The Benefits of Capsi(cum)!
| Definition: Capsicum [KAP-sih-kuhm] is the latin name of the plant family of chili peppers (incl. jalapeno and habanero peppers). The effective ingredient in these fruits is capsaicin.
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According to reliable sources* there are several health benefits in enjoying Capsicum (a.k.a. chili, jalapeno, pepper). Among other things:
- Lowers your blood pressure
- Lowers blood triglycerides
- Triggers the release of endorphins
- Increases your metabolic rate, i.e. helps to burn calories
- Protect against gastric ulcer
- Work as a painkiller
- May protect against some forms of cancer
* You should not believe everything you read on the internet! I don't mean these things aren't true at all, there might be some truth in them. I just thought it was funny to find out these things after we decided on the name. Below a few actual medical references I found (no thorough investigation):
Food Chem Toxicol 2002 Aug;40(8):1091-7
Anti-tumor promoting potential of selected spice ingredients with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities: a short review.
Phytother Res 2000 Dec;14(8):581-91
The plant kingdom as a source of anti-ulcer remedies.
Phytother Res 2000 Sep;14(6):401-18
Naturally occurring antinociceptive substances from plants
A funnier source of information can be found at: spicy-cooking.com
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