Red ground pepper: benefits and harms

Ground red pepper is one of the most popular seasonings. Today it can be found in any kitchen. This is a spice, and a medicine, and a useful cosmetic product - if you know how to use it correctly.

What is the difference between paprika and red pepper

Paprika is a seasoning obtained from non-hot or light-burning varieties of red pepper. There are different types of it, some of them are more acute, others are more tender. Ground red pepper is a spice obtained from a completely different plant. For its production, pre-dried pods of hot chili are ground to a powder state. The leg and seeds are removed from the fruits, since the latter contain a relatively large amount of burning substance. So ground red pepper is a hotter seasoning than paprika.

Composition and calorie content

Ground red pepper cannot be called a high-calorie product. Its energy value is only 21 kcal per 100 g.

At the same time, seasoning contains the same useful substances as hot pepper pods. These are, for example, vitamins of group B, A and PP. In addition, pepper has many useful macro- and microelements, such as phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc (which, by the way, is also responsible for anti-inflammatory properties), calcium, etc. However, the main "active substance" of this spice is capsaicin, a compound that gives it a burning taste and is responsible for the healing properties.

What is useful red ground pepper

General benefit

This spice has many useful properties:

1. Normalizes digestion.
2. It has a positive effect on liver health (but only in small doses), it can even be used in the treatment of hepatitis.
3. Promotes the production of hormones of joy (endorphins), which helps reduce stress.
4. Increases immunity and improves blood circulation.

Red pepper is considered a good way to increase tone, it is used in the treatment of colds and bronchial asthma.

For women

Ground red pepper contains antioxidants - this is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. But at the same time, they also slow down the aging process, and thanks to this action, this seasoning is successful in women. The moderate use of this spice has a beneficial effect on the state of the reproductive system and helps to normalize the menstrual cycle. Protects red pepper from infectious inflammatory diseases, including cystitis.

Seasoning is also useful for women that helps reduce the risk of cancer of the reproductive system (for example, ovarian cancer).

Finally, for women, such properties of red pepper are important as normalization of metabolic processes and improved microcirculation, which allows the product to be used to combat cellulite.

For men

Ground red pepper is one of men's favorite seasonings. And this is just the case when the pleasant is combined with the useful. The fact is that this spice helps to increase the level of testosterone, the sex hormone, on the production of which men's health directly depends. Ground red pepper should be used to eliminate erectile dysfunction and to prevent inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland.

Also, this spice reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases, which are often affected by the stronger sex, since its use reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol.

Finally, ground red pepper has another property that will interest men. It helps prevent baldness (firstly, due to the effect on the hormonal level, and secondly, due to improved blood supply to the scalp).

During pregnancy

Many women believe that during pregnancy acute spices are completely excluded. In fact, this is not entirely true, and with proper use, red pepper will not only not cause harm, but will be most useful. Moreover, many expectant mothers often experience a real need for something acute, which is due to physiological reasons. The fact is that natural changes in the hormonal background lead to the fact that less gastric juice is produced. In this case, a small amount of ground red pepper stimulates the production of gastric juice and normalizes digestion.

In addition, red pepper is also useful to expectant mothers as a remedy for blues and depression - this is not customary to talk about, but the same hormonal changes during pregnancy significantly worsen the emotional state (contrary to prevailing stereotypes about a happy nine month old). At the same time, red pepper helps the production of hormones of happiness (endorphins), as a result of which the emotional background is stabilized.

A small amount of red pepper in dishes helps to reduce nausea during toxicosis in the first trimester. This spice also helps reduce the risk of thrombosis, which increases with an increase in the load on the vessels.

However, remember that abuse of red pepper can lead to certain problems. Firstly, these are unpleasant things like flatulence, heartburn and diarrhea. Secondly, in large quantities, burning red pepper causes thirst, and excess fluid during pregnancy easily provokes edema, not to mention the fact that this creates a load on the kidneys and the cardiovascular system. So in the last month of pregnancy, it is better to refuse this spice. And, of course, it should not be used by those expectant mothers who have problems with the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

When breastfeeding

As a rule, red pepper is added to dishes in very small quantities. If you use it sparingly, it will not bring harm to the child and will most likely not cause an allergic reaction.

However, it should be remembered that, like any other spice, red ground pepper can affect the taste of breast milk. Of course, it will not become burning, but it can be slightly bitter. Often in such cases, the kids refuse it, so this is another reason for which special care should be taken when using this seasoning.

For kids

For babies under the age of 7, red ground pepper is contraindicated, since their digestive system is not yet ready for such spices. Acquaintance with spices begins with much less burning seasonings.

