Benefits of Jalapeño

Do you like a little spice in your life? Do you add jalapeño peppers to your meal? Not only does it taste great, research shows that jalapeño peppers have some great health benefits.

Research is being done to see how jalapeño peppers may help with your heart health. Hot peppers contain capsaicin which may reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and platelet aggregation. Some studies suggest that capsaicin helps to dissolve fibrin in the body which blood clots use to form. Cultures throughout the world that take full advantage of spicy hot peppers in their meals have significantly lower rates of heart attack and stroke than the rest. The jalapeños contain vitamins A and C which helps to strengthen blood vessels. The vitamins along with bioflavonoids make the blood vessels more elastic and better able to adjust to changes in blood pressure.

Jalapeños and Capsaicin

The jalapeño pepper and its capsaicin are known as a thermogenic food. Studies have shown that these thermogenic foods may actually burn away calories and fat which will give you a leaner and healthier body. In addition, jalapeños have the ability to stimulate secretions that help clear mucus from the nose which helps to fight nasal congestion. There is research being done about the pepper’s antibacterial properties that fight sinus infections and provide relief from sinus headaches.

Because of the capsaicin found in jalapeños peppers, studies have shown that it may provide relief from the pain of migraine headaches. The pepper and its capsaicin are known to inhibit a key brain pain transmitter which is a neuropeptide called Substance P. This makes capsaicin a very strong anti-inflammatory agent. There is some suggestion that it may be used as a treatment for arthritis, psoriasis and diabetic neuropathy.

The capsaicin found in jalapeños has been shown to help battle prostate cancer. The vitamins and flavonoids in the peppers are incredible antioxidants that can fight cancer by stopping the cell damage.

Capsaicin can also boost metabolism by 4-5% per day. Capsaicin and similar compounds called capsaicinoids have been shown to reduce abdominal fat and appetite. So, it’s no wonder that regularly consuming chili peppers is associated with a significantly reduced risk of obesity.

Jalapeños contain more than a day’s worth of vitamin C. The pepper contains vitamin K and vitamin A as well. Jalapeños are also a minor source of vitamin E and most of the B complex of vitamins.

7 Ways Jalapeños Help The Body

Nutritious – Jalapeños are low in calories, but high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Lose Weight – Jalapeños might help you lose weight by reducing your appetite, boosting your metabolism, and increasing the amount of fat you burn.
Fight Cancer – Jalapeños have been shown to battle prostate cancer. Lab studies also show capsaicin fights cancer by stopping the growth and division of cells, slows the formation of new blood vessels around cancer tumors, and prevents cancer from spreading to other areas in the body.
Relieve Pain – Jalapeños can help with migraine headaches. The capsaicin in jalapeños temporarily blocks pain receptors when it is applied topically. Find a quality capsaicin lotion or patch for localized pain relief (just don’t rub a pepper on your skin!)
Prevent Stomach Ulcers – Jalapeños could help protect your stomach from developing ulcers because of, you guessed it, capsaicin.
Fight Infection – Spicy foods, like jalapeños, contain compounds that can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause infections.
Heart Health – Jalapeños may be beneficial for your heart because capsaicin has been found to have beneficial effects on cholesterol, blood sugars, and blood pressure in animal studies.