Every
time I feel a niggle at the back of my throat or I start to feel those sinuses
getting congested I turn to Chilli!
It
started out as just a pure craving! The funny thing is I only ever crave Chilli
when my immune system seems to be on the down side..... I don't question it, I
just go out and buy some fresh chilli's, throw them in my blender and mix with
olive oil.
That
BURN is incredible, and boy does it work it's magic! Within minutes I start to
feel better and within an hour or two whatever symptoms I had are pretty much
gone!!
But
What is it about Chilli that does that?? Well I've decided to research this and
here you have it..Chilli is Dynamit! And this is why we should all add it to
our diet.
Chilli
Putting
it simply Chilli is a SUPER FOOD! It is a fruit of plant belonging to Capsicum
genus. Capsicum is derived from the Greek word
"Kapsimo" meaning "to bite."
Chilli
is a great source of Antioxidants and Vitamins A, B, C and E with minerals such
as copper, thiamin, potassium, folate,molybdenum and manganese. Chilli Contains
SEVEN Times more Vitamin C than an orange!
It
is a natural antibiotic (Well now that makes a lot of sense) Since 1498 when
Chilli's were introduced to India, they have been included in the Ayurvedic
medicines and have been used as tonic to ward off many diseases.
Chilli's not
only help clear out the lungs and stimulate the digestive system, they also
fantastic for slimming down as they help burn Calories easily!!!
Now this is my
kind of power food!
In
summary here are some of the benefits of Chilli.
•
Detoxicants: Chilli acts as a detoxifier, it removes waste products
from our body and increases supply nutrients to the tissues. It also acts
as gastrointestinal detoxicants helping in the digestion of food.
•
Antibiotic: Chillies brings fresh blood to the
site of the infection. The fresh blood fights the infection meaning the white
blood cells and leukocytes present in the fresh blood fights the viruses.
•
Pain
killer: Chillies
stimulates the release of endorphins that are natural pain killers. It relieves
pain caused due to shingles (Herpes Zoster), bursitis, diabetic
neuropathy, muscle spasm in shoulders, arthritic pains and extremities.
•
Cancer: It has been noted that vitamin C,
beta-carotene and folic acid found in chilli reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Chillies such as red pepper have cartonoid lycopene, which prevents cancer
disease.
•
Brain: Capsaicin
stimulates the brain to excrete endorphins and gives a sense of pleasure when ingested. This is the reason people get addicted to chilli!
•
Lung
disease : Chillies gives
relief from nasal congestion by increasing the metabolism. It also dilates
airway of lungs which reduces asthma and wheezing.
•
Capsaicin
: Chillies have vitamin C and
Vitamin A containing beta-carotenoids which are powerful antioxidant. These
antioxidants destroy free radical bodies that may cause damage within our
bodies. The antioxidants present in the chilli wipe out the radical bodies
that could build up cholesterol causing major heart diseases.
References:Phyllis A.Balch (2006). Prescription for Nutritional Healing
Fourth Edition. New York. Penguin Group USA; Chilly.in
XXX
K
Super review - I will consider using more chillies.
ReplyDeleteI've never been able to eat chilli... but I can now and I LOVE IT! Your fault actually ;-)
ReplyDeleteI keep it fresh in olive oil at home (G makes it all the time) YUM!
Much love, Bailey from Vanilla Blonde