10 Amazing Health Benefits of Red Chilli Powder | Lal Mirch

Red chilli powder is a staple spice in Indian cuisine, as well as in many other cuisines around the world. It adds a fiery kick and a vibrant color to any dish it is added to. Red chilli powder is made from dried and ground red chilies, which are fruits of the Capsicum genus. 

Red chilies are native to Mexico and Central America but are now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. India is the largest producer and exporter of red chillies, accounting for about 36% of the global production in 2019.

It is not only known for its spicy flavor, but also for its numerous health benefits. It contains various vitamins and minerals that can benefit your health in different ways. In this article, we will explore the health benefits of red chilli powder, how to use it in your diet, and what are the possible side effects of consuming it. 

What is Red Chilli Powder?

Red chilli powder is a spice made from dried and ground chillies, which are fruits of the Capsicum genus. There are many varieties of red chillies, each with its shape, size, color, and heat level. Some of the common types of red chillies used to make red chilli powder are cayenne, jalapeno, and ghost pepper. 

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The heat level of the powder depends on the type and amount of red chillies used. Red chilli powder is usually measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which indicates the amount of capsaicin present. The higher the SHU, the hotter the powder. For example, cayenne pepper has a SHU of 30,000 to 50,000, while ghost pepper has a SHU of over 1,000,000.

Health Benefits of Red Chilli Powder

Here are some of the most popular red chilli powder benefits:

Helps In Digestion

Red chilli powder can help improve your digestion and prevent various digestive problems, such as constipation, gas, and bloating. The powder effectively increases the secretion of gastric juices and enzymes that help break down food and absorb nutrients. 

It also reduces harmful bacteria in your stomach, digestive tract, and intestine, keeping them healthy. Red chilli also stimulates the peristaltic movement of the intestines, which helps in the elimination of waste and toxins from the body.

Maintains Blood Pressure Levels

Red chilli powder can also help maintain your blood pressure levels and prevent hypertension. It is rich in potassium, which is a mineral that helps regulate the fluid balance and the contraction of the blood vessels. Potassium relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the pressure exerted by the blood on the arterial walls. 

Red chili powder also contains capsaicin, which can lower blood pressure by stimulating the release of nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Anti-inflammatory Effects and Pain Relief

The anti-inflammatory effects of red chilli powder provide pain relief, especially for conditions such as arthritis. It contains capsaicin, which can inhibit the production and release of substance P, a neurotransmitter that transmits pain signals to the brain. 

By blocking substance P, capsaicin can reduce the sensation of pain and inflammation in the affected area. It can also activate the endorphin system, which is the body’s natural painkiller.

Helps in Weight Loss

Red chilli powder can also help you lose weight and reduce body fat accumulation. Red chilli can help you burn more calories and fat by increasing your metabolism, which is the process of heat production in the body. It can also reduce your appetite and food intake by stimulating the satiety hormones, which can make you feel full and satisfied.

Improves Skin and Hair

Red chilli can also improve your skin and hair by enhancing its quality and appearance. It is rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your hair and skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can cause premature aging, wrinkles, sagging, and hair loss. Vitamin C found in red chilli powder helps in the synthesis of collagen, which is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to your hair. 

Lal mirch also contains vitamin A, which is essential for the maintenance and repair of your skin. It also contains iron, which is necessary for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

Improves Cognitive Function

It can also improve your cognitive function and enhance your mental performance. Red chilli contains iron, which is vital for the production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Iron also helps in the formation of myelin, the fatty sheath that covers the nerve fibers. Besides this, it also contains choline, which is a B vitamin that is involved in the synthesis and function of neurotransmitters. 

These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating your mood, memory, learning, attention, and motivation. On top of that, it can also boost your blood circulation and oxygen delivery to your brain, which can improve your brain function.

Relieves nasal congestion

Red chilli powder can thin the mucus in your nasal passages and help you expel it more easily. It can stimulate the production of histamine, which is a chemical that causes inflammation and swelling in your nasal tissues. Histamine can also increase the blood flow and temperature in your nose, which can help kill the germs and viruses that cause infection.

Promotes Heart Health

These Chillies can also reduce the risks and prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. It can lower your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels and improving your blood flow. It can also lower your cholesterol levels by reducing the production and absorption of cholesterol in your liver and intestines. 

It can also prevent bad cholesterol, which can cause plaque buildup and hardening of your arteries. It can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your blood vessels and prevent blood clots and strokes.

May Boost Bone Density

Chilli powder is a good source of vitamin K, which is crucial for bone formation and mineralization. Vitamin K also helps your body use calcium, which is the main component of your bones. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are essential minerals for bone health.

Facilitates Wound Healing

Red chilli can also facilitate wound healing and prevent complications, such as infection, inflammation, and scarring. It can accelerate the healing process by stimulating the production of collagen. And can also prevent disease by killing the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. 

Not only this, but It can also reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause swelling and discomfort. It can also prevent scarring by reducing the formation of fibrous tissue and improving the appearance of the skin. 

How to Use Red Chilli Powder in Diet?

Red chilli powder is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as curries, soups, stews, sauces, dips, marinades, and rubs. It can also be added to eggs, cheese, potatoes, rice, pasta, and meat to enhance their flavor and nutrition. 

Apart from this, it can be used fresh or dried, but the powder is a convenient and shelf-stable alternative that can be stored for a long time. It can be sprinkled on your food as a seasoning or mixed with water, oil, vinegar, or yogurt to make a paste or a sauce.

Conclusion

Red chilli powder is a dehydrated form of red chillies that has a potent and concentrated flavor. It is widely used as a seasoning and a spice in various cuisines, especially in Indian, Mexican, Thai, and Chinese cuisines. It is also a potent source of health benefits that can improve your well-being in many ways. 

You can use the powder in various forms and methods for your health and wellness. It is a must-have in your natural health regimen, and you should definitely give it a try.

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