Chili Facts

The fiery sensation of chili is caused by capsaicin, a potent chemical that survives both cooking and freezing, but apart from the burning sensation it also triggers the brain to produce endorphins, natural painkillers that promote a sense of well being. Chili can be used to remove barnacles from ships as well. The antidote to the heat is milk products, bread or chocolate. Water just spreads the burning around.

The Origins of Peppers
Current theories hold that all chili peppers originated in central Bolivia, South America. Some species drifted to the Andes mountains of Chile and Peru. Others moved south into southern Bolivia and southern South America. Other species migrated into the Amazon basin and into Central America and Mexico. All chili peppers come from the Americas. Columbus "discovered" them in the West Indies and brought them back to Europe where they eventually spread to the rest of the world.

Pepper Health Facts
It is well established that chili peppers are good for you. Low in calories, peppers contain twice as much vitamin C, per weight, as citrus fruits and more vitamin A than carrots (especially red chilis). As well, peppers aid in digestion and speed up metabolism. There are actually diet books on the market that outline a "chili diet" that will speed the burning of calories. Hot sauce is also a great way to replace things like salt and butter to help spice up bland food. Chili peppers are indeed a guilt free way to improve the way we eat.

Peppers In Medicine
This is a fascinating aspect of the chili pepper. There are several uses for capsaicin in the field of medicine--some on the market and some in the research stages. Pain relief, especially for arthritis and joint pain, is the most common usage right now. Many creams for pain relief now contain capsaicin. The depletion of substance P in the nerves help to reduce nagging pain. Another medical use, amazingly enough, is in the treatment of ulcers. Since the discovery of the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, as the primary cause of ulcers, antibiotics have been the common treatment. Chili peppers have natural antibiotic properties. As well, they stimulate the mucosa of the stomach. Quite a switch from the old ideas of avoiding spicy foods!