People use hot peppers, such as banana peppers, habaneros, cayennes, serranos and jalapenos, in a variety of cuisines around the world. These peppers lend heat and flavor to Jamaican meat dishes, Indian soups and curries, Chinese stir fry dishes and Tex-Mex chilis and stews. These peppers may have several effects on your health.
Headache Relief
Hot peppers contain a chemical compound called capsaicin, which may provide relief from headache pain, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Capsaicin may help dilate the blood vessels in your brain, improving blood flow to your brain's tissues. This chemical may be particularly effective for relieving migraines, as well as cluster headaches, or intense pain that is concentrated on one side of the head.
Blood Sugar Management
Capsaicin may help control sugar levels in your bloodstream, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Excess blood sugar can produce side effects such as dizziness, poor cognition, fainting and fatigue. Chronic, untreated high blood sugar levels may even lead to coma and death. Blood sugar management is particularly important for diabetics, whose bodies cannot use or produce sufficient insulin to neutralize blood sugars.
Arthritis Relief
Ancient Chinese healers recommended hot peppers as a remedy for arthritis pain. Capsaicin may help prevent pain impulses from reaching your brain, easing sensations of pain associated with arthritis, according to Balch.
Cholesterol Management
Capsaicin may help lower levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, which are cholesterol components that contribute to lipid blockages in your circulatory system, according to Castleman. This may help prevent the onset of coronary artery disease, and may help prevent stroke and heart attack.
Considerations
Although hot peppers may provide several health benefits, they may also produce side effects. Skin rashes and burning sensations on the skin are the most common side effects. Avoid touching hot peppers with bare skin to eliminate this risk. In rare cases, consuming hot peppers can also cause burning sensations during bowel movements.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs;" Michael Castleman; 2010
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