and laid under a blanket for a quarter of an hour. In order not to harm the skin, at the end of the procedure, the mixture must be completely washed off. Useful wraps should be done no more than twice a week.

Attention! So that a useful procedure does not turn into harm, the skin must be absolutely healthy, the pepper burning mixture must not be applied to abrasions, scratches and burns.

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

The 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 to season 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 spices and spices - nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, chocolate. The spicy product is found in sauces, it is added to alcoholic cocktails and warming drinks, in minimal quantities it is used in baked goods.

The benefits of pickled chili are high - such a product is less pungent than fresh chili, but its beneficial properties are retained in full.

Is it possible to eat hot peppers every day

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

Which pepper is better: chilli or powder

As a practical matter, chili powder is often more convenient to use. But in hot paprika, more beneficial properties are retained.

In particular, the substance capsaicin is fully present in it; during 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. Even in small dosages, you should not use chili:

• with gastritis and peptic ulcer;
• with severe ailments of the kidneys and liver;
• with angina pectoris.

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

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

Is red pepper possible for pregnant and lactating

When carrying a child, it is better to refuse the use of hot chili. The fact is that the product can cause heartburn or abdominal pain, lead to increased muscle contractions. The influence of hot chili on the development of the fetus is also ambiguous, it can harm the baby.

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

Should I give red pepper to children

The properties of red bitter pepper will be able to benefit the child only after 13 years, until that time there will be only harm from chili. Even adolescents are advised to offer low-burning varieties of the product, otherwise burns of sensitive mucous membranes may occur.

Attention! Before the first child's use of chili, you need to consult with a pediatrician and make sure that the product will not harm.

How to choose and store hot peppers

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

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

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of red hot peppers depend on the caution of use. If we take into account the presence of contraindications in the product and observe small dosages, pepper will bring undoubted health benefits.

How many times have we heard that pepper is bad for health. But still, spice lovers include red hot peppers in their diet. And, as practice shows, they do not suffer from any disorders at all, but even, on the contrary, they note some improvement in the state of the body. How does a spicy vegetable affect health, is it really capable of causing harm, how it should be used and whether it has medicinal qualities, we will tell further.

Hot pepper

Red hot peppers- a fragrant, pungent seasoning obtained from the fruits of an exotic shrub of the species Capsicum frutescens or C. Annuum. The pods of this plant are dried and then ground into powder. A hot vegetable is also called bitter or chili (chili pepper).

The homeland of this plant is the American tropics. Under natural conditions, it is a low (0.5 m) shrub with numerous oval leaves. During flowering, the bush is covered with large light flowers.

Harvest - elongated or round fruits of red, yellow or dark olive shade. They are distinguished by a spicy aroma and an interesting taste that can vary from slightly spicy to pungent. The bitterness of the pepper is given by internal partitions and grains.

Today, hot peppers are grown in any region, but the main suppliers are Thailand and India.

Nowadays, the hot vegetable has found application in pharmacology, cosmetology and cooking.

Did you know? The hottest pepper recorded in the Guinness Book of Records is Bhut Jolokia. It is grown in India, Assam state.

Red pepper composition

Hot vegetables are used as raw and dried... They are suitable for preparing first courses, pickles, sauces, salads and as a spicy ingredient. Moreover, in any form, pepper has unique characteristics.

Vitamins

All the main components of hot pepper tone and revitalize the body. Just a little of this vegetable is able to compensate for the lack of an organism in (composition 100 g):

• - 0.6 g;
• - 0.5 g;
• - 140 mg;
• - 14 mcg;
• - 0.1 mg;
• - 0.7 mg;

In addition, the vegetable contains an alkaloid capsaicin, it is he who gives bitterness and is distinguished by antibacterial, warming and analgesic properties.

Minerals

Scientists have proven that the range of useful elements of a hot vegetable (and in addition to vitamins, pepper is also enriched) exceeds 40 components. So, in the pepper are present in sufficient quantities (concentration in 100 g of the product):

• - 18.1 mg;
• - 0.44 mcg;
• - 25.1 mg;
• - 173-174 mcg;
• - 7-8 mg;
• - 40-50 mg;
• - 0.19 mcg;
• - 0.25-0.3 mg;
• - 320-341 mg;
• - 1.22 mg.

In addition, 100 g of a spicy vegetable contains 0.33 g of acid.

