We are a little odd finding pleasure in pain but a well known study by Psychologist Paul Rozin suggests that we humans love a bit of 'constrained risk' which we experience sensations like fear and pain but end up enjoying it because we know that they aren't harmful. People love to live on the edge!
High Levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin C to fight Infections
Vitamin A helps with the synthesis of red blood cells and is an essential component of rhodopsin, the protein that allows retinal receptors in the eye to absorb light. It is also necessary for proper growth and development and to support immune system health.
Vitamin C is required by the body to help synthesise collagen, promote the healing of skin wounds and aid in the development of strong bones. It also acts as an antioxidant by preventing free radical damage to DNA. A diet rich in vitamin C may lower your risk of hypertension, cancer, heart disease and osteoarthritis.
Chills can be good for your Heart
Studies show that Countries who eat the most spicy food have much lower incidence of heart attack and stroke. Potential reasons could be that Chilli peppers can reduce the damaging effects of LDL (bad cholesterol) and Capsaicin may fight inflammation, which has been flagged as a risk factor for heart issues.
Chilli's may also assist with good digestion. Though many associate Chilli with causing upset stomachs, it actually prevents acid reflux and kills the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.
Clear Congestion
Capsaicin is the source of the Chilli's heat and the hotter the pepper the higher Capsaicin concentration there is. Eating Chilli's can cause some people to break out in a sweat and make the eyes water and nose to run. This reaction can clear out airway congestion! So perhaps add some chilli to your meals when you have a cold.
High in Minerals
Chilli's are high in many minerals such as Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium and Selenium.
Chilli's are high in many minerals such as Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium and Selenium.
Lower Blood Pressure
Vitamins A and C strengthen the heart muscle walls, and the heat of the pepper increases blood flow throughout your body. All of this equals a stronger cardiovascular system.
Vitamins A and C strengthen the heart muscle walls, and the heat of the pepper increases blood flow throughout your body. All of this equals a stronger cardiovascular system.
Lose weight
In another study they found that 1g of chilli reduced cravings for salty, sweet and fatty foods and increased energy expenditure. Capsaicin is also a thermogenic compound and increases the metabolic rate, which aids in the fat burning process.
In another study they found that 1g of chilli reduced cravings for salty, sweet and fatty foods and increased energy expenditure. Capsaicin is also a thermogenic compound and increases the metabolic rate, which aids in the fat burning process.
Pain Relief
Probably the best-known current medicinal use of capsaicin is in creams that can be applied to help ease the symptoms of arthritis, shingles, back pain, neuralgia and post-surgical pain.
Cancer Treatments
The American Institute for Cancer Research reports that eating rich capsaicin sources like chilli peppers may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells, though more research is needed.
Diabetes
Regularly eating hot chilies reduces insulin requirements, which may have implications in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
So good to know that eating the hot stuff is good for us after all but do be careful though, with anything in life overdoing things probably isn't good for us.
Everything in moderation!
I've been making my own flavour oils, one of them is Chilli of course! If you want to do the same pick a good quality Virgin Olive Oil, and gently warm it through over the hob with what ever fresh ingredients you like. Do this for 5-10mins, making sure it doesn't get too hot or reach boiling point. This will ruin the flavour. Pour into a sterilised glass container (Kilner do some great ones) and leave for 2 weeks for the flavours to infuse. My Chilli Oil knocks the socks off!
http://www.chillifest-ne.co.uk/index.php
Regularly eating hot chilies reduces insulin requirements, which may have implications in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
So good to know that eating the hot stuff is good for us after all but do be careful though, with anything in life overdoing things probably isn't good for us.
Everything in moderation!
I've been making my own flavour oils, one of them is Chilli of course! If you want to do the same pick a good quality Virgin Olive Oil, and gently warm it through over the hob with what ever fresh ingredients you like. Do this for 5-10mins, making sure it doesn't get too hot or reach boiling point. This will ruin the flavour. Pour into a sterilised glass container (Kilner do some great ones) and leave for 2 weeks for the flavours to infuse. My Chilli Oil knocks the socks off!
http://www.chillifest-ne.co.uk/index.php
Stace x
No comments
Post a Comment