Nutritional content.
Jalapeno is low in calories, full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. A jalapeno contains the following nutritional ingredients:
Calories: 4.
Fiber: 0.4 grams.
Vitamin C: 10% of the RDI (recommended daily intake).
Vitamin B6: 4% of the RDI.
Vitamin A: 2% of the RDI.
Vitamin K: 2% of the RDI.
Folate: 2% of the RDI.
Manganese: 2% of the RDI.
Like most other fruits and vegetables, jalapeno peppers are a good source of fiber, high in vitamin C and vitamin B6. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is important for the immune system and skin. While vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient involved in more than 140 reactions in the body.
Great benefits for health.
1. Support weight loss.
Jalapeno can help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism, increasing fat burning and reducing your cravings.
Several studies have found that capsaicin and other similar compounds (called capsaicinoids) present in jalapeno peppers have the ability to boost metabolism by 4% – 5% per day. This makes it easier for you to lose weight.
In addition to boosting metabolism, capsaicinoid supplements have been shown to reduce belly fat and cravings, by 50-75 calories consumed during the day.
All of these factors help explain why regular chili consumption is associated with a significantly reduced risk of being overweight or obese.
2. Fight cancer.
Laboratory studies have shown that the capsaicin in Jalapeno peppers has powerful anti-cancer properties with the ability to kill more than 40 types of cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
Capsaicin fights cancer by:
Prevent the growth and division of cancer cells.
Slows the formation of new blood vessels around cancerous tumors.
Prevent cancer from spreading to other areas of the body.
Although the research results are promising, human studies are controversial and do not have adequate scientific evidence. More studies are needed in humans before any conclusions can be drawn about the anti-cancer effects of jalapeno peppers.
3. Prevent stomach ulcers.
Stomach ulcers are caused by a number of factors, including:
Growth of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach.
High acidity.
Low blood flow to the stomach.
Taking too many NSAID pain relievers.
Drink alcohol.
Smoking.
It is widely believed that spicy foods like jalapeno are the cause or worsening of stomach ulcers. However, scientific research has shown this to be false.
In fact, the capsaicin in jalapeno has been shown to protect the stomach from ulcers. They reduce gastritis in people attacked by H. pylori and even help destroy the infection. However, it is not clear whether the amount of capsaicin in jalapeno is large enough to provide this effect. It may also help reduce stomach damage caused by the overuse of NSAID pain relievers and alcohol, preventing ulcer formation in the first place.
4. Helps fight infections
Spices and herbs have long been used in cooking to help preserve and prevent food poisoning. Compounds found in jalapeno are particularly effective in slowing the growth of common food bacteria and yeasts. Jalapeno chili extract can even prevent cholera bacteria from producing toxins.
In addition to food poisoning, recent studies show that capsaicin helps prevent other types of infections, such as strep throat, bacterial tooth decay and chlamydia infection.
Early studies suggest chili peppers may have strong antibacterial properties, and new research is underway to determine whether they can be used as a natural preservative or as a medicine.
5. Good for heart health.
Some of the biggest risk factors for heart disease include diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Capsaicin can help reduce the impact of these factors and keep your heart healthy.
Eating 5 grams of jalapeno before a high-carb meal has been shown to help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in sugar that occur after a meal. Capsaicin has also been shown to reduce cholesterol and lipid levels in animals, but no studies have been performed in humans currently. Capsaicin also helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood circulation.
Overall, preliminary research suggests that capsaicin and chili peppers provide many benefits for heart health.
Bottom Line: Jalapeno contains capsaicin, a compound that has many health benefits including weight loss, improved heart health, and a reduced risk of stomach ulcers. Although believed to be safe for most people, jalapenos can cause a temporary burning sensation in the mouth and intestinal discomfort in some people.
