Green chilies- Superfood with Super flavor and maximum health benefits

Everyone is familiar with the mild-bitter and intense taste of the green chili. But, only few of them know about the myriad of health benefits associated with it. Green chilies are superfood with super flavor that are power-packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Green chilies contain less cholesterol and fats. The heat provided by the chilies is beneficial for the health. Fresh, pickled, dried, canned or ground chilies are the best option to enhance the taste of your cuisine along with maximum health benefits.

Dried green chilies acquires high amount of vitamin A whereas fresh version is rich in vitamin C. these are six times richer in vitamin C as compare to a single orange. Green chilies are said to be heart-smart as the green color of chilies provide high amounts of antioxidant beta-carotene. It also advantages our skin health, eyes and immune system. This spicy food also provides vitamin B, vitamin E, iron and potassium. Chilies are absolutely cholesterol free and stop the body's absorption while staying low in calories.

Richness of vitamin, minerals and antioxidant are few benefits of green chilies. The greatest health benefits come from the heat received while eating it. Capsaicin is an active chemical present in the veins and seeds of the chilies, offers heat that delivers the maximum health benefits. Capsaicin is used as medicine to liquefy blood clots, improve digestion, treat wrinkles, heart health and jerking. By eating chilies you get to lose weight by enhancing body's metabolism and also by cutting your appetite. Capsaicin creams also have anti-inflammatory property thus it is used for the treatment of arthritis. Green chilies can also land you in a better mood as the chemical capsaicin present in it release endorphins in the brain and puts you in a better mood.

Make sure you wash your hands many times after touching chilies. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching chilies as the capsaicin present in them stick to your hands and gives the burning sensation.

In some countries especially in India, dishes are made spicier by adding green chilies in them. Spicy cuisines with lots of chilies makes you sweat and this cools the body down in summers. The hotter the chili the more capsaicin it contains. Green chilies are excellent source of dietary-fiber. Dietary fiber is complex passes through the digestive system, pushing out the waste. The essential fiber can avoid constipation and support to maintain a healthy weight and improve digestive health particularly in the intestine. Green chilies are excellent source of B-complex group of vitamins niacin, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin and thiamin (vitamin B-1).

Green chilies also provide some proteins and carbohydrates. A 1/2 cup serving of raw green chili peppers provides 1.5 g of protein, 0.15 g of fat, 7.1 g of carbohydrates and 1.1 g of fiber.

Fresh green chili peppers are obtainable seasonally whereas canned chilies are found throughout the year. Make sure, chilies you are buying are fresh, firm and deep in color and avoid those that are wrinkled or soft.