basic chili pepper information
Collectively, chili peppers are the fruits of several plants in the Capsicum
genus, which are members of the nightshade family along with eggplant and
tomato. Most North and South American varieties are represented by the species
Capsicum annuum, which includes bell peppers, jalapeños, poblanos and cayenne.
Of course, the amount of “heat” in each of these peppers varies in intensity
depending on specific type and how and when they are harvested. A sensitive
palate generally finds bell peppers to be well tolerated. For the culinary
adventurous, however, hotter varieties may provide more “kick” than tingles on
the tongue. In fact, psychologists equate the tendency to “like it hot” with
thrill-seeking behavior that permits the sensation of danger without really
compromising physical safety. The technical term for this is “constrained risk,”
a strategy employed while watching a horror movie, skydiving, riding a roller
coaster, or daring to bite into a hot pepper.
Another reason to get excited over chili peppers is the fact that the
phytochemical that lends them heat when ingested also thwarts pain—or a
potential mugger. The primary agent in chili peppers is capsaicin, a compound
that protects the plant from fungal disease, insects and herbivores. This
substance is classified as a vanilloid because it contains a vanillyl functional
group that dictates its behavior in chemical reactions. As such, capsaicin
targets and bonds to a receptor in sensory neurons called transient vanilloid
receptor subtype 1, also known as the capsaicin receptor. When stimulated, these
receptors permit specialized molecules called cations to permeate cells, which
modifies the electrical charge of the cell. When this event is signaled to the
brain, it is interpreted as pain and burning sensations at the site. This is why
capsaicin is used in pepper spray to deter a personal attack or curb a riot;
when it reaches the membranes of the eyes and lungs, the effect is immediate. It
also repels animals and insects. Birds, however, are unaffected by this
chemical, even though capsaicin is often added to birdseed to keep squirrels
from eating it.
adding cayenne pepper to your medicine cabinet
Many cooks have cayenne pepper in the kitchen to turn their food’s flavor up
a notch. Cayenne pepper can be used to spice up chili, eggs, or just about
anything that could use some kick. However, what most people don’t know is
that cayenne pepper can also be used to treat many medical issues.
For years, people have sworn by the affects of cayenne pepper on a cold or
sore throat. The pepper is thought to help boost immunity and keep you
going when a virus tries to get you down. That could be because it’s high
in vitamin C and antioxidants that help to keep infection under control.
You can make a drink using cayenne pepper, lemon juice, water, and maple syrup.
This can actually help to treat a sore throat keeping it at bay. And it doesn’t
taste too bad either—like spicy lemonade.
Cayenne pepper also works to keep the blood circulating efficiently
in the body. It can be applied to frostbite and gangrene to help draw blood
to the affected areas. Some people have even been known to put cayenne
pepper in the bottom of their shoes in order to keep feet warm on an icy day.
If you have problems with your blood or heart, you may want to consider
making cayenne pepper a part of your daily consumption. It can work as a
tonic generally improving your circulation. Just make sure to talk with
your doctor to make sure it won’t interfere with any medications you’ve been
prescribed.
If you’re taking other herbs, you may want to add a little cayenne pepper to
your formula. That’s because cayenne will actually help your blood absorb other
herbs more efficiently and help them to deliver their own punch.
For first aid, cayenne pepper is also helpful. If you have a minor wound that’s
bleeding, applying cayenne pepper directly will help to stop the bleeding
quickly. It also works as a disinfectant to prevent infections from germs.
You can take cayenne pepper daily, but you don’t need much. Adding about
¼ of a teaspoon to tall glass of water or juice is enough for a start.
Gradually you can add more to your routine. You should also be aware that
cayenne pepper comes in differing degrees of heat. Start with 30,000 HU and
work your way up from there.
Formulas & recipes
The different forms of chili pepper are common among a variety of regions including the US, India, and China. Chili pepper powder is added to an expansive number of dishes to add a bit of heat. Its bright red color, when grounded to a powder, is indicative of its natural taste–fiery. There are different forms of the pepper for culinary use, like crushed chili pepper, which is used as a topping for pizza in the US and other regions.
What’s great about the different types of chili pepper is the absolute versatility of the spice. Chili pepper is not associated with a specific culinary region or culture, so there are endless culinary uses for the pepper.
Health benefits
Like other spice-heavy ingredients, the chili pepper contains a variety of health benefits. Spice promotes metabolism, so sometimes people ingest the pepper via capsules as dietary supplements. It is also added to food because of its high concentration of vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C, iron, and more. The spice of the pepper also triggers a significant release of endorphins in the brain, making the consumer associate the spice as “good.” Outside of culinary benefits, chili pepper is applied topically to reduce inflammation of the skin.
