The popularity of hot pepper is associated with the valuable substances that it contains. However, the burning product has a number of contraindications. More details about the benefits, harms and uses of this hot vegetable are provided in this review article.

Calorie and chemical composition of hot pepper

Red pepper is a real storehouse of valuable elements for a person.

Did you know? Hot pepper is included in the 10 most healthy foods compiled by experts of the World Health Organization.

• A - 48 mcg (5.3% of the daily norm for the human body);
• alpha carotene - 36 mcg;
• beta carotene - 0.534 mg (10.7%);
• beta cryptoxanthin - 40 mcg;
• lutein + zeaxanthin - 709 mcg;
• B1, B2 - 4.8% of the daily norm;
• B4 - 2.2%;
• B5 - 4%;
• B6 - 25.3%;
• B9 - 5.8%;
• C - 159.7%;
• E - 4.6%;
• K - 11.7%;
• PP - 6.2%.

Capsicum is also rich in minerals: K, Ca, Mg, Ph, Fe, Se, Zn, Mn, Na, Cu.

The vegetable contains sugar, 10 essential, 8 essential amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, 3 saturated, 1 monounsaturated, 2 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The energy value of 100 g of the product is 40 kcal. In one pod, about 18 kcal.

The nutritional value of 100 g of pepper is represented by such components:

• proteins - 1.87 g;
• fats - 0.44 g;
• carbohydrates - 7.31 g;
• dietary fiber - 1.5 g;
• water - 88.02 g;
• ash - 0.87 g.

The benefits and harms of hot pepper for the health of men and women

Hot peppers are used in their national cuisines by many nations of the world. He also found application in official and traditional medicine, in the field of beauty. After analyzing the composition of the vegetable, you can see how it can be useful for humans.

• Among the beneficial properties of red pepper for men and women should be mentioned:
• tonic effect;
• resistance to bacteria;
• preventing tumors;
• elimination of pain;
• obstructing the development of diabetes;
• sweatshops;
• antipyretic;
• anti-infarction and anti-stroke;
• lowering blood cholesterol;
• prevention of thrombosis;
• promoting weight loss;
• improved metabolism;
• a positive effect on potency in men;
• improved testosterone production;
• normalization of the menstrual cycle in women;
• normalization of the hormonal background;
• acceleration of hair growth;
• beneficial effect on blood circulation;
• calming the nervous system;
• increased endorphin production;
• appetite improvement.

It is known that red pepper can cause severe allergies and skin burns. Allergy is manifested by skin rashes, burning, itching. In severe cases, drowsiness, digestive disorders, fever, chills can be observed. Whether this product is harmful (if so, to what extent), scientists are researching today.

Important! When working with hot pepper, it is necessary to protect the hands with gloves and ensure that the hands do not touch the face (especially the eyes). If pepper juice gets on the skin or mucous membranes, rinse the affected areas with plenty of water.

Contraindications

There are several categories of people who are contraindicated to eat hot pepper.

• These include:
• people with kidney and liver diseases;
• ulcers and gastrointestinal diseases;
• with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus;
• with a history of hemorrhoids;
• with individual intolerance to the product;
• women during menstruation;
• breast-feeding.
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With caution, the product should be used hypotensive. Like all spicy foods, pepper should not be eaten by women carrying a child. The ban was introduced due to side effects that this vegetable may cause - heartburn, increased feelings of thirst, and strain on the liver.

Many pregnant women already experience problems with the digestive tract, so eating foods that can aggravate them is not worth it (along with the food after which you want to drink a lot). This can lead to swelling, which threatens the occurrence of gestosis ("late toxicosis"). You can not eat spicy and children. The ban applies to the category of 15-16 years. Such food irritates the delicate gastric mucosa and can lead to early gastritis or an ulcer.

Consumption rate per day

Despite the many beneficial effects of a burning vegetable on the functioning of the human body, it does not need to be consumed daily and in large volumes. To get only benefit from it, just enter it into the weekly menu only 1-2 times. A day you can eat no more than 15 g (approximately half of the pod).

Application features

The rich vitamin and mineral composition of the product contributes to the fact that it is used in various fields (most often in cooking).

In folk medicine

In official medicine, red hot pepper is introduced into the composition of the medical patch, which is recommended for use in pain in muscles and joints, arthritis, rheumatism. Pharmaceuticals produce pepper tincture, used to normalize feelings of hunger and the functioning of the digestive system. There are pepper-based products used against malaria and frostbite.

Pepper is one of the ingredients in Tonzipret recommended for upper respiratory tract diseases. In homeopathy, extracts of burning vegetables are prescribed for the treatment of cystitis, urethritis, colitis, pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, otitis media, acute respiratory viral infections, and gastritis with high acidity. Traditional healers make tinctures, infusions and decoctions from an acute product.

Infusions are used in the fight against:

• arthritis (10 pods, ground in a blender + 250 g of unrefined vegetable oil (from corn or sunflower) + 250 ml of purified kerosene; insist 7 days);
• vitiligo.

Tincture is prepared by mixing 70% alcohol with finely ground pods in a ratio of 1 to 3 or 1 to 5. Insist 21 days.

She is treated:

• genital herpes;
• enterocolitis;
• dysentery;
• gout
• radiculitis.

Decoctions are used to treat colds (chopped pod pour 200 ml of milk; cook for 2 minutes). To get rid of cough, bronchitis mix shredded pod with 1 tbsp. l honey.

