10 Benefits of Green Chillies You Should Know

If you love to eat spicy foods, you probably add green chillies in almost all the spicy dishes that you make, right? There are many people who eat one or two green chillies while having meals. But is it good to consume green chillies? Green chillies can be very beneficial for your health. Let us explore the good and the bad about this small yet powerful punch of spice.

Nutritional Value of Green Chilli

Green chillies are those peppers that don’t grow fully and are harvested before they mature. They are extremely low in calories, are almost fat-free which make them a great ingredient during weight loss programs. Green chillies are said to be a rich source of nutrients that are valuable for your body’s well-being and contain a rich mix of Vitamins A, C, K and the phytonutrient called capsaicin which prevents the growth of cancer cells in our body. Let us now understand the nutritional value of green chillies through the table given below.

Nutritional Facts Per 100 grams

With inputs from: https://www.lybrate.com/topic/green-chilli-benefits-and-side-effects

Health Benefits of Eating Green Chillies

Green chilli is not just a necessary condiment to increase the spice quotient and taste in food; it also is full of natural benefits. Here are a few of the advantages of green chilli and the health benefits of eating them.

1. May Help Treat Skin Infections

Green chillies are loaded with anti-bacterial properties. Thus it helps cure skin infections and acne. It also gives healthy and glowing skin due to the presence of Vitamin C. However, remember to store the chillies in a dark and cool place as the chillies might lose Vitamin C if kept in heat and light.

2. Good for the Digestive Health

Being rich in dietary fibre, it helps smoothen the bowel movement and therefore improves the digestive health. Eating green chillies may also prevent ulcers. However, it is advisable for people suffering from peptic ulcer to avoid consuming green chillies.

3. Aids in Weight Loss

Including green chilli in your diet can also burn off the excess fat in your body due to its thermogenic properties. It also helps increase the metabolic rate.

4. Controls Blood Sugar Levels

Consuming green chillies regularly can prove beneficial for diabetic people. Eating green chillies can prevent sugar levels from increasing in the body and balance it.

5. May Help Prevent Cancer

Green chillies being rich in antioxidants may protect your body against free radicals that increase cancerous cells.

6. Good for the Heart

Consuming green chillies also brings down the cholesterol level and triglyceride level thereby preventing atherosclerosis. It also reduces the chances of platelet aggregation. It also helps increase fibrinolytic activity which can prevent the formation of blood clots, a common cause of heart attacks.

7. Helps Cure the Common Cold

Capsaicin present in green chillies has a stimulating effect on the mucous membranes of the nose. It also helps makes thinner. Thus mucus drains from the nose quickly and cures the common cold.

8. Helps Combat Mood Swings

Eating green chillies releases endorphins which help in elevating the mood and curbing mood swings. It is also said to be a pain reliever.

9. May Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Green chillies are rich in Vitamin K, which is known to decrease the risk of osteoporosis. The capsaicin component in green chillies can help prevent the inflammation of joints.

10. Good for the Eyes

Green chillies are loaded with Vitamin C and beta carotene, which are good for the eyes as well as the immune system.

Side Effects of Consuming Green Chillies in Excess

Mentioned below are some side effects of green chillies:

• Since green chilli has a good amount of dietary fibre, eating too many may result in loose motion or diarrhoea.
• Overeating green chillies can cause rectal inflammation. This can be especially painful if you suffer from piles.
• Green chillies may increase heat in your stomach which makes them detrimental for pregnant women. Including too many chillies in your diet can irritate the stomach lining which can cause a burning sensation in your stomach.
• Since chillies contain a high amount of capsaicin, eating too many of them may be toxic for your body.
• Consuming too many chillies can cause your body temperature to shoot up. The body heat can also cause mouth ulcers.

There are many people who like to eat spicy food, and they include green chillies in their every day diet. While it is okay to consume green chillies every day, you should consume them in moderation.

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