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Chilies are one of the most amazing vegetable cum spice which are commonly used in our daily life. Different chilies are found across country. Among them, red and green chili are the most common. They are popular for its pungency, flavor, color, aroma and taste. They are also consider as a very good source of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) and also contain many other nutrients which are healthy too.

Reports from the research said that one chili contain large amount of Vitamin C, which is really a very good for our health. It’s just not only boost our immune system but also show many other health benefits and thus reduce many chronic conditions.

Nutrient composition of Chili

Nutritional quality of chili not only make it popular but also increases its consumption in daily diet. It contains not only vitamin C but are also rich in other nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, folate, potassium, thiamin, copper etc. 

• Vitamin C present in green chilies is strong antioxidant that enhance natural immunity to fight against diseases.  
• Vitamin A is another important antioxidant help to decrease the health risk caused by free radicals.  
• Vitamin E present in leaves also play essential role that help in producing certain natural skin oils, which prevents early skin ageing. 

Capsaicin is another main compound found in chili which gives it a pungent taste and also have many health benefits. Other benefits include

• Gives relief in pain
• Have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-bacterial and anti-rhinitis properties 
• Have prominent role as an immunity booster for the management of type-2 diabetes, obesity and also 
• Stop the spread of stomach cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer.

Reports also said that fresh green chili pepper contains more vitamin than citrus fruits and fresh red chili pepper has more vitamin A than carrots. 1 chili beat 3 oranges in terms of the immune-booster. The color variation in chilies also define its some properties like the bright red color in red chili indicate high content of pro-vitamin A or β-carotene and green chili on the other hand contains high amount of vitamin C which act as immune booster.

It has been seen that there is a big misconception among people, that too much chilly consumption will cause ulcers in stomach, which is actually not true. Investigation suggest that the capsaicin does not cause ulcers but inhibits acid secretion and stimulates gastric mucosal blood flow that help in prevention and healing of ulcers.

Apart from chili, other parts like seeds and leaves are also used in many food items as well as used in medicinal purpose also. Like fruit, chili leaves are also extensively used in many medicines and foods as they are edible. Leaves contain capsaicin and are mild bitter in taste. Research shows that the presence of capsaicin in leaves has many medicinal properties. Few medicinal properties of Leaves mentioned below:

Too much of anything is bad and so is true for chili: Having so many benefits of chili, care should also be taken as it may cause burning sensation or irritation on eyes and skin. Chili can be grown throughout year and its quality generally depends on the conditions where it is grown. Having so many nutritional and medicinal qualities, consumption of it is healthier option but consumption should be up to the tolerance level.