The tool is divided into 8 parts, eat 1 part 2 times a day. Ointment with the addition of a vegetable relieves pain in osteochondrosis, injuries and bruises of the limbs, neuralgic problems, arthritis, gout, inflammation of the muscles and joints. It is prepared by mixing 0.5 parts of pepper, 1 part of 30% alcohol propolis tincture, 1 part of propolis, 1 part of glycerin, 1 part of turpentine, 2-3 drops of essential oil. The mixture is heated in a water bath until a homogeneous mixture is formed.

In cosmetology

Red pepper is an effective remedy for baldness and to stimulate hair growth, strengthen roots, improve blood circulation. It is included as a component in medical shampoos and masks. Means based on a burning vegetable strengthen the nail plate.Another property of pepper, which cosmetologists have actively adopted, is anti-cellulite. It allows you to effectively break down fats. Pepper extracts are included in anti-cellulite creams.

Here are some popular cosmetic recipes:

1. Against cellulite. Pepper tincture rub the area where the "orange peel" was formed. If the skin reacts too painfully to the tincture, then a few drops are added to the anti-cellulite cream.
2. Against stratification of nails. Mix 1 tsp of hand and nail cream, 0.5 tsp of ground pepper, 15 drops of water and citric acid on the tip of a knife. Place the mixture in a water bath for 15 minutes, stirring constantly. With a coolant, lubricate the nails and wrap with a film. Stand for 20 minutes. To achieve the effect, the procedure must be repeated (2 times a month).
3. Against hair loss. Mask of 1 tbsp. pepper tincture, 2 tbsp. castor oil, 2 tbsp. apply shampoo to the scalp for 1-1.5 hours. Cover your head with foil and wrap with a towel.
4. For active hair growth. Combine 100 ml of cognac and 10 g of ground pepper. Put in a dark place for 7 days. Then strain and dilute with boiled water (proportion: 1 to 10). Apply by rubbing into the scalp overnight for 1–2 months with an interval of 7 days.

For weight loss

Hot pepper breaks down fats well, so it must be entered on the menu for people who are struggling with excess weight. Folk healers offer a recipe for pepper tincture, used for weight loss. For its preparation, finely chopped vegetable is put in medical 90% alcohol for 5 days (or in vodka for 3-4 weeks). Drink for 14 days, 30 ml three times a day 30 minutes before the planned meal. The course is repeated after 6 months.

Among people who are actively counting the calories eaten and monitoring the state of their figure, dietary tomato soup is popular. Whipped in a blender, along with garlic and baked bell pepper, chili burns extra calories.

To reduce weight, wraps are also used. The mixture for the procedure is prepared from 3 tsp. olive oil, 1 tsp coffee, 2 tsp sea ​​salt, 0.5 tsp ground red pepper. They smear problem areas with it, wrap it with film, and then hide with a blanket. The mixture is washed off after half an hour. Such wraps are done 8-10 times with an interval of 1 day.

Important! If you use a vegetable with a too burning taste, you can relieve the “fire” in your mouth by drinking milk, yogurt, or eating an acidic product.

In cooking

Hot pepper is common in the kitchens of many nations. It is especially popular among residents of India, Mexico, and Thailand.

The most common use of vegetables in cooking is as follows:

• adding to meat and fish food to give an original taste;
• compound with vegetables and root crops;
• as a part of spice mixtures (hops-suneli, curry, garam masala);
• adding to cereals and legumes;
• improving the taste of the first courses;
• as an ingredient in salad dressings;
• as an additive to dairy products;
• for aromatization of vinegar, marinade, vegetable oil.

The greatest acuteness is contained in the seeds and internal plates of pepper. To reduce the stickiness of the vegetable, they must be removed. Also, heat treatment contributes to the reduction of burning properties.

Did you know? Mexicans use chili peppers to fight a severe hangover. After a fun night, they eat the menudo soup, which includes beef stomach burning vegetable and corn.

Hot pepper storage features

There are several ways to store a burning product:

1. Fresh - It is perfectly stored at room temperature without reducing the amount of valuable substances for 2 weeks. You can extend the shelf life of a vegetable by placing it on the middle shelf of the refrigerator. In such conditions, it will be suitable for use within 1-2 months.
2. In dried form. The vegetable is dried in a dry and well-ventilated room in a suspended form or on a horizontal surface. Also, the product is often placed in the oven. Then it is stored in cloth bags or glass containers at room temperature in a dark, dry place. Peppers can be ground with a coffee grinder. The shelf life of the dried product is 12 months.
3. In pickled form. Pepper is placed in sterilized jars and poured with hot marinade with added salt, sugar and vinegar. Spices are also necessary (garlic, herbs, bay leaf, black pepper). Store in a dry, dark place until the next harvest.
4. In the frozen state. By storing the product in this way, you can achieve the preservation of the greatest number of valuable substances. It is possible to freeze a vegetable as a whole and sliced. The shelf life of the frozen product is 12 months.

To summarize what has been said, it should be noted: hot pepper is a useful vegetable that is actively used by culinary specialists, cosmetologists, doctors and traditional healers. It contains many valuable elements in its composition, has a number of beneficial effects on the human body. But not everyone can consume a spicy product (and in small quantities). Before using it, you should make sure that you are not included in the category of persons to whom it is contraindicated.