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Daily Health Tips update for August 3:
What’s so hot about chile peppers? In a word: capsaicin. This antioxidant compound consists of five components; three of them “cause an immediate bite, while the other two offer a slow, lingering burn.”
Some people believe the heat is just in the seeds, but it’s in the white membrane and fruit tissue, too. Yes, chile peppers are often thought of as vegetables, but they’re actually fruit, like tomatoes and other nightshades.
They contain vitamins A and C, plus the extra heat they add to the body may help burn up to 50 calories a day. Scientists continue to study how chile peppers help lower blood sugar levels in type II diabetics. For now, just know that hot (or not so hot) peppers can help your overall health.
Choose your Chile Pepper
Mild: Sweet Bell Peppers, Pimento, Yellow Wax, New Mexico (Anaheim)
Medium: Poblano, Guajillo, Ancho, Jalapeno, Chipotle
Hot: Serrano, Arbol, Thai, Cayenne
Fiery: Habanero, Naga viper pepper
Sources: Whole Living, Runner’s World
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