The chili pepper is from the genus Capsicum, members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. In western countries and some Asian countries it is simply known as "chilli". Chillies have been part of the human diet since at least 7500 BC. It is believed Diego Álvarez Chanca, a physician and companion of explorer Christopher Columbus, identified chillies as both a food and having medicinal uses in the 15th century. He wrote a book on their medicinal uses in 1494 and introduced the plant to Spain upon his return from Columbus’s second voyage.

History and Origin
Chillies originated in tropical regions of South America, but spread to Central American regions in pre-Columbian times. Christopher Columbus was the first European to encounter chillies and called them "peppers". Chillies were cultivated around the globe after Columbus.

Magical herbalism assigns chili peppers to Mars, the God of War. In central and southern America, chillies were used in magic and protection rituals. Sprinkled around the house it was believed they would ward off evil demons and vampires. Burned with garlic and other hot spices was a ritual used to fumigate and purify the house. This process is still believed to repel vermin and insects.

Chillies have long been regarded as an aphrodisiac with their fiery nature igniting the flame of passion. It is believed that chillies were used to control unruly children by subjecting them to the fumes. Research indicates that the Asians used chillies as a form of torture by rubbing it into wounds and sensitive mucous membranes and squirted it into the eyes of victims. Capsicum spray, which is tear gas containing capsaicin is commonly used by police world wide to control unruly citizens.

Nutrient Database - USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Reference Values for Nutrition - FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Types of chillies (names only) - Chowhound (San Francisco food site)

Types of chillies (some names only) - Chili Pepper Madness web site (special tribute to all things chili peppers)

Pain relief - Capsaicin is a substance that is found in chili peppers. It works by affecting nerve cells in the skin that are associated with pain, which results in decreased activity of these nerve cells and a reduced sense of pain.

Cardiovascular health - Chili peppers can support cardiovascular health due to their active compound, capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, helps relax blood vessels, and may lower the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Studies suggest regular chili consumption is linked to a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, though it is important to note these are observational studies.

Immune system support - Chili peppers support the immune system through their high content of vitamins, particularly Vitamin C and A, and compounds like capsaicin. Vitamin C is crucial for producing white blood cells, while Vitamin A supports the health of mucous membranes, which form a key defence against germs. Capsaicin, the compound that makes chilies hot, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that further aid immune function.

Metabolism and weight management - Chili peppers may support weight management by boosting metabolism and increasing energy expenditure through their active compound, capsaicin. Capsaicin can help suppress appetite, improve fat metabolism, and potentially reduce calorie intake. However, the effects vary by individual, and the peppers are most effective when combined with other healthy lifestyle strategies, not as a standalone solution.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties - Chili peppers have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to bioactive compounds like capsaicin, capsanthin, quercetin, and various flavonoids. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress, calm inflammatory pathways, and have a protective effect on health by fighting disease and supporting bodily functions.

Boost immunity (Chili peppers significantly boost immunity due to their rich Vitamin C content, with some peppers containing even more Vitamin C than an orange). They also provide Vitamin A, which supports eye health and the immune system. These vitamins act as antioxidants, fighting harmful free radicals and supporting the immune system's ability to resist infections.

Potential anti-cancer properties - Capsaicin can modify the function of many genes associated with the lifespan of cancer cells, initiating apoptosis, arresting cell growth, and suppressing angiogenesis and metastasis. By inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines, healthy cells remain intact.

Protect against macular degeneration (Chili peppers contain carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, which protect against macular degeneration by acting as antioxidants and strengthening the eye's macula). While beta-carotene is important for overall vision and immune health, zeaxanthin is particularly crucial for central vision and can increase the macula's pigment density. Incorporating chili peppers and other colourful vegetables like orange capsicums into your diet can therefore help support long-term eye health.

Stimulates mucus production and drainage (Chili peppers clear congestion because their main compound, capsaicin, stimulates mucus production and drainage, which can temporarily relieve nasal stuffiness). When consumed, the "heat" from capsaicin irritates the mucous membranes, leading to a runny nose and helping to clear congested nasal passages. This effect provides a temporary, natural decongestant, though it's not a cure for colds and may not be suitable for everyone.

May help prevent and heal stomach ulcers (Chili peppers, due to their active ingredient capsaicin, are unlikely to cause stomach ulcers and may help prevent and heal them by stimulating protective mucus production, increasing blood flow to the stomach lining, and potentially inhibiting H. pylori bacterial growth). While spicy foods do not cause ulcers, which are primarily caused by the H. pylori bacterium or NSAIDs like aspirin, they can worsen symptoms in people who already have ulcers.

Circulation booster (regularly consuming chili peppers, rich in capsaicin, may act as a circulation booster and reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular issues by improving heart health, lowering fibrin in the blood, and promoting the production of nitric oxide). A large observational study found that frequent chili consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of dying from heart attack and cerebrovascular disease, including stroke. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, capsaicin's activation of TRPV1 receptors in blood vessels likely enhances blood flow and may reduce damage from stroke

Osteoarthritis pain (Chili peppers can help with osteoarthritis pain through their active compound, capsaicin, which is applied topically as a cream, gel, or patch). Capsaicin works by over-stimulating and depleting nerve receptors that transmit pain signals, causing a local heat and stinging sensation while also reducing the effectiveness of pain signals over time. Regular, long-term use is necessary for sustained benefit, with some products containing specific concentrations of capsaicin available over the counter. 

Antioxidant Properties (Chili peppers possess potent antioxidant properties primarily due to their high concentrations of bioactive compounds, including capsaicin, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds). These substances help combat oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals in the body, a process crucial for preventing oxidative and inflammatory diseases. While the levels of these antioxidants vary with factors like pepper variety, maturity, and processing, the overall antioxidant capacity contributes to the various health benefits associated with consuming chili peppers.

Heart Health (Regular chili pepper consumption may lower the risk of heart attack, primarily due to capsaicin, the active compound that reduces inflammation and helps prevent the build-up of fatty plaque in arteries). Studies suggest capsaicin can decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while also relaxing blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow and potentially improving endothelial function.

Chili peppers - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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