All food contains all of the nutrients we need to be healthy, it is necessary to eat various foods in sufficient amounts. A good diet will include many different foods, and sufficient in quantity and quality to meet an individual’s need for food energy and other micro nutrients.

Passion Fruit

Pasta

Peaches Nectarines

Peanuts

Pears

CHILES

Typical serving size:

½ cup (75 g); may vary depending on type of pepper

HOW THEY HARM

Hemorrhoids Gastric discomfort

WHAT THEY HEAL

Cancer Blood clots Nasal congestion Weight gain CHILES FACTS

The hottest pepper on record is the Trinidad moruga Scorpion, which is rated as high as 2 million Scoville units
By contrast, the serrano comes in at about 5,000 to 15,000 Scoville units
Pure capsaicin rates 16 million units

Incorporated into creams, capsaicinoids alleviate the burning pain of shingles and can help with the pain of arthritis
They may also reduce the mouth pain associated with chemotherapy
A popular ingredient in Southwestern cooking, chiles, or hot peppers, add spice and interest to many foods
Some of the milder varieties are consumed as low-calorie snacks
The heat in chiles comes from capsaicinoids, substances that have no odor or flavor themselves but act directly on the mouth’s pain receptors
This results in teary eyes, runny nose (“salsa sniffles”), and sweating experienced by people who indulge in the hotter varieties
Capsaicin and other capsaicinoids are concentrated mainly in the white ribs and seeds, which can be removed to produce a milder flavor
Chiles are more nutritious than sweet peppers, and the red varieties generally have a higher nutritional content than the green ones

Health Benefits

Prevents cancer
Chiles are very good sources of antioxidants, especially beta-carotene and vitamin C
Just one raw, red hot pepper (1 ½ oz/45 g) contains about 75 mg of vitamin C, almost 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
Chiles also contain bioflavonoids, plant pigments that some researchers believe may help prevent cancer
Reduces chance of blood clots
Research indicates that capsaicin may act as an anticoagulant, perhaps helping to prevent blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke
Fights against colds and

Allergies

Chiles can act as a decongestant
For those with a cold or

Allergies

, eating chiles or foods prepared with chiles can provide temporary relief from nasal and sinus congestion
May aid in weight loss
Some studies show that very spicy foods can temporarily increase your metabolism
Specialist grocers often stock many different kinds of peppers
Buy one type a week and add some to various meals
Spice up your scrambled eggs with minced jalapeño, and add a little fire to beef stew with half a Scotch bonnet pepper

Health Risks

Hemorrhoids
Consuming chiles may cause rectal irritation

Old School

Drink water to quell the fire from a hot pepper

New Wisdom

Drink 2% milk or eat regular yogurt
The fat will help neutralize the fat-soluble capsaicinoids in hot peppers
Gastric discomfort
Although there is no evidence that chiles cause ulcers or digestive problems, they may lead to stomach discomfort, especially if you suffer from acid reflux

Allergies

Season melon chunks with minced chiles and sugar for a sweet-hot-cool combo

Grill jalapeño halves stuffed with ground beef, shredded cheddar, and cilantro

Add a drop of chile sauce to noodle soup for surprising zip

Buying Tip

s

To buy good-quality chile peppers that are fresh, look for smooth skin with deep color and no bruises or spots

Dried chile peppers can be purchased in packages

Storing Tips

Store fresh chile peppers in a bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Store dried chile peppers in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight for up to 4 months