GOOD HEALTH WITH GREEN CHILLIES

It might or might not come as a surprise that Green Chilies – an integral part of Indian cuisine – are rich in vitamins and contribute a lot to our health. For a start, these little power packed flavour bombs have zero calories, and speed up the metabolism by as much as 50% for up to three hours after eating them! That’s good news for dieters and people who want to lose weight.

Did you know that Green Chillies are rich in antioxidants? This makes them a great source of protection against free radicals, as the antioxidants act as natural scavengers.

Green Chillies also benefit the cardiovascular system. It is believed that they reduce the chances of developing atherosclerosis by reducing blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels and platelet aggregation, while simultaneously increasing the ability to prevent blood clot formation, which leads to heart attacks or strokes.

Eat green chillies during summer to keep your body cool. Surprised? Capsaicin, in the green chillies, though hot on the tongue, actually lowers the body temperature, by stimulating the cooling center of the brain’s hypothalamus. Green chillies also help in reducing the symptoms of common colds or sinus infections, as the capsaicin stimulates blood flow through the membranes and causes mucus secretion to become thinner. Surprisingly, the heat produced by these chillies also acts as a pain reliever, a digestive and anti-ulcer aid.

Green chillies are rich in Vitamin C and beta carotene, and are therefore good for the eyes, skin and immune system. They are natural mood enhancers, as they release endorphins when eaten. They also balance blood sugar levels and are therefore recommended for diabetics. They are also a natural source of iron for individuals with iron deficiencies.

If you have a skin infection, try eating green chillies for their antibacterial properties. In addition, Vitamin K present in green chillies helps decrease your risk of osteoporosis.