What are Capsicums?
Capsicum (also known as peppers) is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Its species are native to the Americas, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Following the Columbian Exchange, it has become cultivated worldwide, and it has also become a key element in many cuisines. In addition, to using them as spices and food vegetables, Capsicum species have also been used as medicines and lachrymatory agents.
What kinds are best?
Uses of Capsicums:
It can be used as an edible ingredient dried or fresh in salads, soups, gravies, in powder form as chili/paprika powder and as analgesics in the form of an ointment.
Amazing Health Benefits of Capsicums
Prevents Cancer
Owing to the presence of tannin in capsicum, it is also known to prevent cancers caused by malignant tumors; specifically gastric cancers. Research continues to prove the plant is beneficial in treating and preventing prostate cancer and other hormone-related cancers.
Helps alleviate Crohn’s disease
Capsicum with its anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of potential phytochemical constituents helps lessen pain in patients suffering from Crohn’s disease which is a disease of the bowel causing extreme inflation.
Gives a healthy heart
The warming properties of capsicum enable it to alleviate hypotension and an abnormal heart rate. Capsicum has a vasodilative effect on the body when consumed which helps in enhanced oxygenation of organ tissues and improves blood flow.
Improves overall health
Stimulating the production of gastric juices, capsicum improves the appetite, lowers triglyceride levels and cholesterol, boosts metabolism, strengthens the immune system and enhances resistance to sinus, cold and sore throat. It also helps in weight loss, regulating blood pressure and enhancing athletic performance.
Cures Yellow Fever
Capsicum acts as an analgesic and relieves pain/soreness in the throat and improves resisting capabilities of the body. When consumed in a soup, it helps alleviate the symptoms and strengthens the immune system of a patient suffering from yellow fever.
Helps eradicate gastrointestinal disorders
The tannins present in capsicum perform the role of an astringent and benefit inflammation and other problems of the gastrointestinal tract such as dysentery, diarrhea, and other microbial disorders. It also acts as an agent of gastric mucus formation ensuring peptic ulcers do not develop.
Alleviates menopausal symptoms
Owing to the presence of flavonoid in them, capsicums have been instrumental in reducing symptoms associated with menopause in women.
Gives glowing skin
Capsicums have been forever known for their anti-aging properties. However, the vitamins present in them act as an antioxidant on cell tissues leaving you with improved skin appearance and feel.
Reduces arthritic pain
The anti-inflammatory properties of capsicum are believed to relieve pain arising due to arthritis. The phytochemicals present in the plant act upon the peripheral nerve endings deadening them and thus relieving the pain.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Capsicum
Though there are no fatal or chronic side-effects associated with the use of capsicum it is advisable to use the plant on the advice of a trained medical practitioner pertaining to your condition. It is advisable for children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to keep their regular consumption of capsicum to a bare minimum. Known side-effects due to unguided consumption are diarrhea, heartburn, and upset stomach.
What about Weight loss?
Capsicum or chili pepper as its better known is a type of plant which research has indicated that because of its thermogenic properties, can aid weight loss. Capsicum pepper plant can be used in reducing body weight and improving body fat mobilization together with exercising and a healthy diet.
It is pretty amazing right!!!
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