Jalapeno Peppers and Their Health Benefits
Health Benefits Of Jalapeno Peppers
Jalapeno peppers are not used often in food dishes because of the hot spicy warm flavor they have. However, jalapeno peppers should be used in food dishes a couple times a week because they do contain nutrients in them that actually benefit our bodies. All we need to do is find food dishes that help balance out the hotness of the peppers so they are easier to eat down.
Appearance, Texture and Flavor of Jalapenos
Jalapeno peppers are not used often in food dishes because of the hot spicy warm flavor they have. However, jalapeno peppers should be used in food dishes a couple times a week because they do contain nutrients in them that actually benefit our bodies. All we need to do is find food dishes that help balance out the hotness of the peppers so they are easier to eat down.
Appearance, Texture and Flavor of Jalapenos
Jalapenos are typically dark green in color, but if they are left to ripen in the sun for long periods of time they do become red. The peppers can be small to medium in size and have a seeded inside with a green stem on top. The texture of the peppers is smooth on the outside and crisp in the inside. If the jalapenos are green they will have a crisp fresh hot pepper taste to them, but if they are deep bright red in color they will have sweet hot peppery taste.
Facts about Jalapenos
Jalapeno peppers originated in Mexico, but now you can find them growing all over the world growing on farms and in vegetables gardens.
Unbelievably jalapenos are actually considered fruits that grow on jalapeno pepper plants. These peppers are harvested when the peppers have matured and can be easily snapped off the plants. However, if the peppers do not come of the pepper plants easily they are not ready to be harvested and should be left alone to mature more. Once the jalapenos are harvested they are used fresh in salads, salsas, soups, casseroles, chilies, stews and sandwiches. Some people even can or pickle jalapeno peppers. I use fresh jalapenos to make spicy vegetable and chip dips. On some occasions I even toss them into my Mexican and Chinese cuisine dishes to add some hot spicy flavor, but I try to use small amounts because adding too much of these peppers can make food unbearable to eat because of the spicy heat.
Nutrients in Jalapeno Peppers
Vitamins A, C, E, D, K and B complex
Zinc
Iron
Sodium
Selenium
Potassium
Calcium
Fluoride
Iron
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Manganese
Protein
Fiber
Healthy Carbohydrates
Natural Sugars
Capsaicin
Health Benefits of Jalapenos
Jalapenos get their heat and spicy flavor from a chemical in them called, "capsaicin." This chemical has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties that help relieve aches and pains in the body naturally. A tablespoon of a finely chopped jalapeno can be added to soups to help open up the sinuses naturally when someone is suffering from a cold because the chemical in the peppers can help clear out the thick mucus in the nasal passages.
Those who need to repair and heal blood vessel in the body should consider adding jalapenos into their diet because the nutrients in them have the ability to strengthen and repair blood vessels naturally. Jalapenos are also good to eat on a daily basis because of their ability to prevent all types of cancers such as prostate, colon, breast, stomach and lung.
If you're looking for a healthier way to loose weight, skip the diet pills and start having some jalapeno peppers. Jalapeno peppers are natural thermogenic foods that can actually help your body burn fat naturally. However, it is still important to exercise daily, drink plenty of fresh water and eat a well balanced diet.
I personally add jalapenos to my meals to help prevent migraine headaches. So far, I have to say it has been working and I know this because as soon as I stop adding these peppers to my meals my headaches come back. During a migraine headache I find sipping on chicken broth with crushed jalapeno peppers helps rid the nausea and pain I sometimes get with these headaches.
On days when my asthma is flaring up I make a hot warm spicy tea using jalapenos to help relieve my attacks since jalapenos contain anti-inflammatory properties in them that relieve inflammation in my lungs naturally. However, I wouldn't try this remedy for server asthma attacks. Server asthma attacks needed proper treatment immediately since asthma can be life threatening.
Now, eating jalapenos on a regular basis can even help prevent heart disease and heart attacks. The nutrients in jalapenos have the ability to low cholesterol levels and keep the hearty healthy.
Those of you who suffer from ulcers can find relief from them naturally because the chemical in jalapenos can also kill the harmful bacteria in the stomach that cause ulcers.
If you are suffering from neuropathy and arthritis pain adding jalapenos into your diet can help prevent and relieve some of the pain those diseases cause. In addition, these peppers can help promote healthy circulation in throughout the body so you don't end up suffering from muscles or joint stiffness too.
On days when you're suffering from constipation a bite of a jalapeno can get those bowels moving and relieve you from your discomfort fast and naturally. However, if your not one to bit into one of these peppers, it is best to take a finely chopped tablespoon of them and mix them with a tablespoons of honey and get them into your body that way instead.
Jalapeno peppers are also excellent to add to family meals to keep everyone's immune system healthy and strong so no one becomes sick during the cold and flu season. The minerals in these peppers are even great for keeping everyone's nervous system, red blood cells and bones healthy and strong naturally.
Precautions with Jalapenos
Eating too many jalapeno peppers at one time can burn the mouth, cause upset stomach or other digestive discomforts such as heartburn. Some people are sensitive to the oils in jalapenos and could develop a skin rash if they handle the raw peppers. Never place the hands near the face after handling jalapenos because you could burn your eyes with the oils on your hands. Immediately wash hands after handling these peppers. Overall, jalapenos are safe to eat in moderation and when prepared properly with the seeds removed from the center of them. The seeds are what contain the most heat in the peppers.