Capsicum is the fruit of Capsicum, known for its hot and spicy flavor.
This fruit belongs to the nightshade family, along with bell peppers and tomatoes, and most of the botanical fruits have a scientific name, Capsicum annuum.
Chili has many different types such as cayenne and jalapenos.
This fruit is mainly used as a spice, or small ingredients in various dishes, spice mixes and sauces.
Chili peppers are often cooked, dried or ground into powdered chili.
Capsaicin is the main biological plant compound in chili and is the substance that gives chili its unique pungent taste and has many health benefits.
They come in many different colors, like the most common being green (when unripe) and red.
Nutritional value
Fresh peppers contain mainly water (88%) and carbohydrates (9%).
The table below is information about the main nutrients in chili (1).
Type: Bright red chilli
Serving size: 100 grams
General information
Content
Calories 40
88% water
Protein 1.9 g
Carb 8.8 g
Sugar 5.3 g
Fiber 1.5 g
Fat 0.4
Saturation 0.04 g
Single unsaturated 0.02 g
Polyunsaturated 0.24 g
Omega-3 0.01 g
Omega-6 0.23 g
Trans Fat
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin
Amount of% DV
Vitamin A 48 µg 5%
Vitamin C 143.7 mg 160%
Vitamin D 0 µg ~
Vitamin E 0.69 mg 5%
Vitamin K 14 µg 12%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.07 mg 6%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.09 mg 7%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1.24 mg 8%
Vitamin B5 (Panthothenic acid) 0.2 mg 4%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.51 mg 39%
Vitamin B12 0 µg ~
Folate 23 µg 6%
Choline 10.9 mg 2%
Calcium 14 mg 1%
Iron 1.03 mg 13%
Magnesium 23 mg 6%
Phosphorus 43 mg 6%
Potassium 322 mg 7%
Sodium 9 mg 1%
Zinc 0.26 mg 2%
Copper 0.13 mg 14%
Manganese 0.19 mg 8%
Selenium 0.5 µg 1%
However, because we often eat very little chili, the nutritional content of chili makes up only a very small part of the total daily food intake.
Vitamin C: Chili is very high in vitamin C. This is a powerful antioxidant, important for wound healing and immune function.
Vitamin B6: Is a B group vitamin – contains some substances necessary in energy metabolism.
Vitamin K1: Also known as phylloquinone, an essential vitamin that helps blood clotting as well as is essential for healthy bones and kidneys.
Potassium: An essential mineral for the body, involved in many different activities. Getting enough potassium can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Copper: This substance is often overlooked in the Western diet, copper is an essential antioxidant, important for healthy bones and nerve cells.
Vitamin A: Red peppers are high in beta-carotene. This is the substance that will be converted into vitamin A in the body.
Bottom Line: Peppers contain many different vitamins and minerals, but they are often eaten in small amounts so chili does not contribute significantly to the daily micronutrient intake.
