In the south, most people still love spicy food. It's not only a stimulation to the taste buds, but it also helps to keep warm during the cold winter. According to scientific measurements, chili peppers are rich in beta-carotene, folic acid, magnesium, and potassium, and their vitamin C content is among the highest in vegetables.
The effects and benefits of chili peppers
1. Promote blood circulation
Chili peppers have a strong effect of promoting blood circulation, so they can improve symptoms such as women's aversion to cold, frostbite, and vascular headaches. In addition, regular consumption of chili peppers can lower blood lipids, reduce thrombosis, and has a certain preventive effect on cardiovascular diseases.
2. Prevent colds
The abundant vitamin C in chili peppers can not only control heart disease and coronary atherosclerosis, lower cholesterol, but also enhance immunity and prevent colds.
3. Aid digestion
Chili peppers are not only an appetizing delicacy, but they also have a stimulating effect on the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. After eating, the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract will speed up, appetite will increase, and it can inhibit abnormal fermentation in the intestines.
4. Weight loss
Chili peppers contain a substance called capsaicin, which can promote hormone secretion, thereby strengthening the body's metabolism and achieving the effect of burning fat. Therefore, eating chili peppers in moderation can also help with weight loss.
However, because chili peppers are spicy, eating too much can easily cause stomach pain. So, if you want to eat chili peppers without worrying about your health, you'll need some tips.
1. Chili peppers must be fresh
Chili peppers are also a type of vegetable, so of course, fresh ones are the most nutritious. Moreover, fresh chili peppers will not be as spicy after being stir-fried at high temperatures.
2. Soak in vinegar
Another reason many people are afraid of chili peppers is that they can cause "internal heat" (a concept in traditional Chinese medicine). Actually, you can soak the chili peppers in vinegar for a while, and they will be less likely to cause internal heat.
3. Pair with cooling foods
Chili peppers are "heaty" foods. If you add cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, etc. during cooking, it will undoubtedly increase the chance of getting "heaty". So, you can choose some cooling vegetables to pair with, such as bitter melon, lettuce, tofu, etc.
4. Drink more water when eating spicy food
Eating spicy food often can lead to "internal heat," causing symptoms like chapped lips and constipation. At this time, you should pay attention to food pairing. In addition to eating more foods rich in dietary fiber to relieve constipation, you should also drink more water, cooling teas, and soups. This way, you can eat spicy food without worrying about getting "heaty"!
Ways to relieve spiciness:
Milk: Drinking milk is the most convenient way to relieve spiciness. After eating something too spicy, drinking a glass of milk can relieve the spiciness while also protecting the stomach.
Liquor: Liquor also has a certain ability to relieve spiciness, but it can irritate our esophagus and gastric mucosa.
Sugar water: Sugar water can neutralize the spicy taste, so when you feel the heat, quickly find some sugar water! Also, eating sugar directly can achieve the same effect.
Cucumber: Prepare a plate of cucumber before you start eating chili peppers, and it will guarantee the spiciness goes away immediately.
Although eating chili peppers not only allows you to enjoy a unique and delicious flavor but is also beneficial to your health, it still has a certain impact on the stomach. Therefore, you should always eat spicy food in moderation.