Did you know? In the Caribbean, pepper is considered a fruit and is eaten whole.

Nutritional value and calorie content of the product

Hot peppers can be easily consumed even by those who monitor their weight, its calorie content is only 40 kcal per 100 g of product.

Nutritional value of 100 g of pepper as follows:

• - 0.4 g;
• - 7.3 g;
• - 1.9 g.

Separately about the benefits of a hot vegetable

All the components that the hot vegetable contains have different effects on the female and male body.

For men

For the strong half of humanity, spicy seasoning helps in the most positive way - improves potency.

For women

The use of a hot spice has such effects:

• improves the menstrual cycle;
• protects against infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
• serves as the prevention of ovarian cancer.

Is it possible to give red pepper

Given the pungency of this vegetable, the question immediately arises: is it possible to use it for people with a fragile or especially sensitive body.

Pregnant

For this category in moderation (excessive consumption can lead to miscarriage) hot peppers not harmful... And in the Asian territory, pregnant women use it very actively.

Lactating

During lactation, this vegetable (including ground) contraindicated.

The bottom line is that the pungency of this product freely penetrates into breast milk and can harm the infant's fragile digestive system.

For children

A moderate amount of hot pepper will not harm children. On the contrary, it will help, improve brain activity and protect against various infections. In addition, the use of this vegetable will help maintain healthy teeth, strengthen nervous system and vision.

Nutritionists say that this pepper can be introduced into the child's diet with 10-12 years old starting with a small amount.

Rules for the selection and storage of hot peppers

First of all, when buying this seasoning, you need to pay attention to the packaging. It should be dense, airtight, but by no means paper.

In addition, the color should be bright enough - from bright orange to dark red, but not at all pale.

Important! The dullness of the spice indicates its poor quality.

For proper storage of this spice, no special conditions are required - just enough sealed packaging... True, in order to preserve useful qualities, the place must be dark and cool.
It is also worth noting that taste can be preserved for several years if stored properly.

Fresh vegetables should also be brightly colored, firm, wrinkle-free and smooth. It can be stored in the freezer for a year, and in the refrigerator - no longer than 14 days.

The use of beneficial properties for treatment

It used to be thought that hot pepper aficionados harm their stomachs and the body in general. However, practice and recent studies have proven that this particular burning vegetable is able to heal from many ailments.

Cold

Moderate consumption of spicy fruits perfectly stimulates the blood circulation system and has a healing effect on the respiratory system. Therefore, it is successfully used as a diaphoretic and expectorant, as well as a metabolism regulator.

Important! Hot pepper quite seriously irritates the mucous membranes and skin.

For colds, it is recommended to use alcoholic pepper vodka inside, and as a grind, a tincture of pepper, vegetable oil and kerosene is prepared. The following composition will help with sore throat: ½ teaspoon of pepper, mix 4 teaspoons of honey and water and drink the solution a teaspoon twice a day.

Dry cough

The beneficial qualities of hot pepper are also used for sputum discharge. To do this, one pod is crushed and mixed with honey (1: 1). They eat this mixture several times a day for a teaspoon. You can drink it with water.

For treatment dry cough you can use the following recipe: pour 60 g of chopped pepper (of course, natural) and bring to a boil. Filter the resulting drink and drink it hot 3 times a day.

Lack of appetite and general breakdown

Fresh peppers include twice that. Therefore, its use stimulates the production of endorphins, which not only activate the immune system, but also help reduce pain and improve blood circulation. In another way, endorphins are called happiness hormones because they help.

This vegetable is capable and improve appetite... With its anti-inflammatory effect, it fights infections in the intestines, reduces pain symptoms and discomfort. In addition, as a seasoning, it can act as a remedy for diarrhea and cleanse the intestines of putrefaction products.
For increased appetite the following recipe is recommended: 25 g of crushed pepper is poured with 200 ml of alcohol and infused in a dark place for 10-14 days. The resulting composition is drunk after meals, 10-20 drops 2-3 times a day.

Cosmetic properties

A hot vegetable has long ceased to be just a seasoning and has become an indispensable component in the preparation of various cosmetic preparations.

About application in cosmetology

The unique properties of pepper were taken into account when cooking cosmetics:

• in shampoos - to stimulate hair growth and improve their condition;
• in toothpaste - to reduce bleeding and strengthen the gums;
• in hand creams - to strengthen the nail plate;
• in anti-cellulite products - to burn fat.

