CAPSICUM

The health benefits of capsicum include relief from cancer, peptic ulcer, menopausal problems, low risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties and may also provide relief in pain related to arthritis. It also provides relief from fibromyalgia, skin aging and psoriasis.

An ancestral spice, red chili peppers are a diverse and pungent edible fruit from any of the varieties within the Capsicum genus of plant.¹ With known popular use of capsicum, multi culturally, and for generations around the globe.² Interest is developing in knowing about the medicinal benefits of this natural plant food and culinary spice.²Many people are familiar with use of chili peppers in the preparation of spicy meals. What is it that makes the chili pepper spicy? The answer is capsicum. An odorless, tasteless phyto chemical and producer of the chili pepper’s heat.³

With the many varieties of chili peppers available, it is important to know that the capsicum content of each type of chili pepper varies and it is possible to get less heat and still receive the health benefits of the chili peppers active ingredient capsicum.³ Capsicum is contained both in the fleshy membrane of both sweet and hot peppers and in higher concentration the seeds. ^{4, 5} This natural fruit may be used fresh or dried as a culinary spice, added to teas, or taken in capsules to reap its many medicinal benefits. Adding chilies to your daily diet may result show benefits in many ailments as well as provide which will now be discussed.

Nutritional Value Of Capsicum

Using whole chili peppers from the Capsicum genus provides nutritional value. These peppers contain high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A.

These vitamins are best obtained from the fresh fruit.⁴ Capsicum chili’s harvested when red rather than orange and yellow have higher concentrations of these beneficial nutrients.⁴ Other beneficial bioactive components of the capsicum chili are the content of flavanoids.⁴ Other important bioactive compounds contained in the it include alkaloids and tannins.⁴Though in lesser concentrations than vitamin C and vitamin A, these are showing potential in providing health benefits when consumed.⁴ Alkaloids work as an anti inflammatory, analgesic, and may also be antioxidant.⁴

Health Benefits Of Capsicum

Anti-inflammatory properties: The phytochemical constituents of capsicum are shown to produce an anti inflammatory response that proves to alleviate peripheral neurogenic pain such as related to Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory disease of the bowel.⁵ Another example of peripheral neurogenic inflammation is cutaneous pain of the skin.⁵ Its creams and balms are often massaged topically onto the skin with care taken to avoid open areas and mucous membranes. The burning effect of capsicum is felt when applied to the skin. This is caused by an inflammatory response of the peripheral nerve endings, but regular application deadens the sensory nerve endings which relieve chronic diabetic neurogenic pain.⁵ Some suggest that the anti inflammatory effect of capsicum may also help to alleviate pain related to arthritis.⁴ Its cream may be utilized as an option for treating this malady and many others .