7 Surprising Health Benefits of Jalapeños:
1) They’re a Super Food!
Jalapenos are high in vitamins A, C, E and K. They have anti-cancer properties.
They contain antioxidants which prevent cell damage from free radicals. These chemicals protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).
2) They’re a Natural Antioxidant
They are rich in flavonoids, which provide protection against oxidative stress. Flavonoids reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
They are also known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Their antioxidant effects may even extend beyond the body’s cells, since they have been shown to inhibit tumor growth in animal models.
3) They’re Good For Your Digestion!
The seeds of the jalapeño plant contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin activates pain receptors in your mouth and stomach.
This causes you to chew them up before swallowing, thus reducing the risk of choking or vomiting. Some studies suggest that eating spicy foods such as hot peppers may decrease the risk of developing ulcers. It also increases the secretion of gastric juices in your stomach, and improves your digestive system.
4) They Help You Lose Weight!
Jalapeños are low in calories. They also contain fiber and water, which make you feel full without adding many calories to your diet.
These benefits may help you lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight. A diet high in fiber has also been shown to reduce your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. The water and fiber content in jalapeños also keeps your digestive system running smoothly and efficiently.
5) They Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
The same antioxidants that protect against heart disease and cancer also protect the brain from oxidative stress and damage, which is associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.
6) They May Reduce the Risk of some Cancers!
The antioxidants in jalapeños have been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including bladder, ovarian, stomach and colon cancer. The high vitamin C content can also help to slow the growth of cancer cells and boost the body’s immune system.
7) They Make You Smarter!
The high fiber and water content in jalapeños keep your brain healthy by preventing dehydration and optimizing blood flow. A well-hydrated and well-nourished brain is more efficient and functions better overall.
How to Eat Jalapeno Peppers
Here are some of the basic ways in which you can eat jalapenos:
1) Fresh: These are the most common type of jalapenos available.
You can easily recognize them by their green skin and mostly green color inside as well. These contain the highest nutritional value.
2) Pickled: If you like spicy food, you can pickle these yourself at home.
This preserves them for long periods of time, and you can also add some vinegar, garlic or fresh onions to give it more flavor.
3) Dried: There are two ways in which you can go about drying your jalapenos.
You can either dry them in the sun or with an electrical device. If you use the electrical device, you must make sure that it does not get too hot, as this may destroy some of the nutritional value.
4) Canned: These are similar to pickled jalapenos, as they are preserved in a canning process.
They typically have a green coloring once they’re canned.
You can buy jalapenos either fresh, canned or pickled in most grocery stores and farmer’s markets. If you wish to grow your own jalapeno plants, you can get the seeds either online or at most gardening shops.
How to Preserve Jalapenos
One of the main reasons why people grow their own jalapeno plants is so they can preserve them and use them throughout the year. After you’ve grown your jalapeno plants, you will need to harvest them when they are ripe.
The best way to tell if a jalapeno is ripe is to check the color of it. A ripe jalapeno should be a combination of green and yellow. It should also feel a little soft when you pick it. After you’ve harvested your ripe jalapenos, you can preserve them in one of the following ways:
1) Pickling: You can preserve your jalapenos by pickling them.
This is arguably the most popular way of preserving jalapenos. It’s also one of the most delicious ways to consume them.
Many types of pickled jalapenos are available in supermarkets and farmer’s markets.
Once you’ve pickled your jalapenos, you can store them in your fridge or pantry for up to a year. Make sure that they are stored in an airtight container, as this will ensure that they stay fresh for longer.
2) Freezing: You can also freeze your jalapenos.
To do this, you should blanch them first by putting them in boiling water for about 60 seconds. You can then put them in a plastic bag and keep them in your freezer.
The best thing about freezing jalapenos is that they don’t need to be thawed before use, so you can directly use them in recipes. Make sure you use them before the expiration date of the bag, however.
3) Drying: You can also preserve your jalapenos by drying them.
Blanch and peel your jalapenos first. Then, cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
Next, put them on a cooling rack with a paper towel underneath and allow them to dry in an area with lots of air movement. You can also use a food dehydrator for quicker results.
Once your jalapenos are dry to the touch, store them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place. Make sure you don’t contaminate your dried jalapenos with any foreign material, as this can cause them to go bad.
Health Benefits
There are many health benefits to eating jalapenos, especially if you grow your own jalapeno plants at home. The capsaicin chemical found in jalapenos not only acts as a pain reliever, but it also acts as a deterrent for insects and other pests.
The health benefits of the nutrients that jalapenos contain are as follows:
Vitamin C: One of the most well-known vitamins, especially among those who don’t get enough of it, is Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant is necessary for the proper functioning of muscles, cartilage, bones and blood vessels.
It also helps wounds to heal properly and improves the immune system. People who don’t get enough Vitamin C are often victims of the common cold, have slower wound healing and have an increased risk of heart diseases and allergies. Vitamin C is also used for preventing and treating scurvy.
Vitamin A: Another well-known vitamin, especially among people who don’t get enough of it. Vitamin A has antioxidant properties and is necessary for the proper functioning of eyes, skin and the immune system.
It also helps keep the lungs, liver, kidneys, bones and teeth healthy. Vitamin A is also used for preventing and treating night blindness, dry eyes, xerophthalmia, rickets and osteomalacia.
Manganese: This trace element is responsible for the creation of collagen, which is necessary for the reproduction of healthy bones and teeth. It also allows for the creation of DNA and RNA and helps in the proper functioning of the pancreas and spleen.
Finally, manganese has antioxidant properties and is useful for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Magnesium: Magnesium is necessary for creating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls your moods. Magnesium also plays a role in the transmission of nervous system messages, protein formation, muscle function and bone strength.
It also prevents migraine headaches, heart attacks, osteoporosis and diabetes.
Phosphorus: This essential element is essential for creating DNA and RNA. It is also used for healthy bone formation and tooth remineralization.
Finally, phosphorus helps prevent osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
Sources & references used in this article:
All Things Clementine by GFC Cake, C Sorbet, N Say – previmedica.com
Variability in capsaicinoid content and Scoville heat ratings of commercially grown Jalapeño, Habanero and Bhut Jolokia peppers by KG Sweat, J Broatch, C Borror, K Hagan, TM Cahill – Food chemistry, 2016 – Elsevier
Going Hot: The Benefits of Spicy Food for Your Body & Mind by H Peppers – nutritioninspector.com
