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The use of red pepper in cooking is practiced in many cuisines of the world, but this is not the only area of application of this plant. Red chopped vegetable is used in medicine, pharmacology, cosmetology, for weight loss, and in antiquity it was an attribute during ceremonies.
The popularity of red pepper is explained not only by its burning taste and specific aroma, but also by its unique composition. Due to the content of a number of natural compounds, this seasoning can be a useful addition to the diet, as well as contribute to the treatment of certain diseases. If we consider the chemical composition of red pepper, then from the main substances we can distinguish:
- Vitamins There are more than 10 items, including group B, as well as vitamins C, E, PP, A, K, carotene, choline.
- Micro and macrocells. The plant contains iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and other equally important minerals.
- Acids. They are contained in relative diversity, since fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6), polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, including oleic, as well as unsaturated fatty acids, including stearic, palimitic and others, are found in pepper.
- Proteins, fiber, ash, essential oils, nitrogen-containing compounds, capsaicin (gives a specific sharpness).
The composition of red pepper is quite diverse, which allows you to use the beneficial properties of the plant for various purposes.
Useful properties of red ground pepper
Moderate and proper use of ground pepper allows you to use its beneficial properties for the benefit of health. The following positive effect on the body is proven:
- Stimulation of digestive processes, facilitating digestion. This seasoning quality will help those who monitor weight, lack enzymes, as pepper seasoning substances increase their natural secretion.
- Lowering cholesterol, which is the prevention of many vascular diseases, problems of the blood supply system.
- Antibacterial ability. The ability to neutralize bacteria helps fight many diseases, is an excellent measure to prevent the development of infection in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and in the whole body.
- The effect of warming. It is actively used for colds, as evidenced by pepper band-aid, which is prescribed if necessary to warm the problem area, ointments, potions. The warming effect is useful for burning fat, a little ground pepper, together with special means, can be recommended for wrapping.
- Improving metabolic processes. This quality of seasoning is used in diets when it is necessary to normalize weight, for the prevention of obesity.
- A positive effect on vision, as a complex of compounds, including carotenoids, support the state of the retina.
- Normalization of the nervous system due to riboflavin, vitamin E and some other substances no less important for the body.
- Purification of the lungs from harmful deposits, which is especially useful for smokers.
- Reducing pain with arthritis.
- Strengthening immunity, replenishing the deficiency of vitamins and minerals.
There is an opinion about the possibility of using ground chili to reduce the risk of the formation of cancer cells, but there is no definitive confirmation of this property.
Useful properties of red pepper are actively used in modern pharmacology; plant-based medicines are produced.They are designed to treat and relieve the symptoms of various diseases, taken internally and externally.
Despite the possible positive effects of burning spices, the use of the product can cause some harm. This must be taken into account when using seasoning in cooking or for medicinal purposes.
The harm of red ground pepper
The negative consequences of ground red pepper occur with a large intake of it in the body. In this case, allergic reactions, burns of the mucous membrane, and digestive disorders are possible. It is important to consider contraindications, which include the following phenomena:
- individual intolerance to at least one of the compounds that make up the composition;
- gastrointestinal diseases of a chronic or acute form;
- liver dysfunction.
It is believed that ground red pepper is harmful during pregnancy, as there is a possibility of harming the health of the future mother and baby. There is no exact evidence for this, provided that this product is moderately and correctly included in the diet.
How to use red ground pepper correctly
If seasoning is used dosed, the rules for the use of red hot pepper are taken into account, then chili will become an additional source of nutrients, including during pregnancy. To do this, adhere to the following recommendations:
- When purchasing ready-made ground pepper or chopping a vegetable yourself, you need to make sure of its quality. The packaging must be airtight, if a whole pepper is taken, then it should not contain mold, plaque, rot and other defects.
- If previously not used seasoning, then you need to start with a minimum amount, for example, add to food at the tip of a knife. In the absence of negative reactions of the body, the dose can be increased according to taste preferences.
- It is necessary to store crushed pepper in a closed package, excluding high humidity, there is a risk of rot development. This threatens with subsequent poisoning.
- If chili is used for medicinal purposes, then contraindications to the finished product are always taken into account.
Regardless of whether red pepper is used as a seasoning for a dish, for treatment, weight loss or in cosmetology, a measure must be present in everything.
Video: the benefits and harms of red pepper
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