Small, spicy, and delicious, jalapenos are small chili peppers that you may consume alone or choose to cook with some dish. They go with everything, from pizzas to tacos. What’s more?
Jalapenos have immense health benefits. They have many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Moreover, consuming jalapenos has very little side effects. All in all, this is a great chili pepper to include in your diet. There are many jalapeno health benefits that may be good for you in the short and long run.
Small, fiery, and green, these peppers provide more than a kick of flavor to your food. They contain multiple vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They may also help you manage weight. Jalapeno benefits are multiple. Here are some of them.
Benefits of Jalapenos
1. Weight Loss
The capsaicin in jalapenos helps you lose weight(1), and is in fact, a common ingredient in many off-the-shelf weight loss pills and supplements. You may be better off consuming the natural peppers rather than the artificial pills as jalapeno carbs are negligible.
[ Read: Benefits of Yellow Peppers ]
2. Arthritis
Capsaicin is also an anti-inflammatory agent, which makes it perfect for reducing swelling and pain in those who are suffering from arthritis.
3. Headaches
The capsaicin present in the peppers is also known to block the neuropeptide known as Substance P, which is the main pain transmitter to the brain. Peppers can ease the pain of a headache away.
4. Nasal Congestion
The heat generated by the capsaicin helps clear the sinuses. It may even help you fight sinus infections by clearing the passage-ways. This means you may be able to breathe easier, after consuming jalapenos.
5. Ulcers
These amazing peppers kill the bad bacteria in the stomach and in the intestines(2). These bacteria usually cause stomach ulcers.
6. Hypertension
Jalapenos are chili pepper and have a considerable quantity of flavonoids, namely Vitamin C and Vitamin A. These are great at lowering your blood pressure.
7. Fluid loss
This is because eating peppers causes one to sweat, and the more you seat, the less fluid is there in your body.
8. Anti-oxidant properties
These harmless little peppers have anti-oxidants, that may work within the bloodstream to help the body fight off infection, and heal damaged cells.
9. Heart diseases
Chilies like jalapenos cause reactions in the body that tend to battle heart diseases. The sweating that occurs when you eat these peppers, helps the body release fluids, thus taking the pressure off the heart. There is also evidence that chilies also block the creation of fibrin in the body, thus bringing down the chance of a heart-attack-inducing blood clot(3).
10. Control blood sugar
Eating chili peppers before a high-carb meal may help prevent blood sugar spikes, which is why peppers are popular among diabetics.
How Do You Consume Jalapenos?
Jalapenos can be consumed raw, or they can be integrated into any dish and they will impart their signature spice to that dish.
One of the most famous ways jalapenos are eaten is as a pizza topping. However, you need to take care while handling them. The capsaicin is hard to wash off your hands and can burn and irritate your hands and mouth.
There are many jalapeno recipes that are widely available. Some famous ones like jalapeno jelly, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, baked cream cheese jalapeno peppers, creamy jalapeno sauce, jalapeno juice, jalapeno cheddar chicken wings, and other dishes, are easy to rustle up, and very tasty to consume.
Myths & Side Effects
There are many myths surrounding the consumption of peppers, but the most famous is that eating jalapenos causes stomach upset. This holds true for anything that you eat. Peppers are especially spicy so they must be eaten in moderation. Consume jalapenos in moderation, and you might have nothing to complain about.
Naturally, you must be wondering whether jalapenos have any side effects.
Well, the issue is with the main ingredient capsaicin. Too much of it can irritate your bowel, and may even cause your nose and eyes to water, because of the spice. Eat it in moderation, and you may not face any side effects. There are no problems with eating as jalapeno nutrition is excellent.
In conclusion, jalapenos are a fun, spicy way to add zing to any meal. Whether you want to consume them standalone, or in conjunction with something is totally up to you. Packed with nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants, jalapenos are nothing but good news for your body.
They have many hidden benefits, that will show if you consume jalapenos in the long run. What’s more? They complement any dish they are added to, by providing a distinct flavor to it. Rustle up your favorite jalapeno recipe, or just eat them from a bowl. Dig into some peppers or sprinkle them over your pizza, and bring some spice into your life.
[ Read: Benefits of Aleppo Pepper ]
FAQs
1. Can kids eat jalapenos?
As peppers are spicy, it is recommended not to serve these to very small children, who might not be able to handle the spice level.
2. What are the red jalapenos?
Red jalapenos are sweeter than conventional peppers. Also, they aren’t as hot as their siblings. Jalapeno peppers get more red the longer they stay on the vine. So remember to choose mature peppers, if you want them sweet and red.
