Is Chili Pepper Paleo?

Short Answer:

Yes, Chili Pepper is Paleo!

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Similar to bell pepper, chilli pepper is another fruit of the Capsicum plant and a member of the nightshade family. Chili pepper originated from the America and has been part of the human for thousands of years ago.

Chilis are usually red or green in color and the inside has a pod that contains numerous, circular, tiny, cream seeds. Its strong spicy taste come from the compound called capsaicin. The hotter the pepper, the higher amounts of capsaicin it contains. There are hundreds of varieties of chilli peppers depending in size, shape, color, flavor and level of spiciness. Some of the popular ones are Anaheim, cayenne, chipotle, habanero, and jalapeno.

Chili pepper is a popular spice and is available all year round. It adds a zesty flavor to a lot of dishes.

Nutrition Facts on Chili Pepper

Despite the fierce, hot taste of chilli pepper, it contains loads of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that functions to support body health. Chili pepper is packed with vitamins A, B and C. It is significantly high in potassium, magnesium and iron.

Chilli pepper also contains important nutrients such as capsaicin, beta-carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin which have surprising health benefits. This Paleo food is low in saturated fats and calories.

Health Benefits of Chili Pepper

Chili peppers are exceptionally healthy for and it can offer a number of health benefits.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The capsaicin compound responsible for the strong hot taste of chilli pepper has anti-inflammatory benefits that can relieve inflammation related illnesses such as migraine and arthritis. According to studies, capsaicin-rich foods are effective in treating arthritis, psoriasis and diabetic neuropathy.

Chili pepper contains antioxidants and flavanoids like vitamin A, beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin that can help protect the body from serious effects of free radicals. These powerful antioxidants have benefits beyond cancer prevention.

Cardiovascular Health

In addition to the anti-inflammatory properties of capsaicin, it can also protect the heart by reducing cholesterol levels. It can also assist in dissolving fibrin, a component that results to blood clotting. The significant amounts of vitamins A and C in chilli pepper can help strengthen the blood vessels. Potassium is another main component of chilli pepper that can regulate blood pressure levels.

Anti Cancer Properties

According to research published in Cancer Research, not only that capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties, this too can protect against prostate cancer.

Pain Reliever

Capsaicin has been used as an analgesic or pain reliever and now known to be a an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain.

Relieves Congestion

One more benefit of capsaicin in chilli peppers is that it helps clear nasal congestion by stimulating secretions of mucus. Chili pepper also has antibacterial properties that can help fight against chronic sinus infections.

Immune System Health

Chili pepper is an excellent source of water soluble antioxidant, vitamin C required for the synthesis of collagen that is required to maintain health of blood vessels, bones, organs and skin. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C including shili pepper can protect against infectious diseases, therefore boosting immunity.

Digestive Support soothe intestinal diseases

Capsaicin once more does not fail! One study found that capsaicin may lead to treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can also help kill bacteria such as H. Pylori, protecting the stomach lining.

Weight Loss

Capsaicin is a thermogenic. This means that it can stimulate burning of fat in the body by increasing metabolism of adipose tissue, generating heat. This is good news for people who are trying to lose weight.

Other Names for Chili Pepper

chili

What Experts Say About Chili Pepper

“Peppers are healthy, too, with good amounts of vitamin C and carotene (especially in red, riper chiles). They’re also good sources of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Researchers are even looking into possible medicinal benefits of hot peppers – the capsaicin might be an effective anti-inflammatory (you know I love the sound of that), all the more reason to work spicy food into your diet.” – Mark Sisson