Chilies and Red Peppers
Healing essence of chilies and red peppers Anti-cancer Chilies are capsicums, “New World” spices that are represented by many diverse species and cultivars, including (Capsicum fructescens), paprika and red peppers (Capsicum annum). The quantities of the various phytochemicals found in capsicums vary considerably between the different cultivars. Chilies, for example, tend to have very high concentrations of capsaicin which is the compound that gives plants of this genus their strong flavour and irritant effects. Paprika and sweet red peppers contain smaller quantities of capsaicin, but higher concentrations of another important phytochemical called capsiate. There has to date been relatively little research into the effects of capsicums on chronic diseases, but new research showing a positive effect on liver, lung and prostate cancers is likely to prompt further investigation into their preventive effects. Medicinal PropertiesCancerCapsaicin, the antioxidant phytochemical found in particularly high quantities in the hot peppers, has important anti-tumourigenic properties, specifically as a powerful inducer of apoptosis in liver cancer cells.More recent research has shown that capsaicin protects against both lung and prostate cancer. Obesity and weight lossBoth capsaicin and capsiate raise the body’s metabolic rate and increase the rate of fat “burn-off”.Capsaicin has the additional benefit of suppressing the appetite through its direct effect on the brain’s satiety centre and by stimulating the release of anorectic hormones, like cholecystokinin, by the intestines. AnalgesiaA considerable body of research has shown capsicums to be very effective in the treatment of acute and chronic pain – notably the pain associated with shingles and arthritis.With respect to this property, it is likely that capsaicin acts as a counter-irritant (when applied in the form of a cream) or a stimulant of the body’s natural endorphin painkillers. There is also some evidence that chilies can help to control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Spice supplementVitaSpice capsules contain paprika and 20 other important medicinal spicesImportant phytonutrientsAntioxidant: Caffeic acid, capsaicin, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, hesperidin, lutein, myrcene, quercetin, rutin, salicylates, scopoletinOthers: Beta-carotene, capsiate, capsidol, limonene, zeaxanthin
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