Green Chilli: Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

First of all, it is essential to learn about the nutritional value that Green Chilli offers. The table shown below has complete details of Green Chilli nutrition per 100g.

Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Green chillies have a good amount of antioxidants and different types of vitamins (such as Vitamin A, C and B-6) in them.

These components protect the body from free radicals (unstable atoms that damage cells and sometimes lead to chronic illnesses) and terminate the oxidation process.

For this reason, green chillies can be called a perfect tool for preventing chronic diseases like stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, etc.

Improves Eye-Sight

As per WHO, if a person is deficient in Vitamin A, it is possible to develop night blindness. In more extreme cases it can result in a permanent loss of eyesight. This Vitamin in green chilli has the potential to improve vision. Along with this, green chilli also has copper which is good for eye heath.

Enhances Digestion

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, helps improve the digestion and makes the immune system strong. As the percentage of calcium in green chilli is about 18%. Additionally, due to the spiciness of green chilli, excess saliva is released, which, in turn, enhances the digestion of food.

Supports in Maintaining Weight

This is one of the best green chilli health benefits. As the level of calories is insignificant in green chilli, it does not contribute towards weight. Besides, it increases metabolism and allows the body to burn excess fat leading to less weight accumulation on the body.

Beneficial for Diabetics, Obese, and Heart Patients

As told earlier, green chillies have capsaicin as an active ingredient. This component increases insulin secretion, which is needed in the case of diabetes.

Apart from this, consuming green chillies also contributes to lowering blood sugar levels (helpful in averting additional diabetic complications).

Heightened glucose levels damage the nerves and blood vessels of your body, which poses a great risk of heart disease and heart attacks. For this reason, the use of green chillies is promoted so that you remain safe from potential illnesses.

However, it is important to note that you consult your doctor before trying out anything new for your treatment. Plus, you should also be mindful of the fact that the consumption of green chillies should be moderate.

Maintains the Elasticity of the Skin

We all know how beneficial Vitamin C is for the skin. The high amount of Vitamin C in green chillies also ensures that your skin remains elastic, radiant, and glowing all the time. It can also lessen the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

In addition, the antioxidants found in green chilli neutralise the free radicals that can speed up the ageing process of the body. As a result, what you get is a youthful glow and wrinkle-free skin.

Uplifts the Mood

As spicy food releases endorphins and dopamine, eating raw green chilli benefits a person by leading to a cheerful mood. The main reason behind this is the antidepressant properties of capsaicin which greatly help in keeping the mind refreshed and positive.

The proverb “Excess of everything is bad” is also applicable to our eating habits. Green chilli is a vegetable that adds strong flavours to food, and this is why keeping an eye on the level of its consumption is extremely important.

Despite the numerous benefits that green chilli offers, there are some side effects you should keep a note of. These are:

Stomach Irritation: Overconsumption of green chilli can lead to stomach irritation. The spicy flavour of green chilli can affect your stomach and if not noticed, may result in severe pain or inflammation in the stomach.

Skin Allergy: Either direct or indirect use of green chilli can result in skin allergy. Hence, direct use should be strictly avoided as green chilli can irritate the skin and eye rapidly.

As for consumption, its overdose can lead to acne, itching, blisters, redness and rashes.

Ulcers: Since green chilli is a spicy vegetable, it may cause mouth or stomach ulcers if consumed excessively.

Harmful for Piles Patients: The active ingredient of green chilli is capsaicin. Capsaicin can impact our stomach lining and lead to gastrointestinal issues.

To be clear, consuming green chillies in excess can lead to acidity or swollen anal veins, which can negatively affect a person suffering from piles.

Damage to Stomach, Liver, or Kidneys: Green chilli eaten in large quantities can cause damage to the organs.

If you are facing any medical emergency after the consumption of green chilli, we suggest that you contact your doctor as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences.

As you can see, there could be serious side effects of consuming green chilli in huge amounts. So, it is suggested that you avoid its overconsumption.

There are also a few precautions that you need to take into account in this regard. Below is a list of them:

• Keep green chilli out of the reach of children as they can eat it or rub it on their body which can cause serious problems.

• Pregnant women should talk to their doctor first if they want to use green chilli as a herb.

• Those who have sensitive skin shouldn’t avoid directly touching green chilli as it can cause skin irritation.

• People with sensitive stomachs need to be aware of the severe effect it can have on the stomach lining.

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Many people still do not know the uses of green chilli, but it is important to know that this vegetable has a lot to offer. Green chilli provides several benefits to the human body. However, knowing the disadvantages of eating green chillies is equally important as overconsumption can lead to serious health consequences.

For this reason, we suggest that before including this vegetable in your dietary programme, you do thorough research and ask your doctor about it.

Green chilli contains which vitamin?

Green chilli has multiple vitamins present in it. It contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, and Vitamin C.

Does green chilli cause acidity?

Yes, if consumed in huge quantities. But, if used moderately, green chillies do not cause acidity at all.

What are the medicinal uses of green chilli?

Green chilli helps in fighting against microbial infections and improves the digestion process. In addition, green chilli also lowers the risk of heart attack stroke because of the antioxidants present in it.

Can we eat green chilli daily?

Yes, but in proportion to your food intake. One green chilli a day is enough to improve the metabolism and keep your skin glowy.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Green Chilli: Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.