The green chilli is certainly an unavoidable ingredient in the Kerala cuisine. Besides giving excellent flavour and aroma to the dishes, the green chilli is obviously a store house of vitamins and other essential nutrients. However, most cannot stand the burning sensation it leaves in their mouths. But once they realise the great nutritional qualities of the spicy green chilli, they too would become admirers of it.
Green chillies can increase your metabolism and thereby help in burning calories faster. It in fact helps to ease the process of digestion. The anti-oxidant rich green chilli protects the human body from free radicals and plays a major role in preventing cancer and prostate diseases. It lowers the cholesterol levels, thereby avoiding the chances for atherosclerosis.
Capsaicin, the compound which is responsible for the spicy sensation, stimulates the ‘cooling centre’ in the hypothalamus in the brain, thereby lowering the body temperature. By stimulating the mucus membranes in nose and sinus, capsaicin helps to prevent cold and sinus infections.
The heat produced by the green chilli is also an excellent pain reliever.
The green chilli which is rich in vitamin C and beta carotene helps to maintain the health of your eyes and provides glowing skin. A rich source of iron, green chilli fights fungal infections on skin.
Chilli also increases the immunity power of the human body. The fibre content in the green chilli also aids the digestion process. The endorphins released from the green chilli helps to relieve the stress.
As it is proven that green chilli can control the blood sugar, diabetes patients should include green chilli in their daily diet.
Vitamin K strengthens the bones and prevents osteoporosis, especially among women. It also helps in blood clotting in case of an injury or cut.