Effect of chilli peppers on health
Having been used in cooking and recipes for many years, the humble chilli pepper is often overlooked as merely a spice used in curries and other hot dishes but a recent article, article “Chili Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects” published by Healthline, has looked at its potential health benefits.
Aside from being a source of carbohydrates, protein and fibre, chilli peppers are rich in a number of vitamins and minerals including:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin K1
- Potassium
- Copper
- Vitamin A
However, it is worth noting that chilli peppers are often consumed in small amounts so the vitamin and mineral intake is also low.
There are also a number of studies that suggest chilli peppers can assist with weight management, as they can increase fat burning, and help with pain relief as they contain capsaicin, which binds with pain receptors.
People react differently to chilli, with some experiencing uncomfortable burning symptoms or digestive upset, so it is important to listen to your body and only consume what feels right.
The role of vitamin A in skin health
Various papers have argued the detrimental impact low vitamin A levels can have on skin health for some time but this article, by Science Daily, covering a report by UT Southwestern Medical Center, suggests that vitamin A plays a far more vital role than previously thought.
The researchers who contributed to the paper found that one protein in the resistin-like molecule (RELM) family acts as an antibiotic to rapidly kill bacteria and requires vitamin A in order to work. Therefore it is now thought that vitamin A plays a vital role in the skin’s immune system and is important in maintaining skin health overall.
Relationship between glucosamine and heart health
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is found in joints and important for building cartilage. It is most frequently linked with maintaining joint health but a new study, reported by News-Medical.net, suggests that it can also support heart health.
Researchers from Tulane University, Harvard University and Harbin Medical University in China found that the protective effects of glucosamine on inflammation reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease, therefore maintaining heart health.
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Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.