Older children can consume it in small quantities - this is useful both to strengthen the immune system, and to improve blood circulation. However, first you need to make sure that the child is not allergic to red pepper.

When losing weight

As already noted, capsaicin, a phenolic compound that makes it hot, is part of ground red pepper. But this substance also increases body temperature and helps to accelerate metabolism and lipid metabolism, which helps to lose extra pounds. In addition, red pepper muffles the feeling of hunger, allowing you to limit yourself to a smaller portion of food. That's why it is recommended to add it to vegetable soups or meat dishes, even with a fairly strict diet.

Also, red ground pepper is used for home wraps, which allow you to get rid of cellulite and reduce the volume of the hips.

As an example, chocolate-pepper wrap. For its preparation, 2 cups of black coffee and 1 tsp are taken per 200 g of cocoa powder. red pepper.Cocoa is poured into coffee, a little cosmetic clay is added and mixed until a mixture resembling thick sour cream is found in consistency. Then add pepper and mix again. Wrapping is done according to general rules - applied to cleansed skin, covered with plastic wrap, etc.

But you need to take into account that capsaicin, which is part of the seasoning, is a substance quite aggressive for the skin, and so that it warms it and does not cause irritation, it cannot be kept on the skin for longer than 20-30 minutes. You need to focus on your own feelings - the composition must be washed off immediately, as soon as a strong burning sensation begins. And in no case should such procedures be performed after chemical peeling, can massage or tanning. And after washing off the product, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with a nourishing cream.

It should be remembered that wraps with red pepper, despite all the benefits they bring, also have certain side effects. Contraindications for them are:

• pregnancy;
• reproductive system diseases;
• cardiovascular failure;
• phlebeurysm;
• various inflammatory diseases accompanied by fever.

It is clear that with the appearance of allergic reactions, wraps with red pepper will also have to be abandoned.

The use of red pepper in medicine

Since ancient times, red pepper has been widely used in folk medicine as a medicine for headaches, bronchitis, radiculitis, and various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Its anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties, and local warming effect are well known.

The healing properties of red pepper are recognized by official medicine. It is proved that it has bactericidal properties and is really effective in inflammatory joint diseases. On the basis of chili peppers, the pharmaceutical industry produces various products - for example, pepper plasters, various creams and ointments, which have analgesic and warming properties. The fact is that the substances contained in this plant contribute to the production of hormones of joy (endorphins). It is their action that helps to dull the pain.

However, the possibilities of red pepper are actually much wider. There are research data that confirm that this spice can be used to prevent atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, and other diseases of the cardiovascular system. Doctors also have hopes for the anti-carcinogenic properties of red pepper. There are a number of studies confirming that the substances contained in this spice can slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Ground red pepper contains less ascorbic acid than fresh pods, but still it still has a lot of vitamin C, which helps strengthen natural immunity. You should also highlight the following properties of red pepper:

1. A decrease in blood glucose, which is useful for diabetes.
2. Normalization of the digestive process.
3. Relief of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, tonsillitis, bronchial asthma.
4. Decrease in the level of "bad" cholesterol.
5. Improving blood circulation - both by increasing blood circulation, and by strengthening blood vessels.

Ground red pepper also improves cerebral circulation, so it is used as a prophylactic in a number of diseases.

Spice also has a diaphoretic and expectorant effect. For colds, it is recommended to take such a remedy - flower honey, mixed with red pepper in a ratio of 1: 1. The maximum daily dose is 1 tsp. In this case, it is recommended to drink it with plenty of water.

Red ground pepper in cosmetology

This seasoning is often used in home cosmetology. Most often - in hair care products. Scientific studies have proven its effectiveness, because capsaicin in peppers helps fight dandruff and promotes hair growth, including by improving blood flow to the hair follicles, which activates sleeping follicles.

Although fresh pepper is considered more effective, many do not tolerate its effect, and in such cases, ground spice becomes an ideal option. Masks prepared on its basis should be applied to the basal region of the head. Distribute them along the entire length of the hair is not necessary.

The easiest option is 1 tbsp. ground pepper for 3-4 tablespoons liquid flower honey. The product is left on the hair for a maximum of 35 minutes, then washed off. A good effect is the addition of ground red pepper to any hair oil.

Vitamins and burning substances contained in red pepper are also beneficially reflected in the condition of nails and cuticles. To strengthen the nail plate and to accelerate its growth, you can make this mask: 1 tbsp. any nutritious hand cream take the same amount of ground pepper, add 0.5 tsp. citric acid and as much clean water. All these ingredients are mixed and heated for about 10 minutes in a water bath. When the mixture cools down a little, it is applied to the nails for 15 minutes, not more. After that, the mask is washed off, and the hands and nails are again lubricated with a nourishing cream.

