Do you like a bit of spice in your life? Do you add green jalapeno peppers to your meal? It tastes great, and research shows that jalapeño peppers have significant health benefits.
Research is being done to see how jalapeño peppers may help your heart health. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and platelet aggregation. Some studies suggest that capsaicin helps dissolve fibrin in the body that blood clots use to form. Cultures worldwide that take full advantage of spicy hot peppers in their meals significantly lower heart attack and stroke rates than the rest. The jalapeño contains vitamins A and C, which help 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.
Jalapeño Peppers Nutrition Facts
Jalapeño peppers have many nutritional benefits; a cup only has 26 calories. Here are some of the nutrition facts you need to know: (1)
- 5.9 grams of carbohydrates
- 2.5 grams of fiber
- 0.8 grams of protein
- 11 milligrams of calcium
- 223 milligrams of potassium
- 0.3 grams of fat
Additionally, jalapeño contains essential minerals and vitamins such as vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as folate, manganese, and copper.
Health Benefits of Jalapeño Peppers
Many potential health benefits come from eating jalapeno peppers. Some of the jalapeno health benefits are backed by research, while others need more studies to confirm the link.
Jalapeño Has Cancer Prevention Properties
Some substances in jalapeno peppers, such as capsaicin, have been shown to kill cancer cells in lab settings. Capsaicin is known to block the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Studies in animals show that capsaicin can slow the growth of prostate, pancreatic, and other types of cancer.
More research is needed to see if the same effects occur in humans. Jalapenos are high in vitamins A and C, which may lessen cancer risk.
Jalapeño May Help in Arthritis Relief
Capsaicin in jalapenos can also reduce inflammation and pain. That’s why it’s sometimes used as a cream to relieve the pain of arthritis, muscle aches, and backaches.
One study found that people with osteoarthritis who used a capsaicin cream for three months had less pain and stiffness than those who didn’t use the cream.
Jalapeño May Help with Weight Loss
Jalapeno peppers may also help you lose weight. That’s because they can boost your metabolism and reduce your appetite. Capsaicin has been shown to increase the number of calories you burn daily. One study found that people who ate capsaicin burned an extra ten calories per meal.
Jalapenos may also help you eat less. One study found that people who ate a soup made with jalapenos ate 16% less than those who didn’t eat the soup.
Jalapeño Can Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Eating jalapeno peppers may also help to lower blood sugar levels. That’s because capsaicin can improve the way your body uses insulin. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who took a capsaicin supplement had lower blood sugar levels after meals.
Jalapenos are also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. They are like fiber complete supplements and detoxification bundle supplements.
Jalapeño Helps in Detoxifying the Body
Jalapeno peppers can also help to detoxify the body. They contain a substance called glutathione, which helps break down harmful toxins in the body.
Glutathione is also an antioxidant that can protect cells from damage.
Jalapeño Reduces Inflammation
Jalapeno peppers may also help to reduce inflammation. That’s because they contain vitamins A and C, both antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Some studies have found that eating foods rich in antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Jalapeno peppers also contain a substance called quercetin. Quercetin is an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body.
Jalapeño Relieves Congestion
If you have a stuffy nose, jalapeno peppers may be able to help. That’s because they can clear out congestion and help you breathe better. Jalapeno peppers contain a substance called capsaicin, which is known to relieve congestion. Capsaicin works by thinning out mucus and making it easier to drain from the sinuses.
You can get the benefits of capsaicin by eating jalapeno peppers or using a capsaicin nasal spray.
Jalapeño Fights Bacteria
Jalapeno peppers may also help to fight bacteria. That’s because they contain a substance called capsaicin, which has been shown to kill bacteria.
Capsaicin can also help to reduce inflammation and pain. That’s why it’s sometimes used as a cream to relieve the pain of arthritis, muscle aches, and backaches.
One study found that people with osteoarthritis who used a capsaicin cream for three months had less pain and stiffness than those who didn’t use the cream.
