5 reasons to add green chilies to your diet
Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant use of spices, and it is the inclusion of chilies that imparts the food a special flavor. There are two types of chilies, green and red, and the former contains a variety of nutrients that can be good for our health. Take a look at the health benefits of consuming green chilies.
Green chilies have zero calories, can boost metabolism
If you are trying to shed some kilos, you should add green chilies to your diet. A faster metabolism is important to lose weight as this process leads to using up stored fat, and green chilies help precisely with that. The other plus point about having chilies is that they have zero calories. So, they can never contribute to any kind of weight gain.
Green chilies contain high amount of vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps in maintaining many bodily functions. Although citrus fruits are said to be the best sources of this vitamin, surprisingly, green chilies are equally good. Due to the abundant amount of vitamin C in green chilies, their intake can keep your skin radiant. Also, since vitamin C is an antioxidant, eating green chilies strengthens the immune system.
Consumption of green chilies prevents heart problems
Green chilies can also help in maintaining good heart health. Their consumption can reduce blood cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels to prevent atherosclerosis. This harmful condition causes the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. Eating these chilies can also prevent the formation of blood clots, one of the leading causes of heart attacks.
Green chilies are natural iron boosters
Green chilies are a natural source of iron. Hence, if you have iron deficiency and are looking to increase your hemoglobin levels, start adding chilies to your meals. These chilies can also help with better absorption of iron. As mentioned, these chilies contain vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in the process of absorbing iron content from your diet.
Capsaicin in green chilies helps with common cold
Capsaicin, an active component in green chilies, helps stimulate blood flow through the membranes and causes mucus secretion to become thinner. This action can be very useful if you are suffering from a common cold or sinus infection. Additionally, capsaicin can stimulate the cooling center of the hypothalamus in the brain to help lower body temperature.
