Capsicum is native to Americas, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years and is now cultivated worldwide. It’s also called chili pepper, red or green pepper, or sweet pepper in Britain, or just capsicum in Indian English. The large mild form is called bell pepper in the US and Canada. Capsicum is available in a wide range of colors such as bright green, red and yellow. It’s used widely in cuisines across the world in different forms such as salads, curries, appetizers, etc. Apart from being good in taste, capsicum also has a lot of nutritional value.
- Capsicum aids in healing and helps the body fight infections.
- Capsicum boosts cardiovascular health, by helping lower the blood pressure.
- It is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize the free radicals responsible for damaging tissue and cells.
- Capsicum is full of anti-inflammatory properties.
- By lowering triglycerides, it helps reduce cholesterol and thus, is good to prevent heat problems and can also be taken by heart patients.
- Capsicum increases the metabolic rate and helps burn more calories and thus good for those trying to lose weight. It helps fight obesity by slowing down the assimilation of fat in the intestines.
- Capsicum is beneficial for the mucous membranes and helps in treating colds and fevers.
- Capsicum stimulates stomach secretions and improves digestion.
- Capsicum has a laxative effect and is good for those suffering from constipation.
- The capsaicin compound in capsicum blocks the transmission of pain to the spinal cord from the skin, thus, beneficial in reducing pain in general and especially for people undergoing post-operative amputation trauma and herpes.
- Capsicum is used in the treatment of chronic rhinitis.
- The vegetable is rich in beta carotene, capsaicin and vitamins A and C, all of which work together to prevent a host of diseases, including liver diseases and impotency.
- Capsicum inhibits the growth of cancer cells and tumors
- It’s useful for treating cases of sluggish metabolism, cold hands and feet; and respiratory tract infections.
- Capsicum can also be used externally, for treating arthritis, sore back muscles, rheumatism or sprains and bruises.
- Capsaicin in capsicum combats food-borne bacteria from affecting the body.
- It is also good for eyesight as well as smooth skin.