A spice is a seed, fruit, root bark or other plant substance primarily used for flavouring, coloring or preserving food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers or stem of plant. Many spices have antimicrobial properties. This may explain why spices are more commonly used in warmer climates when there more infectious diseases. Spices are used in many forms like as medicine, in religious rituals, cosmetics or perfume production or as a vegetable.

A spice is a seed, fruit, root bark or other plant substance primarily used for flavouring, coloring or preserving food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers or stem of plant. Many spices have antimicrobial properties. This may explain why spices are more commonly used in warmer climates when there more infectious diseases. Spices are used in many forms like as medicine, in religious rituals, cosmetics or perfume production or as a vegetable.

In this issue, the health benefits of three common spices namely black pepper, green chilli, red chilli are being highlighted  so that they might help maintaining the health of an individual and fight against diseases without any side effects.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a flowering vine in the family piperaceae,  cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning known as peppercorn. When fresh and fully mature,  it is about 5mm in diameter and dark red and contains a single seed. Its scientific name is Piper nigrum & hindi name is kaali marich.

Also called the king of spices and black gold. It is a great source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin K & C , Iron and fibre. It also contains the essential oil 'piperine' which when used in aromatherapy, helps ease aching muscles, digestive problems and inflammatory joints. It also possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, immune boosting and fever reducing properties. The pepper according to studies, can also help individuals quit smoking and is actively used in smoking cessation treatment. It should be consumed in moderate quantity and not in excess as it is a spice.

Health Benefits of Black Pepper

1.            Improve digestive health

Black pepper stimulates the digestive juices and enzymes thereby promoting digestion. It also has carminative properties and helps relieve stomach gas and colicky pain.

2.            Prevents cancer

Piperine in black pepper exerts protective activity against numerous forms of cancer. It increase absorption of nutrients like selenium, curcumin, beta-carotene and vitamin B in intestines. These nutrients are vital for gut health and cancer prevention. Piperine reduces stress on rectum thus helps prevent colon cancer. Similarly it also prevents prostate cancer.

3.            Lowers blood pressure

Ingestion of piperine is proved to be effective in controlling blood pressure. Piperine present in black pepper as researched, possibly acting as calcium channel blocker.

4.            Promotes weight loss

Piperine fights the formation of fat cells and reduces the fat accumulation in body. It improves the metabolic performance as it increases metabolic rate i.e. the rate at which the body burns calories that occurs after ingestion of food. Eating black pepper increases satiety making one  feel full while eating.

5.            Relieves cold & cough

The pepper is known to stimulate circulation and the mucous flow. When combined with honey, the effect is enhanced as honey works as a natural  cough suppressant. Black pepper clears the respiratory tract and eases other respiratory ailment like whooping cough as well.

6.            Fights infection

The antibacterial properties of black pepper prevents infection & spread of disease.

7.            Enhances brain health

Piperine inhibits the enzymes that break down serotonin-the calming neurotrasmitter. This enzymes also degrades the function of another hormone melatonin which regulates the sleep/wake cycle. It inhibits the  enzyme that disrupts the production of dopamine-the feel good hormone. It also helps in depression. Black pepper delays brain aging and decreases formation of amyloidal plaque thus prevents alzheimer disease. It enhances nerve activity of brain, thereby curing seizures. It has shown beneficial effect in stroke patients.

8.            Improves fertility in men

It increases testosterone  level as it is rich in zinc and magnesium two minerals critical for male sex harmones. It also increases sperm count and its concentration. The zinc in pepper also helps in development and movement of sperm.

9.            Fight wrinkles

The antioxidants in black pepper fight free radicals that cause signs of aging including wrinkles, fine lines and even dark spots. Combine a spoon of black pepper with equal amount of honey or turmeric. Add water, apply the mask to the  face twice a day.

10.          Helps treat dandruff

Add a tea spoon of crushed pepper to a bowl of curd and apply it to the scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes then wash off with water.

II. GREEN CHILLI

A small straight shrub like branched plant with green fruit used as a taste enhancer. Capsaicin is a chemical present in chillies which helps the body in many ways which are listed below.

Health Benefits of Green Chilli

11.          Rich In Antioxidants

Vitamin A, B Complex (B6 and B9) and vitamin C are found in abundance in chillies which are helpful in preventing blood clots- the primary reason of multiple cardiovascular diseases like stroke and cardiac arrest. It also helps in preventing the spread of cancer to colon, prostate and lungs.

