Green chilli is widely consumed by people daily in many forms. Be it raw, fried, roasted, or as a spice.
Chilli pakora, chilli paneer, chilly potato, chilly mushroom!! Mouthwatering, isn’t it? You might wonder why almost all Indian foods start with the word ‘chilli?’ Well, Indian food is known for its spices, and chillies are what lend the food that special kick. Green chilli not only enhances flavour but also adds a lot of goodness to the food as it has many health benefits. While it might not suit everyone, once you start eating it regularly it can do wonders for your health. The best part is that you can grow it at your home as well.
It commonly known as ‘hari mirch’ in India, is a spice without which Indian cuisine would be incomplete. However, two types of chillies are, red chilli and green chilli, but the most commonly used is a green one. Moreover, they are used fresh, dried, powdered, pickled or in sauces. People in India usually eat it raw with their food, as it adds to the taste.
Chilli, which is commonly known as mirch in India is a South American fruit which was introduced to the subcontinent by the Portuguese 400 years ago. However, they are widely used in many cuisines as a spice to add heat to dishes. Moreover, chillies benefit the digestive tract, promote a healthy heart, relieve joint pains, promote weight loss, mitigate migraine, reduce cancer risk, prevent allergies etc.
Today we will talk about the health benefits we get from green chillies.
Benefits of Green chilli
The antioxidant properties protect the body against harmful free radicals.
Benefits of raw green chilli consumption include improved bowel movement and reduced risk of ulcers.
It prevents cell damage and maintains cell health by reducing blood cholesterol levels.
It plays a crucial role in protecting against severe heart diseases like heart attack and stroke as well as cancer.
The high dietary fibre makes them beneficial for people with diabetes.
The rich iron content helps in improving haemoglobin production and helps your body fight against fatigue and weakness.
It Contains calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which help maintain bone health.
Vitamin B participates in increasing the energy levels of the body by regulating protein and fat metabolism.
The capsaicin helps relieve the pain of joints by increasing endorphin levels and anti-arthritic properties.
It stimulates the respiratory system and provides relief during cold or sinus infections.
It also acts as an antidepressant and stabilises mood.
It helps improve blood circulation.
Beta carotene in it is good for eye health.
It is rich in vitamin C, which increases metabolism; improved metabolism aids in weight loss, the vitamin C in green chillies increases collagen synthesis in the skin, essential for healthy and glowing skin. In addition to that, it also contains vitamin E, which fights signs of skin ageing.
Moreover, the antibacterial properties in the phytonutrients of green chillies help manage acne and blemishes of the skin.
Side Effects Of Green Chilli
Mentioned below are some side effects of green chillies that you must be aware of:
- Eating too many green chillies may result in loose motions or diarrhoea as it has a good amount of dietary fibre.
- Overeating green chillies might cause rectal inflammation. Therefore, this can be especially painful if you suffer from piles.
- Green chillies may increase heat in your stomach which makes them harmful for pregnant women. Consuming too many chillies in your diet can irritate the stomach lining which further, can cause a burning sensation in your stomach.
- As chillies contain a high amount of capsaicin, therefore, eating too many of them may be toxic for your body.
- Consumption of too many chillies can cause your body temperature to shoot up. Also, body heat can cause mouth ulcers.
