Pepper is that one thing we often use in virtually all types of
cooking yet we mainly don't know it functions. It is very easy to state
the benefits of other food additives and veggies including tomato, onion
and many others-----but when it comes to pepper and how it benefits our
body, most of us have no idea. The only thing we mainly know about
pepper is that it is a hot spicy that stings our mouth and does all
things burning. But honestly speaking, does this fruit actually have any
benefits? lets take a look. How does Chili Benefits us
Benefits the Digestive Tract
Pepper
benefits the digestive tract in many ways and can even be a good remedy
for treating ulcer. However, it sounds really absurd and
counter-intutive that pepper is a good remedy for treating ulcer whereas
its suppose to be an agent causing it. But everything will start making
a whole lot of sense when when you understand the function of capsaicin, a chemical in pepper---and what this chemical does to our digestive tract.
It
is a popular belief that pepper elevates the acid secretion of the
stomach leading to ulcer but the real fact is that it actually inhibits
it. What it mainly does is that it stimulates alkali, mucus secretions,
and enhances gastric mucosal blood flow--which all help in the
prevention and healing of ulcers. It also acts by stimulating afferent
neurons in the stomach and signals for protection against injury causing
agents.
Promotes a Healthy Heart
Pepper lowers blood pressure and enhances blood circulation. The capsaicin compound it contains help in the release of nitric oxide and other vasodilators---- vasodilators are compounds that expands blood vessels and promotes blood flow. Pepper also prevents heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol and lipid deposits.
Improves Metabolism / Promotes Weight Loss
Pepper can actually make you reduce calories intake and help you burn fat. Researches have shown that People who consume pepper with every meal are more likely to have an increased feelings of fullness. The reason is because they tend to drink lots of water in the process which will all result into eating less and taking in fewer calories. Capsaicin in pepper have also been shown to suppress appetite. You may have observed that whenever you are eating something pepperish, you feel sweaty. The reason is because spicy foods increases the activity of brown fats in our body thereby bringing about thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the process through our body to generate heat by burning fats.
Reduces Cancer Risk
Study
have shown that pepper are good agents that fight cancerous cells. The
study says that capsaicin may hinder the growth and spread of cancerous
cells. Since this compound have anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory
properties, it is actually not a surprise that it can help limit the
growth of cancer.
Prevents Bad Breath
If you
observe you will realize that pepper are good preservatives. The reason
is because the capsaicin compound it contains help prevent the growth of
microorganisms that leads to food spoilage. This phenomenon is the
reason why pepper comes in quite well as a remedy for bad breath. Since
germs are the one responsible for mouth odor, eating something spicy can
actually be a step in the right direction. On top of that, pepper
stimulate your salivary glands to produce saliva more often so that it
can wet the mouth and keep it fresh.