12.          Anti-inflammatory activity

Green chillies help in relieving the pain with swelling in soft tissues, ligaments and joints.

13.          Soothes the  respiratory system

The phytonutrients present in chillies relax the respiratory passage and lower the danger of lung cancer along with prevention of problems associated with lung such as asthma, cold, cough etc.

14.          Digestive health

Green chillies are loaded with essential dietary fibre which helps in cleansing the colon. It aids in healthy bowel movement and prevents constipation.

15.          Calcium rich

Green chillies are the finest source of calcium and helps keep our teeth and bones strong.

16.          Improves vision

Vitamin A present in chillies helpful in improving vision and prevents  the risk of cataract and macular degeneration which happens with age.

17.          Aids in weight loss

Green chillies have no calories and therefore increase the metabolism of the body and hence burning the excess fat from the body.

18.          Keeps the skin radiant and young

Vitamin C in green chillies  facilitates the creation of vital collagen which keeps and maintains the firmness and health of skin. Its phytonutrients very efficiently cure acne, rashes, pimples, blemishes and wrinkles. Vitamin E produces natural oils which are good for skin.

19.          Improves mood

The capsaicin present in green  chillies releases the 'feel good' endorphins and acts as an antidepressant which helps in keeping your mind positive.

20.          Makes the hair healthy

Green chillies contains silicon which improves the circulation of blood to scalp and also to the hair follicles by working as a growth stimulator. Vitamin-C absorbs iron and provides oxygen to hair thereby preventing of split ends and hair breakage.

Side Effects  of Green Chillis

Stomach and skin irritation , if consumed in high quantities. Consuming extremely hot chilly burn the mouth from inside and also be very irritating when evacuated from the body. Wash the hands after touching chilly food items or chillies and don't touch the nose, eyes, mouth or any other sensitive body parts. The high amount of capsaicin is very toxic and can be very painful.

III. RED CHILLI (CAYENNE)

Chilli is a fruit which belongs to capsicum genus. Chilli fruit when ripened and dried becomes red chilli which is further grounded to form red chilli powder. Apart from its uses in cooking, it has medicine use as well.

Health benefits of Red Chilli

21.          Improves cognitive functioning

Use of red chilli everyday can decrease the  chance of getting cognitive disorders like dementia and alzheimer's disease.

22.          Contributes to red blood cell formation

Chilli peppers contain copper and iron. These minerals are vital for new blood cell formation. It is also rich in folic acid. Folic acid aids in production of RBC and fight anaemia.

23.          Decrease blood pressure and prevents cardiovascular diseases

It contain potassium that relaxes blood vessels thus creating ideal blood flow. red chilli pepper are also an excellent source of riboflavin and niacin. Niacin increases good cholesterol levels thus decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis.

24.          Act as natural pain relief

Topial capsaicin is used to alleviate pain and also possesses anti-inflammatory effects.

25.          Aids in digestion

Cayenne pepper stimulates the production of various gastric juices and enzymes in digestive tract, thus aiding digestion. It also helps in soothing intestinal gas problems.

26.          Detoxification power 

Stimulates circulatory system. It increases the body temperature, giving a kickstart to metabolism.

27.          Helps nurse a cold

As consumption of cayenne pepper raises the temperature of body, it helps to decongest mucus & thus gives relief from cold and flu discomfort.

28.          Good for weight loss

It stimulates production of saliva which is great for digestion, teeth and gum health. Moreover it is said to aid in weight loss. Here too, the compound capsaicin plays a role where it helps in burning calories and curbs the appetite.

29.          Boost immunity

The bright color of red chilli peppers shows its high content of B-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Vitamin  A is essential for healthy mucus membranes lining the nasal air ways, lungs, intestines and urinary tract.

30.          Good for autoimmune skin conditions

Capsaicin present in red chilli reduces the number of cells to replicate and aid in reversal of autoimmune skin lesions.

Adverse Effects of Red Chilli

1.            It causes burning sensation, which is unpleasant for many people.

2.            Red chilli pepper may also cause digestive distress.

Using peppers as a spice is healthy for people but who experience digestive distress, should avoid them. 

 

Black pepper is called the king of spices and black gold. It is a great source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin K & C , iron and fibre.

 

Black pepper reduces the fat accumulation in body. It improves the metabolic performance . It increases satiety making one feel full while eating it.

 

Vitamin A present in chillies helpful in improving vision and prevents  the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

 

Red chilli (cayenne) is rich in folic acid which aids in production of red blood cells and fights anaemia.