Hair mask recipes

Cosmetologists could not miss such a property of hot pepper as stimulation of blood circulation, therefore, it is actively used as a prevention of hair loss and to restore a healthy state. We will only talk about multiple masks:

1. Infusion on alcohol... Properties: increased blood flow, follicle nutrition. Such a remedy is sold in pharmacies, but if you wish, you can prepare it at home. Ingredients: 100 ml pure without additives (cognac is possible), 1 pepper pod. The vegetable is crushed, placed in a glass container and filled with vodka. So it is infused in a dark place for 10-14 days. In order to avoid burns, the resulting mixture is diluted (2: 1) before use. The resulting tincture is rubbed into the hair roots, the head is covered with a film on top and insulated (with a towel, a hat). Hold for 2 hours (if the burning sensation becomes unbearable, then less) and wash off with shampoo. Course - 1-2 times a week.
2. Vitamin-pepper... Suitable for weak, brittle hair. Several capsules of vitamins are mixed with 2 tablespoons of pepper tincture (recipe - as in the first version) and applied to the hair roots (the head must be washed). After that, the hair is wrapped up and kept for 2 hours. This gentle option can be repeated every other day.

Important! Pepper masks must be done taking precautions: if it gets on the hair, it can provoke fragility, and it causes burns on the skin of the face.

How red peppers help you lose weight

The effect of capsaicin helps to maintain healthy weight... This substance works simply: it activates blood circulation, regulates metabolism, accelerates the process of breaking down fat, and removes toxins.
Those who want to lose weight are advised to take pepper tincture. It is not difficult to prepare: the chopped vegetable is poured with alcohol or vodka (1: 5) and infused for 7-10 days. It is taken before meals three times a day.

Nutritionists also claim that this vegetable can simply be included in the daily diet.

Culinary properties

Fresh or processed peppers are added to sauces, homemade sausages, soups, canned food, and national dishes. In ground form, they can be used to dress salads, matsun,

Is ground pepper good for you?

Experts are confident that whole fruits are much more beneficial, because during the grinding process a considerable amount of capsaicin is lost. Therefore, such a spice can only give a piquant taste, but lose nutritional value.

Possible harm and contraindications

Despite its many positive qualities, not everyone will benefit from a spicy vegetable. For instance, you should not use it for such pathologies:

• increased acidity;
• diabetes;
• diseases of the liver and intestines;
• gastritis and peptic ulcer.

With all these conditions, heaviness in the stomach may occur and the activity of the gastrointestinal tract may deteriorate, as a result of which the work of the digestive system will not proceed in the prescribed rhythm. In addition, inflammation of the mucous membrane will only aggravate the disease, making it chronic.

It is also worthwhile to be careful with this spice for patients with heart rhythm disturbances, angina pectoris and arrhythmia.
When preparing dishes with hot pepper, it is advisable to thoroughly wash your hands and dishes after the process and never touch the mucous membranes.

Important! An accidentally swallowed hot pepper should be washed down in vain with water. It is more correct to extinguish its aggressiveness with milk, lemon or eat it with a piece of bread.

Apply products with hot peppers for external use Not recommended when:

• allergy tendencies;
• the presence of small scratches and wounds;
• increased skin sensitivity;
• problems with veins.

More about the benefits of pepper

There are other types of this vegetable that do not have such a pungent taste, but have their own beneficial properties.

Bulgarian

Lovers of this vegetable can be calm about their health, because it has such effects:

• strengthens the body, improves immunity;
• reduces the risk of oncopathology;
• improves blood composition, strengthens the cardiovascular system;
• improves appetite, regulates the digestive system;
• stabilizes vision;
• helps to cope with stress;

Black

This type of seasoning also deserves attention, because it has such positive effects:

• relieves the condition;
• reduces gas formation;
• improves intestinal motility, helps get rid of constipation;
• improves digestion;
• reduces the feeling of hunger;
• regulates sweating;
• helps fight infections and inflammations;
• breaks down fat cells.

In general, hot pepper has a much larger number of beneficial qualities than contraindications. If you use it in moderation, then the negative qualities can be significantly reduced. And knowing all the features of this vegetable, you can not only improve your health, but also enjoy savory dishes.