CHIP Alumni Association (PACAA)

CHIP Tip No. 12: Spice it Up with Chile Peppers
from CHIP Clinical Manager Amy Lister, R.D.

Love the spicy hot taste of chili peppers? You could be reaping more health benefits than you know.

Chili peppers are an excellent way to enhance the flavor of basic dishes without adding unwanted calories and fat. Most chili peppers have less than twenty calories and contain more Vitamin C than a medium orange or one cup of fresh strawberries.

Capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers hot, has gained a lot of attention from researchers due to its many beneficial properties. Capsaicin is found mainly in the seeds and veins of peppers and has been shown to be effective in reducing pain. When capsaicin is applied topically to the body, it reduces a neurotransmitter called “substance P” that delivers pain signals to the brain, resulting in a reduction or elimination of pain.

Capsaicin is being researched as an alternative to prescription medication for the treatment of pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and various neuropathies. Researchers are using a capsaicin-based cream applied topically to the pain-stricken area, which has shown excellent results. Keep in mind chili peppers are not directly applied to the skin, as this could be painful.

Chili peppers also have been shown help to relieve symptoms of the common cold. When ingested orally, chili peppers trigger a sudden release of fluids in the mouth, throat and lungs. These secretions help thin down the mucus that increases with colds.

Heating it Up

If you're just beginning to experiment with chilies, you will soon realize there are a plethora of types to choose from. The flavors range from sweet to hot, to "extra wow!", and have a range of effects on the palate. The habanero, serrano and jalapeno are just a few to try.

When cooking with chili peppers, remember a few basic tips:

• Always wear plastic gloves.
• Wash utensils thoroughly.
• To treat the sting from hot chilies that touch the skin, rinse skin with cold water and apply aloe vera gel.

Ready to add a little spice to your life? Try this salsa recipe or add some chili peppers to your favorite recipe.

Habanero Salsa

• 1 haberano chili, seeded and stemmed
• 3 papayas, peeled and chopped
• 1 yellow tomato, chopped
• Juice from 2 oranges
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. sugar
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. water

Place all ingredients in a food processor and puree.

Makes 2 ½ cups