Jalapeño Boosts Immunity
Jalapeño peppers may also help to boost your immunity. That’s because they’re a good source of vitamins A and C, both antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Some studies have found that eating foods rich in antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Jalapeño peppers are also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate the immune system through Mitochondrial Energy. Capsaicin and related chemicals can lower abdomen fat and hunger. So it’s no surprise that eating chili peppers reduces your risk of becoming obese.
One jalapeno contains enough vitamin C for a whole day’s supply. Additionally, jalapenos include several other benefits including critical vitamins, including vitamins A, B-complex, E, and K.
Jalapeños Prevent Stomach Ulcers
Jalapeños could help protect your stomach from developing ulcers because of capsaicin. This component prevents the growth of Helicobacter pylori, which is linked to stomach ulcers.
Jalapeños and Capsaicin
The jalapeño peppers and their capsaicin are known as thermogenic food. Studies have shown that these thermogenic foods may burn away calories and fat, giving you a leaner and healthier body. In addition, jalapenos can stimulate secretions that help clear mucus from the nose, which helps fight nasal congestion. Research is being done about pepper’s antibacterial properties that fight sinus infections and provide relief from sinus headaches.
Because of the capsaicin found in jalapenos peppers, studies have shown that it may provide relief from the pain of migraine headaches. The pepper and its capsaicin inhibit a key brain pain transmitter, a neuropeptide called Substance P. This makes capsaicin a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. There is some suggestion that it may be used to treat arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetic neuropathy.
A compound in jalapenos called capsaicin has been proven effective in treating prostate cancer. Peppers include potent antioxidants in the form of vitamins and flavonoids that can help prevent cancer by halting cell damage.
A daily dose of capsaicin can increase metabolism by 4-5 percent, making it more efficient. It has been found that capsaicinoids, including
Side Effects of Jalapeño
Jalapeños are generally safe to eat. However, some people may experience side effects, such as heartburn, diarrhea, or indigestion. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of jalapeño and increase it gradually.
Capsaicin is the substance in peppers that makes them hot. When peppers are eaten, capsaicin binds with pain receptors in the mouth and throat responsible for sensing heat. It triggers a burning sensation. Some people may be more sensitive to this effect than others.
Capsaicin is also a skin irritant. It can cause redness, burning, and pain if you get it on your skin. If you get it in your eyes, it can cause temporary blindness. To avoid these effects, wear gloves when handling peppers and be careful not to touch your face. If you experience any side effects after eating jalapeños, such as heartburn or indigestion, try drinking a glass of milk.
Eating chilies cuts the risk of death from heart attack, study says
Love eating chili peppers? Well, it turns out they could cut down your risk of dying. But, like anything that sounds too good to be true, there’s a catch – you have to eat them on a regular basis. I’m a big fan of chili peppers myself. I like to eat jalapeños a couple of times a week. But a new study out of Italy makes it seem like I need to eat a few more.
Recipe Ideas For Jalapeños
Here are some ways to use jalapenos in your kitchen.
Stuffed Jalapeno Pepper
Ingredients:
- 6 large jalapeño peppers
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
- In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Spoon mixture into jalapeño halves.
- In a shallow dish, beat the egg. In another shallow dish, spread bread crumbs. Dip stuffed jalapeños in egg, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Drizzle olive oil over a baking sheet. Place jalapeños on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown.
Jalapeno Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir in jalapeño peppers.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
More Jalapeños Recipes!
Check out this mouthwatering recipe featuring jalapenos made by Dr. Nandi’s daughter.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe with Jalapenos
Dr. Nandi’s Veggie Chili with Jalapenos
Wild Watermelon Salsa with Jalapenos
References:
- Peppers, raw, jalapeno nutrition facts and analysis. (nutritionvalue.org)
- 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Jalapeños (healthline.com)
- Jalapeños: Nutrition, Benefits, Risks, & More (webmd.com)
- Jalapeno: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Recipes And Side Effects (netmeds.com)
- 5 unique Jalapeno peppers Nutrition facts and Health benefits (nutrition-and-you.com)
