Benefits and harms of hot pepper

Benefits of hot pepper 

Improving the conditions of diabetics 

Hot pepper may contribute to alleviating the symptoms of diabetes. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research showed that eating red hot peppers stimulates an increase in insulin production, [1] In addition, another study was conducted published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2015, in which 44 pregnant women with gestational diabetes participated, and the results of the study showed that eating 5 Milligrams of capsaicin daily for four weeks may reduce blood sugar and insulin levels after eating meals. [2] However, it should be noted that capsaicin does not reduce fasting blood sugar levels, and it should be noted that the effect of capsaicin on blood sugar levels may be worrying for diabetics, or those taking blood sugar-lowering medications. To read more information about this, you can refer to the warnings for use section. Hot pepper, and the section on drug interactions of hot pepper.

Reduce joint pain 

One study showed that taking a product containing capsaicin and other substances daily for 8 weeks may reduce joint pain by 21%. It is worth noting that the effect of capsaicin alone cannot be determined from this study.

Reducing the risk of stomach ulcers 

It is believed that the capsaicin compound found in hot peppers can reduce damage to the mucosal barrier in the stomach (in English: Gastric mucosa), which may reduce the risk of peptic ulcers, as indicated by a review of several studies published in the journal Molecules in 2016. [5] [6] It has also been shown that people who eat hot peppers at a rate of 24 times a month are less likely to develop stomach ulcers than those who eat them at a rate of 8 times a month. This applies to crushed hot peppers, hot pepper sauce, in addition to curry powder, and other foods containing hot peppers. Hot pepper, but there is no other evidence to support this effect, and there is still a need to study this effect more widely

Improving the conditions of people with degenerative arthritis

 (English: Osteoarthritis) Capsaicin has some anti-inflammatory properties, and cayenne pepper and other types of dried peppers can be used as a type of spice for sauces and seasoning mixtures.

Maintaining heart health 

The capsaicin compound found in hot peppers contributes to improving blood flow and heart function. Research published by the American Chemical Society in 2012 showed that this compound can reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers also indicated that capsaicin may contribute to lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. Coagulation; This is by reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood and helping to get rid of it. [5] [9] In addition, the study stated that capsaicin can inhibit the activity of some genes responsible for contracting the muscles surrounding blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and cardiovascular health. However, it should be noted that eating hot pepper does not replace medications for heart disease, and it is recommended to eat it. As part of a healthy and balanced diet to maintain heart health

Benefits of hot pepper and its oil for diet 
Studies support the benefits of hot pepper for diet 

There are conflicting studies on the benefits of hot pepper for slimming, as it is believed that the capsaicin content of hot pepper contributes to suppressing appetite, as indicated by a review of several studies published in the journal Appetite in 2014, [10] and increasing the rates of burning fat in the body, as shown. A small study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism in 2010 included thirty-three people who were provided with between 3-9 grams of hot pepper extracts three times daily for 4 weeks. This led to an increase in the burning of body fat in men and women. 

 It is worth noting that many studies have shown that eating hot peppers on a regular basis in conjunction with following a healthy daily diet and exercising supports the body’s weight loss. For example, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition that included 91 overweight people showed that Taking 135 milligrams of capsaicin daily for 4 weeks contributes to burning fat

Studies do not support the benefits of hot pepper for diet 

Despite the studies we mentioned previously, their results are still uncertain, as there are other studies that did not find the same effect of hot pepper. For example, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2010 indicated that there is no effect of hot pepper on metabolic processes in the body. Therefore, it has no effect in reducing weight. In addition, the effect of the capsaicin compound on weight may decrease when the body gets used to it.

The effect of chili oil on diet 

As for the effect of chili oil on weight loss, there is no information or studies indicating its effect on this.

Harmful effects of hot pepper 

The degree of safety of using hot pepper

 Hot pepper is generally safe when taken orally in the amounts found in food, and it is also potentially safe to use it for a short period in large medicinal doses, but this may cause the appearance of some side effects such as irritation, upset stomach, and runny nose, in addition to skin redness (in English: Flushing); It is a condition that causes redness in the face and neck areas. [3] It is worth noting that consuming hot pepper in large medicinal quantities for long periods may often be unsafe because in some rare cases it may cause serious problems, including the damage of hot pepper to the kidneys or liver, in addition to a severe increase in blood pressure. The following is the degree of safety of use: Hot pepper for some age groups:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: When eating hot pepper for a short period in therapeutic doses, it is likely safe for pregnant women in the period from the middle of the second trimester, until the third trimester of pregnancy, while it is likely unsafe when consumed during the breastfeeding period. As this may cause skin inflammation for the infant. 
• Children: It is recommended that children not eat hot peppers. This is because there is not enough information about the safety of taking them.

