Is Green Chilli Good for Health? Health Benefits & Side Effects

Green chilli is the Queen of spices with a really spicy flavour. But there’s not just one green chilli, there are 200 species of green chillies that are consumed all over the globe.

Capsaicin, an active compound in Green Chillies can cure a lot of diseases.

While people always say eat less spicy, one green chilli should definitely be eaten every day. This is said to benefit and detox all the vital organs of our bodies. 

Health benefiting properties of Ragi:

"Green chillies have a lot of nutritional benefits and properties. It has a composition of macronutrients in a half-cup serving of raw green chilli is about 30 calories, 7.1 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of protein, 1.1 gram of fibre and 0.15 grams of fat.

It contains essential vitamins and minerals too, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A, potassium and iron which are extremely beneficial for our growth and development.”

Health Benefits of Eating Green Chillies:

• Antioxidant-Rich

Green chillies contain so many vitamins and minerals that can help fight various bacteria that damage our bodies.

These chillies can prevent blood clots too. If you have been a victim of toxins and poor overall health, green chillies' antioxidants can flush out these toxins from your body.

Did you know green chillies contain so many antioxidants that they can even prevent the spread of cancer? It boosts heart health, vision, and brain functions as well.

• Anti-Inflammatory

Green chillies contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling of the muscles and tissues.

It is hence a very useful ingredient in treating joint pain and diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

NCBI explains how the Capsaicin in green chillies help: “Capsaicin possesses noteworthy analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

It also possesses healing effects for the treatment of arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, gastric lesions, and cardiac excitability that is why it is incorporated in creams and gels.”

• Benefits Respiratory System

Green chillies contain a lot of phytonutrients that can lower the chances of lung cancer and cure common respiratory problems. So if you’re looking for a treatment for a cold and cough, here it is.

Asthma, cold, cough, dry cough, hay fever and other such illnesses can be cured very easily as green chillies work as a decongestant. They open up the airways and let you breathe fresh and clear air. 

• Anti-Bacterial

In a study conducted recently, they found how certain compounds, especially capsaicin in green chillies can be very effective in fighting bacteria and bacterial infections. 

Oral consumption of green chillies is always advisable but not topical.

Although you may buy ointments and creams containing capsaicin for their antibacterial properties, direct application of green chillies on your skin to treat a bacterial infection is not promoted.

• Immunity Booster

Green Chillies are amazing immunity boosters as they contain Vitamin B complex and C as well. Green chillies also contain a lot of beta-carotene. 

You should store green chillies in a dark area or put them in the refrigerator as they can lose their vitamin C content very quickly.

It is always advised to have 1 fresh chilli with meals. It can purify the blood and cleanse your organs to boost your immunity to fight diseases.

• Improves Digestion

Green chillies can help ease and soothe the digestion process due to their vitamin C content. Studies also suggest that eating green chillies can help release saliva which is a digestive juice aiding the digestive system.

To improve your digestion, you can add a green chilli finely chopped or in bigger chops to your Dahl or Vegetables. This makes it easier for us to consume these chillies. 

• Calcium-Rich

Green chillies, in fact, all types of chillies contain a lot of calcium content which is extremely useful and beneficial for the development and growth of bones and teeth.

While some people fear dentists, it is a good idea to take care of your teeth and feed them lots of calcium-rich foods.

Studies state that 100 grams of chillies contain about 18 mg of calcium. This is a good amount of calcium. No wonder experts ask us to eat it every day if we suffer from bones or joints diseases.

• Improves Eyesight/ Vision

As mentioned above, Green Chillies contain a lot of Vitamin C and Beta-carotenoids, endorphins and antioxidants that our eyes need to have a 20/20 vision.

Our eyesight can get weaker as we age as toxins get deposited in our cells and freshly oxygenated blood cells do not reach our eyes. 

Eating green chillies can support our eyesight even when we’re ageing or turning old. It is said that the people who eat green chillies regularly won’t have eyesight issues until they’re very old.

• Helps Lose Weight

Green chillies are healthier when compared with red chilli powder because green chillies have higher water content and no calories at all.

This makes green chillies a very healthy choice for people who’re trying to lose some weight.

As green chillies also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, we can rely on them when we want to lose weight in a steady manner.

• Good For Skin and Hair

The Vitamin C content in green chillies is so high that it helps maintain collagen production which is very important when you are ageing. 

Vitamin C also helps your hair get oxygenated blood. Otherwise, you will often have dandruff, split ends, hair fall, hair breakage, thin hair or balding. Green chillies are hence the best for every organ.

Side-Effects of Eating Green Chillies:

Chillies should be consumed on a regular basis. They’re considered to be very safe for everyday consumption.

However, like every other spice and food ingredients, green chillies have some limitations. You must not consume it in excess or you may suffer from the following side effects:

• People who have piles should avoid the consumption of green chillies in excess.

• Sometimes, overconsumption of green chillies can cause diarrhoea in individuals.

• These chillies can also cause inflammation and create heat in the stomach causing heartburn.

• Diabetics should be very careful when they consume green chillies as these may lower their blood sugar levels too much.

• In some rare cases, people may be allergic to green chillies.

Conclusion:

Add green chillies to every new dish you cook but in moderation. If you’re just starting to eat them, eat within limits. Make sure you know how spicy they are.