Chili peppers not only add spice and flavor to dishes, but they are also little powerhouses full of health benefits. Here are the main benefits chili peppers can provide for your health.

1. Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants

Chili peppers are surprisingly rich in vitamin C, even more than oranges. Vitamin C is crucial for the immune system, promotes skin health, and helps protect the body from harmful free radicals. In addition, chili peppers contain other antioxidants such as carotenoids, which reduce inflammation and prevent cell aging.

2. Capsaicin: natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory

The compound that gives chili peppers their spicy flavor, capsaicin, has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Capsaicin stimulates the release of endorphins, natural painkillers, and is often used in creams for the relief of muscle and joint pain, arthritis, and nerve pain. In addition, capsaicin has also been found to help reduce allergy and asthma symptoms, as it can reduce inflammation in the airways.

3. Helps burn calories

Capsaicin makes your body work harder to stay warm, which burns extra calories. This means you consume more energy after a spicy meal, even if you don't exercise. Therefore, it can help you stay at a healthy weight.

4. Good for heart and blood vessels

Chili peppers contain a combination of antioxidants, vitamin C and potassium, all of which contribute to healthy circulation and good heart function. They can help lower cholesterol, keep blood pressure stable, and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, capsaicin can dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow.

5. Helps with colds and stuffy nose

The spiciness of chili peppers can clear the airways and help with a stuffy nose. Capsaicin stimulates mucus production and can thin excess mucus, clearing the sinuses/ sinus cavities. This is why people often feel relieved after eating a spicy meal when they have a cold.

6. It makes you happy

Eating spicy food releases substances in your body that make you feel good. This is because it triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine, neurotransmitters that provide a sense of happiness and well-being. Therefore, spicy meals can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Capsaicin causes a slight "high" by inducing a feeling of euphoria, which contributes to a positive state of mind.

7. Aids in digestion

Chili peppers stimulate the production of gastric juices, which are essential for proper digestion. Although some think spicy food causes stomach upset, chili peppers can actually promote digestion and protect against infections in the digestive tract due to the antibacterial effect of capsaicin. However, do this in moderation and according to how spicy you yourself are used to eating, otherwise it may well lead to stomach upset, heartburn or intestinal problems. Especially in people with sensitive stomachs or digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (PDS).

• The above mentioned health benefits of chili peppers are based on general research and may vary from person to person. Listen to your body and gradually add more chilies to your food and build up slowly. If you are on medication or have a specific health condition, consult with a doctor or dietitian before adding more chili peppers to your diet.