Warnings of using hot pepper

 Here are some diseases for which those affected are advised to be careful when eating hot peppers: 

•  Bleeding disorders: The capsaicin found in hot peppers may increase the risk of bleeding in those who suffer from bleeding disorders.
•  Diabetes: As mentioned previously; Capsaicin may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, so they are advised to monitor their blood sugar levels, and they may need to change the dose of their diabetes medication after consulting a doctor.
•  High blood pressure: Eating large quantities of hot peppers may cause a severe increase in blood pressure, which may worsen the condition of those with high blood pressure.
•  Surgical operations: Hot pepper may cause an increase in bleeding during and after surgical operations, so its use must be stopped at least two weeks before the surgical procedure.

Side effects of hot pepper

 Here are some side effects of hot pepper:

Burning sensation in the mouth 

Many people do not like the burning feeling that follows eating hot peppers, and eating hot peppers in large quantities may cause inflammation, swelling, redness, and severe pain. It is worth noting that the capsaicin substance found in hot peppers binds to pain receptors, causing an intense burning sensation. It should also be noted that continuous exposure to this substance may reduce the sensitivity of some nerve cells and make them insensitive to pain.

Drug interactions of hot pepper

 Eating hot pepper may interfere with the use of some medications, and this may be by reducing or increasing their effectiveness, or increasing their side effects. Below are some of the medications that those who consume them are advised to be careful when consuming pepper:

Aspirin: Taking capsaicin found in hot peppers may reduce the body's absorption of aspirin, thus reducing the effectiveness of the drug
Ciprofloxacin: (in English: Ciprofloxacin) It is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is worth noting that the amount of ciprofloxacin absorbed by the body increases when taken with capsaicin, which may increase its side effects.
Antihypertensive medications: Some studies have shown that capsaicin may increase blood pressure, which reduces the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications if taken with capsaicin.

Anticoagulants: (in English: Anticoagulant): Taking anticoagulants with capsaicin may increase the possibility of bruising or bleeding, because capsaicin also reduces the speed of blood clotting. 

Warfarin: It is a medicine used to reduce the speed of blood clotting. Taking capsaicin may cause an increase in its effectiveness, which may lead to bleeding or bruising if taken together.

Frequently asked questions about chili peppers

 What is the effect of hot pepper on cancer?

 Controversy has arisen about the effect of hot peppers on cancer, as some studies indicate that it may play a role in reducing the risk of some types of cancer, but other studies have found the exact opposite,  and we will mention the following as an explanation of this:

• Breast cancer: It has been found that the compound capsaicin can slow the growth of a type of breast cancer called triple-negative breast cancer, which is difficult to treat, and it is believed that this occurs by stimulating an olfactory receptor known as TRPV1, which It is usually found in the trigeminal nerve, or what is known as the fifth nerve, according to a laboratory study published in Dove Medical Press in 2016. 
• Lung cancer: The American Institute for Cancer Research indicates that the compound capsaicin inhibits the growth of cancer cells in the lung in mice, according to a study published in the Journal of Controlled Release, but these studies were conducted on animals only and not On humans.

Possibility of increasing the risk of developing the following cancers:

 Gallbladder cancer: A study published in 2002 in the International Journal of Cancer found that there is a link between the high amount of hot peppers a person eats and an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. 

Stomach cancer: Another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that high consumption of capsaicin was associated with a higher risk of stomach cancer. 

 Mouth and throat cancer: Despite the benefits of hot ground red pepper, eating it was one of the risk factors for developing mouth and throat cancer, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer.

Is there a difference in the benefits of red and green chili peppers?

 Types of hot peppers, including green hot peppers and red hot peppers, share the benefits mentioned previously.

What are the benefits of chili seeds? 

Pepper seeds are dried and then ground to be used in the form of pepper powder. A study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2013 indicated that pepper seeds contain many vital compounds that are used in many industries, and they also possess some antioxidant properties

Is hot pepper useful for pregnant women?

 As mentioned earlier; It is likely that it is safe to consume hot pepper for short periods in therapeutic doses for women during the period between the middle of the second trimester and until the third trimester of pregnancy, but there is no information indicating the benefits of hot pepper for women or pregnant women in particular.

Is red hot pepper good for hair? 

Yes, red hot pepper has potential benefits for hair , due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and it is also believed that it may increase hair shine.

How to eat chili peppers

 Hot pepper is mainly used as a type of spice, and it can be cooked, dried, crushed, or made into chili peppers. We often hear about the benefits of red chili peppers , and it is worth noting that crushed red hot peppers are known as paprika.