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Different Benefits of Adding Chili Peppers to Your Diet

Different Benefits of Adding Chili Peppers to Your Diet

After writing an article about how to eat healthily while on vacation, I was curious about how easy it is to add healthy food items to the everyday diet. You can never go wrong with a healthier diet regardless of the routines you have. In fact, a lot of those who started eating healthily said that the impact of healthy eating can be felt in as little as a couple of days. That’s more than enough reason to get started, isn’t it?

While reading more about healthy diets and talking to a few friends with more experience in the matter, I also discovered that chili peppers – a food item that most of us are already consuming on a regular basis – have plenty of benefits to offer. Here are some that I find very interesting.

Great Source of Vitamin C

Oranges and other fruits aren’t the only sources of vitamin C. As a matter of fact, chili peppers, when served fresh, contain more than 200% of the RDA for vitamin C. Regular consumption of fresh chili peppers can really help the body get sufficient vitamin C. No need to rely on supplements since you now have a great source of vitamin C.

What I love about getting vitamin C from chili peppers is how easy it is to add them to everyday meals. They can be consumed directly alongside snacks or main dishes. They can also be cooked into various cuisines. The natural spicy flavor of chili peppers can make a lot of dishes more interesting and delicious.

Good for Respiratory Health

According to the online respiratory therapy degree program of the University of Cincinnati, regular consumption of chili peppers can help alleviate symptoms of respiratory problems. Chili peppers contain a compound known as capsaicin. Upon further studies by the same online bachelor of science in respiratory therapy program, it is discovered that the compound has analgesics and anti-carcinogenic properties.

This means regular consumption of chili peppers will bring more health benefits, including better control over your cholesterol level, better airway muscle performance, and better resistance against bacteria. A lot of other research also reveals that consumption of chili peppers can help ease asthma symptoms and prevent them from appearing more frequently.

Rich in Antioxidants

A lot of free radicals are generated when we’re under stress or ill. These free radicals lower the body’s ability to fight viruses and bacteria while causing other potential illnesses in the process. To fight off these free radicals, you need a sufficient amount of antioxidants, including vitamin A and vitamin C.

We already know that chili peppers contain a large amount of vitamin C, so it is not surprising to find it to be rich in antioxidants as well. Contrary to popular belief, consumption of chili peppers can actually develop resistance against infections and boost the body’s natural immunity.

These are all amazing benefits just waiting to be enjoyed from consumption of chili peppers. Start adding fresh chili peppers to your everyday meals, cook them into cuisines you love to make, and take advantage of the nutrients they offer. 

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