Before this, it is advisable to check whether there is an allergic reaction to such a mixture and whether it causes irritation on the skin. If there is no allergy, but the composition feels too hot, the amount of cream should be increased.

The described mask is done 1-2 times a month. This is an ideal procedure for the autumn-winter season, giving the nails a healthy shine.

Cooking use

Ground red pepper has a characteristic rich aroma and a burning taste. It is for these properties that it is appreciated in cooking. This seasoning is used in various national cuisines - and in Europe, and in Asia, and in America. Mexican cuisine can be considered a classic example, although chilli is often used there. Ground red pepper is added to such dishes:

1. Spicy soups typical of oriental cuisine.
2. Warm autumn and winter soups (for example, pumpkin or carrot cream soup).
3. Sauces. These are, for example, such popular options as the American Tabasco, the African Arisa, and the Indonesian Sambal. However, red pepper is added to adjika, ketchup, and any tomato sauce.
4. Seasonal vegetable stew.
5. Spicy pasta and rice.
6. Meat dishes (mainly red meat), some fish dishes and marinades.

Ground red pepper is part of complex seasonings like a curry mixture. A small amount of spice can be mixed with olive oil or vinegar, which season salads. In addition, a little red ground pepper can even be added to desserts, especially chocolate. By the way, this is exactly what chocolate was prepared in pre-Columbian America - in liquid form, without sugar, but with hot spices.

At the same time, the severity of red pepper can be regulated by picking up certain seasonings to it in a pair. This spice goes well with turmeric, cumin, cardamom, fennel and coriander. All the seasonings listed give the dish an exquisite aroma, while pepper is responsible for the taste.

Harm and contraindications

It was once believed that red pepper leads to gastritis and a stomach ulcer. However, recent studies have shown that gastritis is a bacterial disease. And a healthy person can safely use red pepper in a small amount - it will even be useful.But since this spice causes an increased production of gastric juice, it is contraindicated in gastritis, peptic ulcer and pancreatitis.

You can also not use red ground pepper for hemorrhoids, some diseases of the gallbladder, epilepsy and increased excitability of the central nervous system. In case of liver diseases, as well as chronic kidney pathologies, it is recommended to consult a doctor first.

How to choose and store

In the supermarket, it is difficult to determine the quality of pepper packaged in bright and attractive bags. Therefore, it will be necessary to focus on the brand, preferring more expensive products of famous brands. The fact is that unscrupulous producers often lower the seeds and tails of pepper in raw materials to reduce costs, but even worse, they add spent, that is, waste from the extraction of essential oils, which makes the taste more bitter. Some people mix hot peppers with paprika, which in principle is not so bad, but reduces the sharpness. Finally, it is often possible to find mixtures painted with artificial pigments for attractiveness.

At home, pepper can be checked by brewing it in the same way as tea - 1 tsp. a quarter cup of water. You need to see if a greasy stain appears on the surface - it indicates the presence of a fat-soluble dye. You also need to evaluate the color of the "tea leaves" - for a quality one it will be uniform, muted red-orange, without any extraneous inclusions. Too bright red indicates the presence of pigment. The mixture should exude pepper aroma. And, of course, it needs to be checked for taste - only hotness and no bitterness!

It is recommended to store ground red pepper in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Like all other spices, powders, it must be in a dry place, where neither moisture nor vapor penetrates. And you can pick it up only with a dry spoon, otherwise lumps will appear in the mixture. It is also important to protect it from ultraviolet rays, which have a destructive effect on spices.

Interesting Facts About Chili Peppers

1. According to the botanical classification, pepper refers to berries.
2. Bred 140 varieties of pepper.
3. In the list of popular spices, he takes 2nd place after salt.
4. He is considered a powerful aphrodisiac, able to relieve toothache, lower temperature and neutralize most bacteria in water and food.
5. The first mention of it is found in the writings of the peoples of Central and South America, dated 3 millennium BC.
6. Capsaicin, which is the main chemical component of pepper, is used in warming and analgesic ointments and gels.
7. The severity of pepper is inversely proportional to size. The smaller the pod, the richer it tastes.
8. Chili pepper helps to reduce weight, speed up metabolism, relieve cravings for uncontrolled absorption of food.
9. Red chili has a very high content of vitamins A and C, exceeding the levels of lemon, currant and carrot.

Photo of red ground pepper