Chili powder is a spice, made of one or more types of chilies, sometimes with other spices. It is incorporated in many different cuisines and is used in many countries, including Tex-Mex, India, China, South Korea and Thailand. This spice is used to add pungency and flavor to the dish
Chili powder has some health benefits because it is low in calories. One tablespoon of this powder is estimated to have fewer than 23 calories, which means it is a low-calorie food that can help with weight loss.
The effect of chili powder on health
1. Keep the eyes healthy
A tablespoon of chili powder contains vitamin A with 9 percent of the recommended requirement for a person. Vitamin A is known for its benefits of improving eyesight and preventing night blindness and macular degeneration as we age.
2. Red blood cell formation support.
Copper and iron are essential for the formation of new blood cells. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue and muscle weakness.
3. Improve cognitive function.
The amount of iron in chili powder leads to increased hemoglobin production and increased blood flow. Appropriate amounts of oxygen and iron in the brain lead to improved cognitive performance and reduced cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
4. Maintain healthy blood pressure.
The chilies has an excellent ratio of potassium and sodium. They are known for their high potassium content. One tablespoon of chili powder contains 144 milligrams of potassium, compared to just 75.8 milligrams of sodium. This helps the blood vessels relax and maintain proper blood pressure.
5. Support the digestive system.
It possesses a significant amount of fiber. Fiber promotes easier bowel movement and increases stomach secretion, helps digestion, prevents conditions like constipation and protects the body from more serious conditions like colorectal cancer.
6. Fight infection.
Vitamin C is a natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and destroy cancer-causing free radicals in the body.
7. Good for hair and skin.
Adequate vitamin C supplementation not only improves the immune system, but can also create and maintain collagen, an important protein found in hair and skin. In addition, paprika contains vitamin A to moisturize hair through increasing sebum production. Each tablespoon contains 44 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A.
Finally, this is an excellent source of vitamin E in skincare and hair care. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E promotes blood circulation to the scalp.
8. Some other benefits
Heart disease: The antioxidants in chili powder help eliminate free radicals that can promote cholesterol buildup leading to heart disease.
Constipation: The high fiber content in paprika not only helps prevent constipation, it can help protect the body from colorectal cancer.
Osteoporosis: The calcium in paprika can make bones stronger and thicker thus helping to offset the loss of bone density that accompanies aging as you age.
Note when using chili powder
The pungent powder causes a runny nose, shortness of breath, temporary blindness and eye pain.
Sensitive people should use a thin mask and gloves while handling chili.
Avoid touching the eyes with infected fingers. Wash your eyes with cold water to reduce irritation.
It can worsen gastroesophageal reflux.
Chili peppers contain chemical compounds like aflatoxin that can cause liver, stomach and colon cancer.
