Introduction: The process of capsaicin binding to its corresponding receptors also promotes the release of endorphins in the brain, making us feel a sense of euphoria. This is why, even as we're panting and sweating from the spiciness, we also feel an exhilarating and irresistible pleasure.
Pain Relief: Since ancient times, chili peppers have been used to alleviate pain, but it is only recently that scientists have discovered that capsaicin can stimulate and deplete the neurotransmitter "P" substance, which transmits pain signals throughout the nervous system. Based on the analgesic principle of capsaicin, chili pepper creams have been used to relieve pain from conditions like shingles and trigeminal neuralgia.
Skin Redness: Applying capsaicin to the skin dilates capillaries, promotes circulation, and causes the skin to redden and feel warm. Some manufacturers have now utilized this principle by adding capsaicin to socks to create "chili socks" for use as a heating aid in winter.
Relieving Cold Symptoms: For centuries, spicy foods have been believed to help expel phlegm, and it seems this is true. Spicy foods can thin the mucus secreted in the throat and help expel it, preventing airway obstruction. Even Professor Irwin Chim of the University of California said, "Many cold and cough medicines sold in pharmacies have the exact same effects as chili, but I think eating chili is better because it has absolutely no side effects."
How to Eat Chili Peppers Healthily?
When it comes to chili peppers, many people have different experiences and opinions. Some believe that eating chili causes "internal heat" or irritates the stomach and intestines, while others believe it can beautify the skin, prevent cancer, and increase appetite. So, how can one eat chili peppers in a healthy way? What is the wisdom behind eating them cleverly?
Actually, by mastering the correct way to eat chili peppers, they can promote better health. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that spicy foods can not only promote blood circulation but also enhance brain cell activity, helping to delay aging and alleviate various diseases. Chili peppers are rich in vitamin C, which can help control heart disease and coronary artery sclerosis, and lower cholesterol. They also contain a significant amount of antioxidants, which can prevent cancer and other chronic diseases. They can clear the respiratory tract and are used to treat coughs and colds. When appetite is poor and food intake decreases, adding some chili to dishes can improve appetite and increase consumption. Chili peppers have a strong effect on promoting blood circulation, which can alleviate symptoms like sensitivity to cold, chilblains, and vascular headaches. They contain a special substance that accelerates metabolism to effectively burn body fat, thus aiding in weight loss. This substance can also promote hormone secretion, providing excellent beauty and health benefits for the skin, making it a "tonic" for women.
To eat chili peppers healthily, the first thing to note is the appropriate amount: no more than 100 grams of fresh chili peppers at a time, and no more than 10 grams of dried chili peppers. Consuming too much can be harmful to your health. Excessive capsaicin can severely irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing stomach pain, diarrhea, a burning sensation in the anus, and can trigger gastrointestinal diseases and promote hemorrhoid bleeding.
In terms of cooking methods, it's important to eat chili correctly to obtain its nutritional benefits. Nutritionists suggest that eating it raw is most beneficial because the vitamin C in peppers is relatively unstable and can be easily lost if stored for too long or cooked for too long. Therefore, it should be eaten fresh or added to salads as a side dish. Remember to add it only in the final step of cooking to avoid nutrient loss.
When judging the spiciness of chili peppers, you can use their color as a guide. Generally, the degree of spiciness is related to the color; red peppers are usually spicier than green ones, and green ones are spicier than purple, yellow, or black ones. This is because peppers turn red when they ripen, at which point their spiciness is strongest. Peppers that are yellow or purple are often sweet peppers.
However, there are certain groups of people who should not eat chili peppers and need to be particularly careful with their consumption:
1. Patients with Hemorrhoids
Patients with hemorrhoids who consume large amounts of spicy foods like chili peppers will irritate the gastrointestinal tract, intensifying hemorrhoid pain and potentially causing bleeding. Hemorrhoid patients should drink more water, eat more fruits, and eat less or no chili peppers.
2. People with Eye Diseases
People with eye diseases such as conjunctivitis and keratitis will find that eating chili peppers worsens their condition. During treatment, consuming large amounts of spicy foods like chili peppers, ginger, garlic, pepper, and mustard can also affect the treatment's effectiveness.
3. Patients with Chronic Cholecystitis
Patients with chronic cholecystitis should avoid spicy foods like chili peppers, liquor, and mustard, as these foods stimulate stomach acid secretion, which can cause gallbladder contraction and induce biliary colic.
4. People with Poor Gastrointestinal Function
Although eating chili can increase appetite, for those with poor gastrointestinal function, especially those with stomach ulcers, it can cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and should be avoided.
5. People with "Heat" Symptoms
People with symptoms of "heat" such as fever, constipation, nosebleeds, dry mouth and throat, and a sore throat will find that eating spicy food worsens these symptoms.
6. Postpartum Women
During the first week after giving birth, eating chili peppers can not only cause "internal heat" and symptoms like constipation in the mother but can also affect the infant, worsening their internal "heat."
7. Patients with Oral Ulcers
Patients with oral ulcers are sensitive to salty, spicy, sour, and bitter flavors, and eating chili peppers will increase the pain.
In addition to the patients mentioned above, people with high blood pressure, urinary tract stones, and those with "wind-heat" diseases should also be particularly careful not to eat chili peppers. In fact, even healthy people should be mindful when eating chili peppers. They should avoid eating them when taking vitamin K or hemostatic drugs, and chili peppers should not be eaten with carrots or animal livers at the same time. Furthermore, one should eat according to their own tolerance; otherwise, the momentary pleasure of eating spicy food can have adverse effects on your health.