WHENEVER somebody mentions peppers, we immediately remember their fiery flavor. Some favor their piquancy like the Asians and Africans; others fear their powerful hot sting. Today, we shall discuss an unrecognized aspect of peppers; their potent healing properties.
The capsicum family falls in two groups. The hot green peppers and the red chilies are the spicy and stinging condiments used in Indian curry, pickles, stews, and gravy. The sweeter version is bell peppers, which are larger in size and come in green, red, yellow, and purple hues.
Contrary to common belief, hot chilies do not raise body temperatures but cool them down to sustain summer heat in the tropics. Capsaicin in chilies stirs up the senses at first, and then neutralizes temperature sensors, resulting in body cooling. Ginger, too, gives similar effects. So don’t hesitate to eat Mexican, Indian, or Cajun cuisine in summer. The spicy condiment offers yet another benefit; it disinfects food, protecting against intestinal infections and diarrhea.
Hot peppers provide pain relief to rheumatoid arthritis patients. The fiery pepper sends messages to nerves, activating pain centers at first, and then blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. This results in mitigating pain. Capsicum supplements regularly taken with milk, yogurt drink, or apple juice are suggested for arthritis pain. Remember, they drive pain to peaks at first and then soothe it.
Cayenne pepper was found to lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics should use the supplement to balance sugar levels, but those who are hypo-glycemics should avoid it.
Cayenne decreases cholesterol levels by eliminating fat through stool. To help control cholesterol levels, add cayenne to your diet.
A medical report suggested that Thai people suffer less from blood clotting due to regular chili consumption. Spicy food with hot red peppers makes a natural blood thinner (garlic and vitamin E give similar results). The supplement is equally effective.
Strange enough, stomach ulcers can be cured with cayenne pepper. Capsaicin in the red pepper activates mucus secretion, which coats ulcerated stomach and intestinal wall lining, thus speeding ulcer healing. Cayenne supplements should be taken during meals with yogurt or apple juice.
Bleeding can be stopped and wound disinfected with a mixture of cayenne and kelp powders applied directly to the open wound.
For colds and flu, add a pinch of cayenne powder to chicken stock made with a garlic head, ginger, and four whole onions. The spicy soup lowers fever and relieves aches and pains by inducing sweating. Vitamin C improves cayenne pepper’s actions. The Amish have produced a potent natural remedy for the flu; it is called Super C. Cayenne and ginger are added to the vitamin.
In China and Taiwan, athletes with sprains, bruises, and joint injuries are treated with an ointment one part cayenne powder and five parts of melted Vaseline twice daily. It is also an effective pain-reliever for neuralgia.
A way to keep feet and toes warm in winter is by dusting the inside of socks with chili powder. To reduce the fiery effect of hot peppers in the mouth and skin, drink yogurt or milk and apply oil on the skin. Cayenne supplements should be taken with yogurt, milk, or apple juice to prevent a burning sensation in the stomach.
Whenever you need to boost strength and energy, make yourself an energizing tomato juice by seasoning it with cayenne powder. The combination of vitamin C in tomatoes and the cayenne increases stamina.
Cayenne powder, red or green chilies, Jalapenos, bell peppers, paprika, and any of the capsicum family are particularly rich in vitamin C and carotenoids. They spice up stews; add zest to dishes; flavor vegetables; embellish salads; and enrich your food with important nutrients. Peppers make a colorful addition to your vegetable basket.