Healthy news
The health benefits of eating chili are numerous if you can handle the heat!
Red chilies are rich in vitamin C and pro vitamin A. Chili peppers are also a good source of B vitamins, especially vitamin B6. They are very high in potassium and high in magnesium and iron.
Chilies are also believed to have many other beneficial effects on health. The pain caused by capsaicin stimulates the brain to produce endorphins which produce a sense of well-being. This is the same chemical that is released by athletes after strenuous exercise.
Studies have shown that including hot red chilies in your diet helps increase the rate of breakdown of carbohydrates in your body at rest and during exercise. Eating chilies also helps reduce obesity by increasing the rate at which you burn calories including fats.
It has also has been shown that chili helps to lower the risk of Diabetes; according to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. A study by scientists at the University of Tasmania in Australia found that a regular intake of chili in the diet could improve insulin control in the body by about 60 per cent.
One group of scientists are directly studiying chili extract as a future possible cure for diabetes. They have found if a mice’s pancreatic sensory nerves are injected with capsaicin, they began producing insulin. Currently human trials are underway.
Recent studies also reveal that chili peppers can have a wide range of benefits from helping alleviate pain in arthritis patients to acting effectively against cancer causing tumours.
Here are a set of links to interesting articles relating to the healthy benefits of consuming chillies
Those feet are not so happy!
NAPWA, Australia - 22 March, 2007
Capsaicin patches are being currently being trialled in Australia to help reduce the nerve cells of the bodies neurotransmitters that are responsible for the transmission of pain. A number of HIV patients who are suffer from numbness, pain and burning in the extremities of their feet and hands are currently carrying ou the trial. . ...
It's good to get chili inside you
Orlando Sentinel, FL - 27 Feb 2007
... research is being carried out on the use of chili peppers in the lowering of post-meal spikes in the level of insulin in the body. This could have positive health implications for diabetes in the management and prevention of this disease. ...
Chilies could help fight both cancer and obesity
Food Consumer, IL - 1 Mar 2007
Studies have found that the spicy compound found in hot peppers or chilies, called capsaicin, may help protect the body against cancer cells and also inhibit the growth of fat cells.
Nutra Ingredients, Aust 24/07/2006 - Australian research has shown that the regular consumption of chilies could help improve the control of the level of insulin after eating. This could help people who are obese and have diabetes problems in the management and control of their insulin levels.