Chilies are fruits from various species of capsicum included in the family Solanaceae. They are also referred as chillies, chilies and peppers. There are different types of chillies. All of them contain a chemical constituent known as capsaicin that is responsible for the hot sensation in the mouth. Capsaicin activates nerves in the mouth, facial parts and causes burning sensation. Some chilies activate faster than others but the physiological effect is the same.
Capsaicin is an alkaloid (Alkaloids are one of the secondary metabolites produced in the plants. They act in the defensive mechanism against predators). Capsaicin is one of the alkaloidal chemicals present in the chili peppers. This group is called capsaicinoids. They are capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin and homocapsaicin. Among these Capsaicin is most powerful.
There are two main types of chili peppers. They are sweet chili peppers and hot chili peppers. Bell peppers are considered as sweet peppers. Asian peppers are considered as hot peppers. Other types of peppers are anaheim peppers, paprikapeppers, birdseye, cayenne, habaneros, horns and jalapenos.
Chili peppers of all types are rich in vitamin C, K and carotenoids.
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Vitamin K helps in blood clotting
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Peppers have antioxidant properties. Therefore, they prevent cell damage and act as anti-aging agents
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Peppers control insulin levels and lowers blood glucose levels
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Burns calories and helps in reducing weight
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Help in the relieving the nasal spasm, clear the runny nose and free the nasal passage.
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Capsaicin helps in protecting from the prostrate cancer
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Capsaicin is used as topical ointment for relieving the pain. This probably acts as counter irritant. When nerves are stimulated we will forget the actual pain.
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Relieves inflammation in arthritis
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Chili peppers contain a chemical compound called capsaicin. It stimulates the nerves in the mouth and facial parts like nose, eyes and ears. There is no taste for chilies because chilies do not stimulate taste buds.
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Excessive consumption of chilies may have some adverse effects on our health.
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Burning sensation to skin, nose, mouth and eyes
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Nausea, vomiting
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Stomach ulcers and cancer
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Eye damage, pain and conjunctivitis
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Diarrhea and bowel problems
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